AZSBDC > Blog > General Posts

Archive for the ‘General Posts’ Category

« Older Entries

Event To Showcase 7 Awesome Marketing Tools

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013

You can learn about 7 Awesome Marketing Tools for Small Business Owners at the AZSBDC Network’s next Coffee & Connections networking event. The program will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 18 at the Innovations Science & Technology Incubator, 145 S. 79th Street in Chandler.  The event is free, but registration is required due to limited seating.

The program will be presented by Dow Media Group. Owner Leigh Dow will discuss several emerging tools in the online marketing space that are available to help entrepreneurs market their small business.

To register for this event go to: https://clients.azsbdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=10330019

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Clean Technology, Events, General Posts | No Comments »

Free Investor Pitch Event

Friday, January 25th, 2013

The AZSBDC Network is excited to announc Investor Pitch! at the Chandler Science and Innovations Incubator. You can participate as an attendee at either (or both) of these two events, or apply to go through the investor pitch experience and receive valuable feedback on your business from a panel of experts.

Registration is free but due to limited seating, you MUST register for either (or both) of these two events at the following link. If you want to learn about the investment process and what it takes to put together an Investor pitch, you are encouraged to attend both of these events.

1. Investor Pitch workshop: Do’s and Don’ts (Tuesday 2/26; 7:30-9 AM)

2. Investor Pitch Clinic: Panel feedback (Thursday 4/4; 1-5 PM)

For those of you who would like to get feedback from a panel of experts on their investor pitch, you will need to apply for this event by attending the 1st event on 2/26.

Investor Pitch workshop: Do’s and Don’ts
Place: Innovations, City of Chandler Science and Technology incubator
Tuesday 2/26
7:30 AM -9 AM

“You Only Get One Chance to Make a Good First Impression”
presented by Tom Swann, SBDC Business Analyst

An entrepreneur never knows when he or she may be called upon to pitch their company to a potential investor. It may be verbal, Internet based or printed media. It may come at a social gathering or meeting someone in the hallway at a conference who is just looking for a place to get some coffee. Or, it may come under very controlled conditions like pitching to a group of Angel or Venture Capital Investors at an Investor Event. However it may happen, you will only have one chance to make a good first impression. Tom will explain what you need to have to always be ready!

“Preparing Client Companies for Investment Funding”
presented by Sanjay Dhole SBDC Technology Coordinator and Business Analyst

An entrepreneur needs to understand the overall business process, be able to recognize when the company is ready for outside investment, the critical communication tools and how to outline a standard 10-minute pitch. Sanjay will also identify the top 10 investor pitch mistakes.

Speaker(s)
Maricopa SBDC Business Analyst Tom Swann and Maricopa SBDC Technology Coordinator and Business Analyst Sanjay Dhole

Special Instructions
Seating is limited. For more information contact Sanjay Dhole at
sanjay.dhole@domail.maricopa.edu or phone him at 480-784-0591

To register for this event: https://clients.azsbdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=10330011
Place: Innovations, City of Chandler Science and Technology incubator
Thursday, April 4, 2013 1 pm – 5 pm

Companies (up to 8) interested in making their investor pitch to an experienced panel who will critique your presentation at this event will need to attend the first event on 2/26/2013 and submit their name for consideration. Under the guidance of an SBDC Counselor, create an investor pitch presentation consisting of an executive summary, using the template provided, and a slide presentation per the guidelines. This exercise will prepare entrepreneur on how to prepare investor pitch. even if you are not interested in putting together the pitch you can still attend this event and learn from other’s experience.

All other attendees for this event are welcome to attend to learn and participate in the event.
To register for this event: https://clients.azsbdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=10330012

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Clean Technology, Events, General Posts | No Comments »

SBA Initiatives That Are Helping Our Veterans

Monday, December 10th, 2012

From the SBA.gov website:
The men and women of our military sacrifice so much for our freedom, and when they return after years of serving, it is a difficult transition for them and their families starting the next chapter in their lives.

The number of veterans early in their careers is on the rise: 74 percent of service-disabled veterans over the last 10 years is under 30 years old. They are equipped with unique skills as a result of their service, and their veteran status offers distinct business advantages. For those veterans and their family members with the entrepreneurial spirit, there are now several programs aimed at helping them leverage their skills and talents and start a business. With the help of these initiatives, veterans have a greater chance of achieving success and once again, providing critical support for our country as one of the many small businesses that are the backbone of our nation.

  • Joining Forces: Joining Forces is a comprehensive national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give our service members and their families opportunities and support. The mission is to integrate existing services and offer new forms of business support, knitting them all together and making it work for each veteran’s individual needs.
  • Operation Boots to Business: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognizes the contributions that veterans make by owning and running businesses that employ millions of Americans.  According to the most recent U.S. Census Data, veteran-owned firms represent 9 percent of all U.S. firms. These 2.45 million veteran-owned businesses employed over 5.8 million individuals. Transitioning service members are natural entrepreneurs, possessing the training, experience, and leadership skills to start businesses and create jobs. SBA is dedicated to help even more veterans grow their businesses and create jobs.  Through the Boots to Business initiative, service members will learn the nuts and bolts of how to start and grow a business. They will also be introduced to the SBA’s nationwide Resource Partner network for support throughout the lifecycle of their new business.
  • Veterans Business Fund: The Veterans Business Fund (VBF) is a not-for profit organization,  established in response to the high unemployment rate among veterans, many of whom are well qualified through their military experience to become successful small business owners but lack sufficient equity capital to qualify for a small business loan.  The VBF assists veterans by providing them with the supplemental capital required to satisfy the equity requirements for a small business loan, providing capital to veterans in the form of a non interest bearing loan with favorable repayment terms.
  • Operation Endure and Grow: Aimed at National Guard and Reserve members, Operation Endure and Grow gives them, their families and business partners access to online training courses focused on the fundamentals of launching or growing a small business. This program offered by the Whitman School of Management, in cooperation with the SBA, offers service personnel courses on crafting a business or nonprofit plan. In addition, they’ll receive ideas for presenting to investors, lenders or other financial backers.

You can read the entire post and access additional information HERE.

Learn more about AZSBDC Veterans Assistance programs HERE.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in General Posts | No Comments »

Be A Better Chess Master for Your Business

Monday, December 10th, 2012

Watch Maricopa SBDC Business Analyst Brenda McCaffrey talk about the value of research and how it will make you a better ‘chess master’ for your business on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFpk3qbzXLM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Brenda appeared on the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation’s (CEI) Smartboard Tuesdays show (Episode 11).

You will also learn about SBDC services and some of the exciting programs offered through CEI.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in General Posts | No Comments »

AWC SBDC and AZPTAC Featured in News

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

Small business and government contracting is big news in the Yuma region, with two big stories in the local media.

There’s a great story on the Arizona Western College SBDC in the Yuma Sun.

You can read the full story here:  

http://www.yumasun.com/articles/business-80658-yuma-small.html

There’s also a great story on the Yuma office of the Arizona Procurement Technical Assistance Center (AZPTAC). AZPTAC is a specialty program of the AZSBDC which helps small businesses realize the opportunities in government contracting.

You can read the AZPTAC story here: http://www.yumasun.com/articles/businesses-80528-government-training.html 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General Posts, Procurement | No Comments »

TechEDge Featured in East Valley Tribune

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

The AZSBDC Network’s TechEDge program was featured in the East Valley Tribune this week. You can see the full story here: http://www.azsbdc.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/TechEDge-in-East-Valley-Trib-4-2012.pdf

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Clean Technology, General Posts | No Comments »

Network To Honor Small Businesses At State Capitol

Friday, March 2nd, 2012

Twelve Arizona small businesses and their achievements will be honored at the 2012 Success Awards and Legislative Lunch on March 29.

The event is hosted by the Arizona Small Business Development Center Network (AZSBDC) and scheduled to take place from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on the House Lawn of the Arizona State Capitol Complex, 1700 W. Washington Street in Phoenix. Arizona Capitol Times publisher Ginger Lamb will serve as emcee of the event, which is expected to attract more than 300 guests, including members of the Arizona Legislature and  government, business and community leaders from across the state.

“The Success Awards provide an annual opportunity to recognize and applaud the achievements of Arizona small businesses,” AZSBDC State Director Janice Washington said. “The winners represents a wide range of industries and come from every part of this state. Their accomplishments are impressive, given the continuing challenges of the national and global economies.”

The 2012 Success Awards winners include:

Best Finishing, Inc. — Tucson, AZ      
Master Award Winner       
Christine M. Schlesinger

Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair — Phoenix, AZ
Howard Fleischmann, Sr.

Cotton Clouds, Inc. — Safford, AZ
Irene R. Schmoller

Criollo Latin Kitchen — Flagstaff, AZ
Paul and Laura Moir

Drug Valet, Inc. — Tempe, AZ
Jodi Dovidio

Gutierrez Canales Engineering, PC (GCE)  — Yuma, AZ
Marisol Canales, Stacy Gutierrez

K-Bar RV Resort — Show Low, AZ
David and Suzanne Mann

Kinetic Muscle, Inc. — Tempe, AZ
Dr. James Koeneman, Edward Koeneman

Kool Treats, LLC — Douglas, AZ
Donald and Brenda Bartol

Sierra Seed Company LLLP — Nogales, AZ
Sabrina Hallman

Sorellas Elite Fashion — Safford, AZ
Lynn Lewis, Rachel Peck, Emma McBride

Tender Hearts Senior Care, Inc. — Prescott, AZ
Rick and Debra Judy

“Each of these entrepreneurs has a story to share about what it takes to create and grow a successful small business in today’s environment,” Washington noted. “Their collective achievements demonstrate the dedication, resourcefulness and energy that has always characterized the Arizona small business owner.”

Best Finishing, Inc. of Tucson was chosen as the 2012 Master Award Winner because of owner Christine Schlesinger’s ability to identify and fulfill an important market need in an industry where the needs of customers had always taken a backseat to distribution strategies. “Christine rewrote the book on selling and serving finishing product customers in a sector that had always been manufacturer driven,” explained Washington. “Her dedication to providing customer solutions was a real game changer for her company.”

Success Award winners worked with an AZSBDC Network Center to achieve their goals and are chosen for their outstanding economic performance during the previous year (2011). “Each winner’s story is a good example of how the AZSBDC Network is helping Arizona businesses succeed,” said Washington. “We are a very strong Network with statewide reach.”

The AZSBDC Network is Arizona’s largest and most accessible source of assistance for small business, with 28 locations across Arizona, including 11 Service Centers and 17 satellites and/or meeting sites. The Network recently also became the host of the new Arizona Procurement Technical Assistance Center (AZPTAC) network, which is headquartered in Glendale and has satellite locations in Mesa, Tucson and Yuma.

During 2011, the Network counseled 3,128 clients and helped create or retain 1,647 jobs. AZSBDC clients started 268 new businesses last year. They created capital investment totalling $45 million. These companies collectively increased their sales by $85.1 million.

A map of all Network locations, including the new AZPTAC sites, can be found online at www.azsbdc.net.

The AZSBDC Network is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U. S. Small Business Administration and through host agreements with 10 Arizona community colleges and Tucson’s Microbusiness Advancement Center.

More information on the 2012 Success Awards can be found visiting the Success Stories page on the AZSBDC website or by calling (480) 731-8720. 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Events, General Posts | No Comments »

SBA Report Details the Positive Impact of SBDC Programs and Services

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) play an essential role in the economic development of their states and local communities, according to a recently released report by the SBA. The report, produced by the National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, focuses on SBDCs’ impact on small business access to SBA’s programs and services, including access to SBA capital, procurement, disaster and international trade programs.

You can read the full report on the AZSBDC website HERE.

“SBA’s Small Business Development Centers give new and growing small businesses the resources they need throughout the year to grow and create jobs,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “The soundness of our economy depends on stable small businesses across the country and SBDCs are front and center helping entrepreneurs start, grow and expand their companies.”

The report confirms that the SBDC program remains an essential part of the SBA’s mission to help small businesses.

A key finding of the report is that SBDCs help local economies by improving the odds for startup small businesses. “SBDCs,” the report says, “are solely focused on creating and supporting small businesses which in turn pay taxes, provide employment and diversify the economic base for their states.”

The report also highlights the effectiveness of SBDC counseling in improving the chances of small businesses that are seeking credit.

Read more HERE …

Posted in General Posts | No Comments »

Wishing You Great Success in 2012!

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

The Arizona Small Business Development Center Network wishes you a Happy Holiday Season and a Prosperous, Successful New Year!

Thank you to all of our partners, stakeholders, supporters and clients who worked with us to help build a strong Arizona during 2011.

Is entrepreneurship on your list for the coming year? We can help you realize your plans to start or grow a business during 2012. Just contact the AZSBDC location closest to you.

Enjoy the Holidays!

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in General Posts | No Comments »

Friends Gather For Anniversary Celebration

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

Current, former and founding members of the Arizona Friends of Small Business Advisory Board (Friends) gathered at Tempe Center for the Arts on November 30 to celebrate the Board’s 15th anniversary. Members on hand were recognized individually for their leadership and support of Arizona small businesses.

You can read more about the nationally-recognized Friends Board and its current members HERE.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Events, General Posts | No Comments »

« Older Entries