President Obama Proclaims National Small Business Week Highlights Small Business Growth and Job Creation

WASHINGTON – Calling small business the backbone of the nation’s economy, President Barack Obama stressed his Administration’s commitment "to helping small businesses drive our economy toward recovery and long-term growth" in his proclamation of the week of May 23-29 as National Small Business Week.

The President’s proclamation was issued yesterday prior to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 47th annual observance of National Small Business Week in Washington, D.C. (May 23-25). The event honors the nation’s most outstanding entrepreneurs, and features the announcement of the National Small Business Person of the Year for 2010 from among the 53 state small business winners, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam.
President Obama will meet with Small Business Week award winners at the White House Tuesday.

"Small business owners embody the spirit of entrepreneurship and strong work ethic that lie at the heart of the American dream. They are the backbone of our Nation's economy, they employ tens of millions of workers, and, in the past 15 years, they have created the majority of new private sector jobs. During Small Business Week, we reaffirm our support for America's small businesses and celebrate the proud tradition of private enterprise they represent.

"Our Nation is still emerging from one of the worst recessions in our history, and small businesses were among the hardest hit. From mom-and-pop stores to high tech start-ups, countless small businesses have been forced to lay off employees or shut their doors entirely. In these difficult times, we must do all we can to help these firms recover from the recession and put Americans back to work. Our Government cannot guarantee a company's success, but it can help create market conditions that allow small businesses to thrive.

"My Administration is committed to helping small businesses drive our economy toward recovery and long-term growth. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has supported billions of dollars in loans and Federal contracts for small businesses across the country. The Affordable Care Act makes it easier for small business owners to provide health insurance to their employees, and gives entrepreneurs the security they need to innovate and take risks. We have also enacted new tax cuts and tax credits for small firms. Still, we must do more to empower these companies.

"In this year's State of the Union address, I proposed creating a $30 billion lending fund to help increase the flow of credit to small businesses, and I call on the Congress to pass this legislation quickly. My Administration is also working to extend and enhance Small Business Administration programs that have helped small business owners acquire loans and hire workers.

"This week, we celebrate the role of entrepreneurs and small businesses in our national life. They are the engine of our prosperity and a proud reflection of our character. A healthy small business sector will give us vibrant communities, cutting edge technology, and an American economy that can compete and win in the 21st century."

The full text of the President’s National Small Business Week proclamation can be found at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-small-business-week
National Small Business Week 2010 will begin with two-and-a-half days of events in Washington, D.C., at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where more than 100 outstanding business owners from across the country will be recognized. In addition to the State Small Business Persons of the Year, men and women involved in disaster recovery, government contracting, small business champions as well as SBA partners in financial and entrepreneurial development will be honored.

A Keynote Address by SBA Administrator Karen Mills will highlight Monday morning’s agenda followed by Mills hosting a Town Hall Meeting entitled Small Business: Driving America’s Economy. Also featured are a series of executive panel forums on Innovation, Exporting and Social Media.

Among the featured speakers confirmed are The Honorable Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation. A list of other outstanding speakers including prominent business leaders, CEOs and politicos, are listed with the full agenda at http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/.

The public can "attend" Small Business Week events virtually, via the SBA’s streaming video on the Web at http://www.NationalSmallBusinessWeek.com/.

Editors – please note: A complete list of all award winners also is available on the National Small Business Week Web site at
http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/ and click on Winners.

Small Business Week 2010 sponsors and cosponsors include: Sam’s Club, Visa, Ford, ADP, Raytheon, Cbeyond, UPS, Intuit, Google, eBay, AT&T, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, D&B, Verio, Nomadic Display, ASBDC, NADCO, NAGGL, NASE, NSBA, WIPP and SCORE.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s participation in this cosponsored activity does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any cosponsor’s, donor’s, grantee’s, contractor’s or participant’s opinions, products, or services. All SBA programs and cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance, by contacting sbw@sba.gov. Cosponsorship Authorization #SBW2010

IRS Open House for Small Business May 15th

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service will host a special nationwide Open House on Saturday May 15 to help small businesses and individuals solve tax problems.

Approximately 200 IRS offices, at least one in every state, will be open May 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. IRS staff will be available on site or by telephone to help taxpayers work through their problems and walk out with solutions.

“Our goal is to resolve issues on the spot so small businesses and individuals can put any issues they have with the IRS behind them,” IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. “If you have a problem filing or paying your taxes or resolving a tough tax issue, we encourage you to come in and work with us.”

IRS locations will be equipped to handle issues involving notices and payments, return preparation, audits and a variety of other issues. At a previous IRS Open House on March 27, approximately two-thirds of taxpayers requested and received assistance with payments and notices.

So, for example, a taxpayer who cannot pay a tax balance due can discuss with an IRS professional whether an installment agreement is appropriate and, if so, fill out the paperwork then and there. Assistance with offers-in-compromise will also be available. Likewise, a taxpayer struggling to complete a certain IRS form or schedule can work directly with IRS staff to get the job done.

IRS Open House Locations: http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/article/0,,id=220631,00.html

Each office will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. local time.

Detroit: 477 Michigan Ave.Detroit, MI 48226

Flint: 815 S. SaginawFlint, MI 48502

Grand Rapids: 3251 N. Evergreen Dr. N.E.Grand Rapids, MI 49525

FastTrac registration has been extended until April 30, 2010.

FastTrac registration has been extended until April 30, 2010.

Intensive 6-week program designed to test your business idea, broaden your understanding of business, plan your financial needs to avoid cash flow problems, structure your business operations for efficiency, and develop entrepreneurial skills through a practical, hands-on approach. Participants will work on their own business ideas or ventures throughout the program.

Total Cost $50.00Thanks to scholarships provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Lenawee Economic Development Corporation.

PLEASE CALL THE MICHIGAN SMALL BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT 734-547-9170 to register.

Program Details:
Tuesday’s, Beginning May 4, 8:30-3:00 p.m., (ends June 15), Location: Lenawee Economic Development Corporation5285 W. US-223Adrian, MI 49221Lower Level (Lunch provided)Class size is limited.

This program is sponsored by the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Lenawee Economic Development Corporation.

LOCAL CONTACTS: Shannon Beeham, Intake Counselor, MI-SBTDC (734) 547-9170
Catherine Abad, Senior Business Consultant, MI-SBTDC (517) 263-4700 OR (517) 902-3361

Program Facilitators:
Catherine J. Abad, Senior Business ConsultantCharles Penner, Regional DirectorRon Stevens, Senior Business Consultant

April 16th Adrian FastTrac Orientation

The Fast Trac® Orientation is required to register for the Fast Trac® Courses in Lenawee, Hillsdale, and Jackson Counties. This half day session will orient you to the Fast Trac® program and what commitment will be required of you as the entrepreneur. At this session you will spend time with an advisor who will help you select, and enroll in the Fast Trac® entrepreneurial program best suited for you and your business.

There's no substitute for experience. Nothing proves better than Fast Trac® a program facilitated by entrepreneurs who are not only knowledgeable but have a proven ability to connect with people. They create an environment that encourages you to interact with other entrepreneurs - gaining insight from their experiences and establishing relationships.

Date: April 16th from 8:30am to 1:00pm

Speaker(s): MI-SBTDC Business Counselors

Co-Sponsor(s): LEDC & MEDC

Fee: Free (while the event is free please bring $50 to enroll in the six week program)

Location: LEDC 5285 W. US-223, Suite A Adrian, MI 49221

Experience and Expertise to Help You Grow:

There's no substitute for experience. Nothing proves better than Fast Trac® a program facilitated by entrepreneurs who are not only knowledgeable but have a proven ability to connect with people. They create an environment that encourages you to interact with other entrepreneurs - gaining insight from their experiences and establishing relationships.

Owning your own business is the American dream. Building it to withstand the test of time requires a unique set of tools. That's where Fast Trac® makes a difference by providing the opportunity to:

-Objectively evaluate your concept and plans for moving forward
-Develop a working knowledge of business fundamentals
-Begin building an infrastructure for your business operations and processes
-Explore risk and success factors in the marketplace
-Understand how to access human, financial and business resources
-Network with entrepreneurs and professionals
-Learn how to respond to changes that can impact your business Build an actionable business plan you can execute.

When you walk out the door, you will have a well-formulated plan for moving forward that is custom-made by you and one you believe in and can execute. The goals of the Fast Trac® program are for you to:

-Fully analyze your business concept by examining in depth:
-Your role as an entrepreneur
-How your product or service meets market needs
-The financial feasibility of your venture

Producing a full and actionable Business Plan that includes:
-Cash Flow
-Effective Structure of your management team
-Realistic marketing and sales plan
-Planning your product or service fulfillment Seeking and getting investment in your business.

For more information on Fast Trac® training or any MI-SBTDC workshop please visit our Calendar of Training on our main website http://www.misbtdc.net/events.aspx or email our office, sbtdc@wccnet.edu.

You're Invited to the Michigan Celebrates Small Business.

Join us this year for the state's premier awards event Michigan Celebrates Small Business.
Thursday, the twenty-ninth of April, two thousand and ten at the Lansing Center, 333 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48993.

Local business owners, entrepreneurs, and supporters of small business from across the state will celebrate with the reward recipients at the annual dinner and awards program. Governor Jennifer Granholm will open the awards dinner with a keynote address to the expected 1,000 guests.

Hors d'oeuvres begin at five o'clock with dinner and awards presentation starting promptly at seven in the evening.

R.S.V.P. by visiting www.MichiganCelebrates.biz or by calling 800.362.5461

Please have the names of the individuals attending from your organization as well as your credit card information available. Table discounts are available.

Special seating requests, such as sitting with individuals outside of your organization or with an award winner, must be made no later than Monday, April 12, 2010.

We Would Like to Thank:


The U.S. Small Business Administration,
Small Business Association of Michigan,
Michigan Economic Development Corporation,
Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center,
and the Edward Lowe Foundation would like to thank the 2010 Underwriters:

PNC
Clark Hill
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Michigan Certified Development Corporation
Accident Fund
Comcast Business Class
Comcast Spotlight
Dynamic Edge, Inc.

SBA’s 2010 Michigan Small Business Award Winners Are Announced!

DETROIT – The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the winner of its 2010 Michigan Small Business Person of the Year and its other awards. They will be presented on April 29, 2010 during the sixth annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards event at The Lansing Center in Lansing. Governor Jennifer Granholm will be the keynote speaker to recognize the critical importance of small business to the future of Michigan’s economy. For more information and to register to attend this event, which drew 800 people last year, go to http://www.michigancelebrates.biz/.

““Michigan’s entrepreneurs and small businesses are becoming increasingly important contributors to our economy,” said Richard Temkin, SBA Michigan District Director. “I am very proud that one of our Michigan award winners has won SBA’s Midwest regional award.”

Charles Reid, Michigan’s Small Business Person of the Year, is in contention for the national award, which will be announced during National Small Business Week, May 22-25.” The award winners for Michigan are:

Michigan Small Business Person of the Year
Charles Reid, President
Charter House Innovations, Holland

Michigan and Midwest Region Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Stewart W. Beal, President
Beal, Inc., Ann Arbor

Michigan Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year
Michael DeWitt, President
Peter James DeWitt, Vice President
Timothy DeWitt, Secretary and Treasurer
Peter Jason DeWitt, Plant Manager
DeWitt Barrels, Inc., Marne

Michigan Financial Services Champion
Derek Edwards, Vice President
Huntington National Bank, Mt. Clemens

Michigan Minority Small Business Champion
William R. Ross, President
Booker T. Washington Business Association, Detroit

Women in Business Champions
Carrie Hensel, Co-Founder and Co-President
Debra Power, Co-Founder and Co-President
Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw, Ann Arbor

Michigan Veteran Small Business Champion
Daniel P. Whisnant, Government Sales Specialist
Stryker Medical, Portage

Michigan Small Business Counselor
James D. Beauchamp, Senior Business Consultant
Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, Escanaba

Small Business Journalist of the Year
Lucy Ann Lance, Co-Owner
Lance & Erskine Communications, LLC, Ann Arbor

For more information on the award winners, please contact the SBA Michigan District Office at (313) 226-6075, x225 or e-mail annette.hall@sba.gov. For more information on this event, please go to http://www.michigancelebrates.biz/. Media note: Most photos of winners are available from SBA upon request.

SBA Proposes Women-Owned Small Business Rule to Expand Access to Federal Contracting Opportunities

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration today released a proposed rule aimed at expanding federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses (WOSB). The proposed rule is available for public comment for 60 days.

The proposed rule is part of the Obama Administration’s overall commitment to expanding opportunities for small businesses to compete for federal contracts, in particular those owned by women, minorities and veterans. This proposed rule identifies 83 industries in which WOSBs are under-represented or substantially under-represented in the federal contract marketplace. This rule is aimed at providing greater opportunities for WOSBs to compete for federal contracts, while achieving the existing statutory goal that 5 percent of federal contracting dollars go to women-owned small businesses.

“Women-owned small businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of our economy, yet they continue to be under-represented when it comes to federal contracting,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “Across the country, women are leading strong, innovative companies, and we know that securing federal contracts can be the opportunity that helps them take their businesses to the next level, expand their volume and create good-paying jobs. This proposed rule is a step forward in helping ensure greater access for women-owned small businesses in the federal marketplace.”

The creation of a rule to increase federal contracting opportunities for WOSBs was authorized by Congress in 2000. Since that time, SBA took a number of steps to study and analyze the market, including looking at participation by women-owned small businesses across all industries. Various draft rules were made available for public comment in prior years, but the Obama Administration chose last year to draft a new, comprehensive rule, based on the analysis of the prior studies and on all the questions and comments previously received.

Some of the components of the proposed Women-Owned Small Business rule include:

• To be eligible, a firm must be 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more women, and primarily managed by one or more women. The women must be U.S. citizens. The firm must be “small” in its primary industry in accordance with SBA’s size standards for that industry. In order for a WOSB to be deemed “economically disadvantaged,” its owners must demonstrate economic disadvantage in accordance with the requirements set forth in the proposed rule.


• Based upon the analysis in a study commissioned by the SBA from the Kauffman-RAND Foundation, the proposed rule identifies 83 industries (identified by “NAICS” codes) in which women-owned small businesses are under-represented or substantially under-represented. o The SBA has identified eligible industries based upon the combination of both the “share of contracting dollars” analysis, as well as the “share of number of contracts awarded” analysis used in the RAND study. This differs from an earlier proposed version of the rule which identified only four industries in which women-owned small businesses were under-represented. This earlier version proposed to identify eligible industries based solely on the “share of contracting dollars” analysis used in the RAND study.

• In accordance with the statute, the proposed rule authorizes a set-aside of federal contracts for WOSBs where the anticipated contract price does not exceed $5 million in the case of manufacturing contracts and $3 million in the case of other contracts. Contracts with values in excess of these limits are not subject to set-aside under this program.

• The proposed rule removes the requirement, set forth in a prior proposed version, that each federal agency certify that it had engaged in discrimination against women-owned small businesses in order for the program to apply to contracting by that agency.

• The proposed rule allows women-owned small businesses to self-certify as “WOSBs” or to be certified by third-party certifiers, including government entities and private certification groups.


• The proposed rule requires WOSBs which self-certify to submit a robust certification at the federal ORCA Web site and also to submit a core set of eligibility-related documents to an online “document repository” to be maintained by the SBA. Each agency’s contracting officers will have full access to this repository.


• The SBA intends to engage in a significant number of program examinations to confirm eligibility of individual WOSBs.


• In the event of a contract protest or program review, the SBA will be entitled to request substantial additional documentation from the WOSB to establish eligibility.


• SBA intends vigorously to pursue ineligible firms which seek to take advantage of this program and in so doing to deny its benefits to the intended legitimate WOSBs.
  

The public may submit comments to this proposed rule up until close of business on May 3, 2010, to www.regulations.gov, where they will be posted after 4 p.m. EST today, or by mailing them to Dean Koppel, Assistant Director, Office of Policy and Research, Office of Government Contracting, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd St. SW, Washington, DC 20416. Please reference RIN 3245-AG06 when submitting comments.