Free Social Media Conference - June 15

The 2012 Small Businesses Social Symposium separates itself from other local events. The half-day program is designed by business owners for business owners through engaging sessions which include insightful industry tips from recognized business leaders. More than 300 attendees are expected to gather for this year's Small Business Symposium. In addition to breakout sessions covering social media, website design, and managing your online brand, the event will feature local experts from businesses and business support organizations who will provide information and services to help your business grow.

Event Schedule:

12:00pm – 12:30pm Event Registration & Exhibitors Booths

12:30pm – 1:30pm Welcome and Keynote Speaker: David Lorenz, MEDC

1:30pm – 2:15pm First Workshop Series: Doughnuts and Search Marketing , Digital Marketing Panel with Lucy Ann Lance, Secrets to Successful Web Design

2:30pm – 3:15pm Second Workshop Series: Facebook Advertising, Digital Marketing Panel with Lucy Ann Lance, Secrets to Successful Web Design

3:30pm – 4:15pm Third Workshop Series: Customer Service in the Digirtal World, Facebook Advertising, Secrets to Successful Web Design

4:15pm – 5:00pm  Networking with Experts & Exhibitors Booths

To register please visit: http://misbtdc.org/small-business-social-symposium/.  Please preregister as space is limited for this free informative half-day conference.  We look forward to seeing you June 15^th at Washtenaw Community College.

New MI-SBTDC Growth Group Consultant

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) hires experienced business consultant to join the Growth Group Team. Catherine Abad  will now serve as the Growth Group Consultant for the Greater Washtenaw MI-SBTDC, working with growing companies throughout Southeastern Michigan assisting with business expansion, improved profitability, restructuring, and financial analysis.

“I am very pleased announce that Catherine has joined the statewide  MI-SBTDC Growth Group Team. Cathie has worked as an independent contractor for the MI-SBTDC since 2005 covering Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee Counties. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be an invaluable addition to our Growth Group Team,” stated Greater Washtenaw Regional Director, Charles Penner.
                                              
Cathie is an entrepreneur and business advisor with extensive SEO, market research and business marketing expertise. Before joining the MI-SBTDC, she owned a manufacturing firm and a marketing/graphic design agency. Cathie has worked with partner agencies in Southeastern Michigan providing entrepreneurial support and assistance.
 
“Her expertise and experience with her own businesses will offer great assistance to growing companies. We look forward to having her continue with our network in this expanded capacity,” stated Penner.
 
As a Growth Group Specialist, Cathie will provide business counseling and assistance to advanced growing companies in Southeast Michigan. Cathie will be based in Ann Arbor and will have an office at the MI-SBTDC Greater Washtenaw Regional office at Washtenaw Community College.
 
The Greater Washtenaw Region will continue to provide assistance for the Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee area. Businesses seeking assistance  may visit www.misbtdc.org and complete an online counseling request form or call the office directly at 734-477-8762.
 
The MI-SBTDC Growth Group is an experienced team of professionals who guide management in the evaluation of strategies focused on preparing companies for the next stage of growth.

Michelle Mueller new Vice President of Economic Development at WCC

When you look at Michelle Mueller’s long list of business-related activities, you assume that she’s a successful businesswoman. But you would be wrong. WCC’s new associate vice president for economic development and community and corporate alliances is an experienced educator, administrator, and business collaborator.

Mueller will use her experience to expand the College’s partnerships and programs in the local and regional business sectors. She also will establish new alliances with educators, executives, and government agencies throughout southeast Michigan. It’s an assignment for which she’s well qualified.

As dean of workforce development at St. Clair County Community College, Mueller served on the leadership team and was the former chairperson of a consortium of nine southeast Michigan community colleges. WCC was one of the members. The consortium worked collaboratively on workforce development for the region.

“I am very happy to be at WCC,” Mueller said. “At St. Clair I worked on regional initiatives with MEDC [Michigan Economic Development Corp.] President Michael Finney when he was president of Ann Arbor SPARK. We also collaborated on regional strategic planning and developed the model for regional collaboration; it was a great experience for me.”

In addition to her work with the consortium, Mueller has served on Automation Alley, Detroit Regional Chamber, and Southeast Michigan Council of Governments committees. Automation Alley is Michigan’s largest nonprofit technology business association, which helps drive growth in southeast Michigan.

Her experience with educational associations at the state level also gives her a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face communities in and around Washtenaw County.
She served as vice chair of the Michigan Association of Continuing Education and Training. And she was a member of the Michigan Occupational Deans Administrative Council, as well as the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

Collaborations Opened Up New Partnerships

Mueller and Demas worked closely with the St. Clair Chamber of Commerce and Lambton College, a two-year institution across the St. Clair River in Sarnia with international campuses in China, India, and Saudi Arabia. After a stint as co-chair of the St. Clair Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation visit, Mueller was given the assignment of dean of workforce development.
There she had success with short-term programs, contract training, and professional development contracts. However, she says that one of her biggest successes was a $2 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to develop job training in the areas of transportation, distribution, and logistics.
The proposal was written in partnership with Mott Community College, which provided grant-writing support. This successful outcome serves as an example of Mueller’s knowledge of community issues and opportunities, enthusiasm for collaboration, and ingenuity in securing resources.

“St. Clair is right on the I-69 corridor,” she said. “There is more commerce traffic across the Blue Water Bridge than Detroit has, in part from the double-stacking tunnel between Sarnia, Ontario, and Port Huron. A lot of cargo moves through that system to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and beyond. It’s truly a world trade route.

“You have to know what the plans are for the region in order to be a successful grant planner. You have to know where organizations like SEMCOG are going and what their challenges are in order to bring them on as partners. That’s where the opportunity is.

“If there’s anything that I do well, it’s connecting ideas with people and finding the resources to do it. It’s like a puzzle for me. I love finding where all of the pieces fit.”

Adapted from WCC News. For the full story please visit: http://www.wccnet.edu/news-events/articles/view/291/

Free Trainings to Celebrate the BRC Opening in Ypsilanti

A variety of small business training programs are offered in celebration of the grand opening of the Business Resource Center at the Ypsilanti District Library.  These seminars are offered to entrepreneurs at no cost due to the financial support of the YDL Whittaker Branch.

April 17th, 6:00 to 8:00pm: Fundamentals of Starting a Business

You have a passion ... a hidden talent. Do you know what it takes to turn that skill into a successful business? This seminar is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting their business. You will be introduced to the key characteristics of successful business ownership, and what it takes to start and run a thriving business. Plus, you will be provided with available resources to help launch new ventures in Michigan. Get focused, motivated and ready to go!

April 25th, 6:00 to 8:00pm: Writing a Business Plan

A business pan is an essential tool for your small business. Every existing or prospective business needs a plan, but every plan is unique. This seminar is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting a business. You will be introduced to the key characteristics of successful business ownership, and what it takes to start and run a thriving business. Plus, you will be provided with available resources to help launch new ventures in Michigan. Get focused, motivated and ready to go!

May 8th, 6:00 to 8:00pm: Ypsilanti Library Research Database Seminar

Looking to go into business for yourself?  Did you know that there is a wealth of information about small business development at the library?  Come learn about YDL’s small business resources from YDL staff, including databases and their NEW Business Resource Center, a targeted collection of books geared to small business needs.

 

May 15th, 6:00 to 8:00pm: Fundamentals of Marketing

This free marketing workshop focuses on the development of your sales & marketing plan. We will define your business, the competition, and your target market. We will also be covering the components of an elevator speech and how to correctly brand your business. Throughout this workshop we will be taking a hands-on approach that will enable you to leave with the actual beginnings of your own sales and marketing plan.

May 22nd, 6:00 to 8:00pm: Fundamentals of Finance

An introductory seminar, this course covers the basics of financial management, including how to start an accounting system and how to apply the information from key financial statements to help you manage your business. Accounting language including debits and credits, preparation of the balance sheet and profit & loss statement are explained. Cash flow analysis and breakeven are also covered with specific small business examples.

The Business Resource Center is a collaborative effort between the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center of Washtenaw Community College and local partner organizations like the Ypsilanti District Library. Biz Resource Center's offer:

• One-stop locations where current and future small business owners can receive business assistance and advice
• The latest computer technology, hardware and software, and extensive small business reference library of hard copy books, and publications
• Software for a variety of business applications, addressing diverse business needs

Ypsilanti District Library Business Resource Center
Whittaker Road Branch
5577 Whittaker Road
Ypsilanti, MI 48197

For more information please contact the Ypslilanti District Library, (734) 482-4110.

Business Resource Centers Opening to Assist Entrepreneurs

Three new Business Resource Centers (BRCs) in the Greater Washtenaw Region will be opening this spring in Ypsilanti, Chelsea, and Howell.  BRC’s are provided by the Small Business & Technology Development Center and local community partners.

The BRCs offer a wide variety of resources to businesses, including:

·         Computer technology 

·         Specialized software with business applications such as creating business plans, drafting financial statements, writing policy manuals and performance reviews, and more

·         Small business reference library of books and publications

“The BRCs offer entrepreneurs and small businesses owners a place to find answers to their business questions,” stated Charles Penner, SBTDC Regional Director.  “If the BRC does not answer all of their questions, the entrepreneur may call the SBTDC Regional office for additional assistance.”

The Greater Washtenaw region upgraded 8 BRCs and has added 5 new BRC’s since 2011.  In order to start a BRC, it needs to be supported by a community partner, such as a library, educational institution or another type of economic development office.

 The BRC Openings in Greater Washtenaw Region are as follows:

·         April 10^th, BRC Grand Opening Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker Road)

·         April 26^th, BRC Grand Opening Chelsea District Library

·         May 24^th, BRC Grand Opening Howell District Library

To find out more about the SBTDC services or the BRCs in your area contact the local SBTDC Regional office at  (734) 477- 8762 or e-mail at sbtdc@wccnet.edu.

About the MI-SBTDC

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center provides counseling, training and research for Michigan’s new business ventures, existing small businesses, expanding new businesses, new technology companies, and innovators.  Entrepreneurs and small business owners may access the services of their nearest MI-SBTDC by calling 616-331-7480 or visiting www.misbtdc.org.   

MI-SBTDC Greater Washtenaw Growing for 2012

We are pleased to announce the Greater Washtenaw Region MI-SBTDC has grown for 2012! Our small business consultations and trainings will now be offered in Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw Counties.

 With this change we are welcoming additional MI-SBTDC Business Consultants to the Greater Washtenaw team. Each month we will be featuring a Business Consultant from our newly expanded region.

Nancy Johnson - Livingston County

Nancy Johnson, Satellite Director of the Livingston County MI-SBTDC, is pleased to be joining the Greater Washtenaw MI-SBTDC Regional Team. She took over as the Director of Livingston County in 2008 and has created new partnerships bringing Fundamental classes and FastTrac to county chambers of commerce, libraries, and Cleary University. Nancy received the "Making It Happen" award for the 2010 FastTrac program from the Howell Chamber and the "Business Investment Award" for the 2011 Fast Trac program from the Brighton Chamber of Commerce.

Nancy grew up in an entrepreneurial family starting as a manual inserting & mailing business to a full service direct mail/printing business. She worked at the business and served the Board of Directors until the business was sold in the late 1990's.

From 1989 - 1991, Nancy assisted the set up of the Livingston SBC and was certified as a business counselor through Wayne State University. She enrolled in the MSU MBA program when life took a twist with the birth of twins.

Since 1999, she has owned and operated a real estate/property management business giving her a personal view of the current business challenges.

Nancy's background includes advertising and experience as a campaign manager.

Love a Local Business - $25,000 Intuit Grant

Support local businesses in your city! This month, Intuit is giving away $25,000 to a deserving local business.

The Love A Local Business competition lets fans, including customers, vendors, employees, and the community, determine who deserves some love - in the form of small business grants. Votes from small business owners and fans accumulate between January 1- 31, 2012.

Voting is easy, and fast.

Just share a few brief thoughts about why you love a local business. Nominate a favorite business yourself if you don't find it on the list. Only one vote per business, but you can vote for as many businesses as you like. The more votes a business gets, the more chances it has to win the $25,000.

Your words matter!
So make your opinion known, and vote to help out a deserving local business in your communinty. At the end of the month, one business is randomly chosen from all of the votes posted since the start of the contest on January 1st. Intuit has already awarded over $850,000 in small business grants.

Veronica Weaver - Encore Entrepreneur

MI-SBTDC Satellite Director Retiring

It is with both joy and regret that we are announcing that Veronica "Roni" Weaver has decided to retire from her role as the MI-SBTDC Jackson Satellite Director at the Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc. Roni has been our Jackson Satellite Director for almost 15 years and will be sorely missed.

We are pleased to announce that Roni is taking what she's learned working with our clients and applying it to her own venture, becoming an 'encore entrepreneur'. Roni will be going into the catering business, with a special focus on healthy lunches for pre-school and elementary school students. You can check out her website at www.fresh-is-best.com.

 

Roni became a certified Small Business Counselor in 2003. Her dedication to her clients, combined with her thorough knowledge of the Jackson area and her expertise in Marketing and the Hospitality industries, made her an important resource for our region. While we are pleased and excited for Roni, her energy and dedication to the Jackson community will be missed.

The Enterprise Group as well as the Greater Washtenaw Region SBTDC look forward to providing on-going product development and business support services to the Jackson community!

Remember to "Shop Small" Saturday November 26th

The 2nd annual Small Business Saturday® is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. On November 26, millions of Americans will shop small at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge!

Small Business Saturday (SBS) was created in 2010 by American Express in response to small business owners' most pressing need: creating more demand for their products and services. A total of 1.5 million Facebook users, 130 public and private organizations, and 41 elected officials declared their support for SBS last year. More than 100,000 small businesses downloaded SBS marketing materials, 10,000 businesses signed up for free Facebook advertising that ran on SBS, and 200,000 consumers registered their American Express cards to receive $25 statement credits when they shopped at a small business on SBS. Small retailers who accept the American Express Card saw a 28% increase in sales on SBS when compared to the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2009.

Small Business Saturday Help

First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now there's Small Business Saturday on November 26, is your small business ready for the rush? Check out the free tools -from tailored facebook ads to in-store signage- available to help make this your biggest sales day of the year!

 

In-store Signage - Create a variety of signage to raise awareness and attract customers on the big day.

E-Marketing Materials - Logos, e-mail templates plus Twitter and Facebook posts.

$100 Worth of Facebook Ads - Run customized ads that geo-target Facebook users in your area to help generate new customers and "Likes" for your business. Quantities are limited, so get them while supplies last.

Download Your Free Checklist

 

 

For more information please visit: http://smallbusinesssaturday.com/

Top Five Tips for Customer Service

1. Be a good listener. Take the time to identify customer needs by asking questions and concentrating on what the customer is really saying.

2. Identify and anticipate needs. Customers don't buy products or services, they buy good feelings and solutions to problems.

3. Help customers understand your systems. Take time to explain how your systems work and how they simplify transactions.

4. Give more than expected. Since the future of all companies lies in keeping customers happy, think of ways to elevate yourself above the competition.

5. Get regular feedback. Encourage and welcome suggestions about how your business could improve.

Want to learn more? Register for Customer Service for the21st Century. This informative session is part of a four part series brought to you in partnership with the MI-SBTDC of Washtenaw Community College and the Washtenaw Council of Chambers.

Marketing Malpractice - October 11th

Frustrated with your current web marketing campaign? Are you paying too much for what you get, or too little to get what you need? Confused about who owns your e-mail list or website domain?

Using the Internet effectively is a critical piece of many small businesses' marketing strategies. Join us for Marketing Malpractice - Avoid Costly Web Marketing Mistakes, a panel of local experts, including web developers, graphic designers, and e-marketing professionals to discuss the do's and don'ts of website design and e-marketing tactics. Learn how to avoid costly mistakes and what a business owner can expect from their e-marketing.

This seminar will be held October 11th from 4:30-6:30pm at the Quarter Bistro in Ann Arbor. The $50.00 fee includes light refreshments and takeaway materials. For more information click here or contact your local Chamber of Commerce.

This informative session is part of a four part series brought to you in partnership with the MI-SBTDC of WCC and the Washtenaw Council of Chambers.

Metro Detroit pizzeria expansion creates 80 new jobs - Some positions will be filled on the spot at upcoming job fair

Dexter, MI—Aubree’s Pizzeria and Grill, a local Michigan favorite announced today that it will host a job fair to fill 80 open positions. Aubree’s is opening its first franchise location in Dexter, Michigan. The job fair will be held on July 6th and 7th, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the new restaurant location at 8031 N. Main Street.

Aubree’s management is seeking friendly, experienced restaurant workers. Job seekers may attend the fair on either day. Interviews will be conducted on the spot and selected applicants will be hired immediately. Aubree’s is looking for servers, bartenders, line-cooks, hosts, delivery drivers, server assistants and dishwashers.

“We pride ourselves on being over the top friendly. Angry or unhappy people need not apply,” said general manager, Lisa Morden. “We're about four simple things: food, service, atmosphere and being a good neighbor.”

The Franchisees renovated the former North Point Seafood & Steakhouse, previously housed in its current space. Customers can expect:

• A family friendly sports bar with more than 20 televisions, including several in booth seats where customers control the remote.
• Fourteen beers on draft, a variety of wine, nightly drink features and more than 15 Michigan brewed beers;
• For busy workers, Aubree’s offers an express lunch with all you can eat salad and pizza buffet and a daily happy hour.
• In addition to pizza, Aubree’s offers full line of appetizers, fresh baked breads, pub sandwiches, salads, specialty burgers and entrees.

Aubree's has been a privately owned Michigan based company for over 35 years with locations in Ypsilanti Depot Town, Ypsilanti Township, Northville and Marquette. For more information on Aubree’s, log on to http://www.aubrees.com/.

MI-SBTDC Business Consultant Named VP of Marketing for Ann Arbor SPARK

It is with both joy and regret that we are announcing that Donna Doleman has accepted the position of Vice President, Marketing, Communications, and Talent at Ann Arbor SPARK.


Donna first came to the MI-SBTDC as a client deciding to launch her own business after declining a transfer from Pfizer, where she had been Director of Marketing for the Michigan region. In 2007 she launched her own marketing consulting firm DLA Group, LLC.


When the opportunity arose to join the MI-SBTDC as a business counselor, Donna accepted the challenge. Since then, she has become a highly valued member of the Greater Washtenaw team, making major contributions to the growth and health of our local economy.


Donna has an MBA from SUNY Buffalo and a BS from Florida A & M, she is also a proud graduate of the SBTDC Academy of Small Business Consultants. While Donna will be sorely missed, we are glad that she is going to one of our strongest local partners. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with her in this new position.

WXW Forum 2011

On May 20th, 2011 the Women's Exchange of Washtenaw will be hosting its dynamic, informative, all-day forum for women business leaders. At this conference you'll learn from established members of the business community, talk to business assistance providers, and network with hundreds of businesswomen. The mission of WXW is to engage the business community and work through the common issues women business leaders face in their efforts to grow and improve their companies. This day-long forum provides an interactive and lively experience with regional speakers, workshops, and breakout sessions.

2011 is the fourth year WXW is offering this annual women business leaders conference. The morning session will offer intensive and interactive workshops facilitated by well known local business leaders, who are prepared for your business questions. Key Note speaker Debra Fine, author of The Fine Art of the Big Talk How to Win Clients, Deliver Great Presentations, and Solve Conflicts at Work, will share her insight on how networking and communication builds business. After lunch attendees will have the opportunity to choose from one of six different mini-panel sessions that cover topics such as sales, business growth, life balance, board membership, and more. Then end of the day wraps up with a happy hour that includes wine, food, music, and one of the best networking opportunities in the state.

Over 300 attendees from Southeast Michigan and Northeast Ohio are expected to attend this empowering event. The MI-SBTDC is a proud sponsor of this one of a kind event which encourages women to continue building their success as a business leader.

To register please visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1429753431
For more information on WXW: http://wxwbusiness.com/

Progress And Success Through Regional Collaboration

The South Central Michigan Regional Entrepreneur Collaborative (SCM-REC) web site has compiled the multitude of entrepreneurial resources within Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee Counties. Wherever you are with your business, pre-startup, new business launch, growth or expansion, or business succession, our goal is to provide you with the resources you need to make educated and informed decisions about your business.

We invite you to utilize this site as a source for your business development. Here you will find training sessions, local resources, networking events, and more. Visit: http://www.espotmi.org/

Legal Issues Seminar Feb 16th 3:00-5:00pm

New or established small business owners will gain essential information regarding their legal obligations, when to seek legal counsel, and potential pitfalls. Join local attorney Mary Comazzi of Manchester & Associates as she provides ways to successfully avoid legal issues common to small businesses. Topics include tax and liability issues, along with basic elements of a contract, collections, licenses, registrations, employment and property issues, leasing and insurance. This seminar is designed to guide prospective and current business owners in setting up the organizational structure that will help protect them from unnecessary legal challenges.

Speaker(s): Mary E. Comazzi, Esq. Manchester & Associates

Fee: $40.00

Please register online or by calling the office directly, 734-547-9170.


Seating is limited for this informative seminar. Please register online or by calling the office directly, 734-547-9170.

Jobs Act Supported More Than $12 Billion in SBA Lending to Small Businesses in Just Three Months

WASHINGTON – Today, SBA Administrator Karen Mills announced that as of Dec. 31 the agency had approved more than $10.3 billion in loan guarantees which supported more than $12 billion in lending to small businesses since President Obama signed the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 on Sept. 27. The Jobs Act included an extension of reduced fees and higher guarantee loan enhancements in the agency’s two largest loan programs.

In a statement, Mills noted that SBA moved quickly to get these critical loan dollars in the hands of small businesses and just three months later all of the $505 million in subsidy provided in the Jobs Act to support the loan enhancements has been utilized by the agency’s national network of lending partners. In light of that, the SBA has activated the SBA loan queue to ensure that any remaining funds that result from loan cancellations in the coming weeks are redirected to new Jobs Act loans.

Following is the full statement from Mills:
“In just three months since the Small Business Jobs Act was signed into law, SBA supported more than $12 billion in lending to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. SBA is on the front lines with small business owners and our lending partners every single day. I’m very proud that as a result of those close relationships and partnerships we were able to quickly put this significant amount of capital into the hands of our nation’s largest job creation engine.

“The loan enhancements of higher guarantees and reduced fees first implemented as part of the Recovery Act have been a vital resource for tens of thousands of small businesses at a critical time when lending markets had dried up. Beginning in February 2009, these loan enhancements engineered a significant turnaround in SBA lending, including driving record-high levels of SBA lending in recent weeks. The end result is that the agency helped put more than $42 billion in the hands of small businesses through the Recovery Act and Jobs Act combined.

“These enhancements have been a key piece of the Obama Administration’s efforts to help small businesses drive our nation’s economic recovery. As we transition back to our standard guarantees and fee rates, SBA loan programs will continue to play an important role, as they have for decades, in helping entrepreneurs and small business owners start or grow their businesses and create jobs.

“The Small Business Jobs Act is the most consequential piece of legislation affecting small businesses enacted in more than a decade. While we are proud of how quickly SBA could provide $12 billion in capital to small businesses, we remain focused on implementing other key provisions of this law that will continue to expand access to capital, help small businesses compete for federal contracting dollars, strengthen small business exports and provide other critical support.”

During the quarter, SBA approved nearly 22,000 small business loans for $10.47 billion, supporting a total of $12.16 billion in lending. The amounts are greater than the volume for Jobs Act loans over the same period because they exclude some loans that were not eligible for one or more Jobs Act enhancements.

Background on SBA Loan Enhancements:
SBA expands access to capital for small businesses by providing government-guarantees on loans made by commercial lenders. The Small Business Jobs Act extended higher guarantees and reduced fees on its two most popular loan programs, enhancements first enacted in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

From Feb. 17, 2009, when the Recovery Act was signed, through Sept. 30, 2010, the SBA approved more than $22.5 billion in loan guarantees, which supported more than $30 billion in lending small businesses, due to the loan enhancements put in place by the Act. The enhancements were funded with approximately $680 million in subsidy funds provided during the period.

Following the extension of the enhancements in the Jobs Act, the agency approved an additional $10.3 billion in loan guarantees, supporting more than $12 billion in lending to small businesses from Sept. 27 through Dec. 31, funded by just $505 million in subsidy funds. The three-month extension of the loan enhancements under the Jobs Act financed the highest volume in a fiscal year’s first quarter than at any time in the agency’s history. During the week of Dec. 18-24, SBA supported a record-high $1.95 billion in small business loans, the highest dollar volume since the agency began tracking its weekly loan volumes.

SBA Loan Queue:
Authority to continue the loan enhancements was extended through March 4 by Congress last month. While there is no additional appropriation of subsidy funds to support the loan enhancements, the extended authority does allow the agency to redirect, through the SBA Loan Queue, any dollars that come available from loan cancellations in the coming weeks to new loans with the enhancements.

It is typical that some previously approved loans are later cancelled by the borrower or lender and never disbursed for a variety of reasons. The queue takes this into account and will allow eligible small businesses, in consultation with their lenders, to choose to be placed in the queue for possible approval for a Jobs Act loan if funding becomes available. Small business owners and lenders will have transparent access to the queue via www.sba.gov and will be able to remove themselves from the queue at any time to be considered for a non-Jobs Act SBA-backed loan with all applicable fees and, for 7(a) loans, standard guarantee levels.

Small Business Jobs Act of 2010:
The Small Business Jobs Act included an array of provisions aimed at helping small businesses gain access to capital, compete for federal contracting opportunities, expand exporting opportunities and obtain other assistance to help them grow and create jobs. More information on the Jobs Act can be found at www.sba.gov/jobsact

Important Survey to Determine Entrepreneurial Resources in Lenawee, Hillsdale and Jackson Counties

Please complete this survey by DECEMBER 17, 2010.

To help create and sustain a vibrant, "entrepreneur-friendly" environment in the tri-county region of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale counties - we need to hear from you. Please take a few minutes (no more than 10!) to complete the following survey. We will use the collected information to target specific resources into our area that are designed to meet your needs and desires. Thank you for your time!

Start Survey

This survey is part of a grant awarded to South Central Michigan Works for the Regional Entrepreneurial Collaborative with the goal assisting anyone in the tri-County area who has a business idea, a start-up company or currently operates a small business.

How to Become a Government Contractor Seminar- December 1st, 2010

Did you know that the federal government purchases more than $518 billion of goods and services a year and the State of Michigan has a diverse portfolio valued at more than $19 billion? Find out what it takes to sell your goods and services to the federal government and the State of Michigan December 1st at Washtenaw Community College. In addition learn about the services and continuous support the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) has available to help your company with the contracting process.

State of Michigan Contracting

• What products and Services does the State of Michigan buy?
• Vendor Registration
• Obtaining Bidding Information
• Planning and Researching for State Procurement Opportunities
• Marketing Your Product or Service
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Federal Government Contracting

• Classifying your Product or Service (NAICS, SIC Codes< PSC/FSCs) • Getting registered: CCR and Dynamic Small Business Search • Small Business Programs: Set-asides, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, 8(a), Veteran Owned, etc. • Finding Opportunities • Types of Solicitations • Marketing Strategies: Finding Opportunities, Subcontracting • Laws and Regulations • The Bid Process • Debriefing There is a $40.00 fee per person to attend this event. Please preregister through the link provided or by calling 734.462.4438 as space is limited.

Washtenaw Community College is a smoke-free campus; please refrain from use of all tobacco products while on college grounds. Thank you for your compliance.

SBA Growth Capital Program

At a time when capital was scarce for small business, financing from the U.S. Small Business Administration's growth capital program increased 23 percent in fiscal year 2010, providing a record $1.59 billion to help small businesses grow and create jobs, according to SBA Administrator Karen Mills.

The fiscal year 2010 volume is the highest single-year volume in the 50-year history of SBA's Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) debenture program. Increase volume in the program is in part a result of changes made by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Those changes contributed to an increased number of new SBIC licenses, decreased license processing times, and initial capital to new funds rose dramatically.

"At a time when access to capital was tight, including traditional sources for growth capital, SBA helped fill some of that gap with a record amount of financing through our SBIC program," Mills said. "Across the country, there are small business owners and entrepreneurs who are well-positioned to take that next step, grow their business and create good paying jobs. Our efforts to strengthen our program efficiency and increase funding available through the SBIC program has provided another critical tool to help these small businesses get the capital they need and drive economic growth."

The SBIC program was created to stimulate the growth of America's small businesses by supplementing the long-term debt and private-equity capital available to them. SBA's SBIC fiscal year 2010 results included the following:

• Record High Financing to Small Businesses: Total financings to the SBA SBIC debenture program grew to a 50-year record high of $1.59 billion in fiscal year 2010 - a 23 percent increase over an average $1.29 billion in the four previous years. Debenture program obligations grew to $1.17 billion from an average $750.6 million, another 50-year record high.
• More Licensed SBICs and Faster Processing Times: Twenty-one (21) new SBIC licensees were issued in fiscal year 2010, a 130 percent increase over the four-year average of 10 per year. Additionally, SBIC license processing time improved to just 5.8 months in fiscal year 2010, a nearly 60 percent decrease from an average of 14.6 months in 2009.
• Record High Capital Commitment to Support Small Businesses: SBA capital commitments to new funds broke yet another 50-year record increasing to $1.23 billion in fiscal year 2010, a 135 percent jump from an average of $524.3 million in the four previous years. Equally important, the programs attracted record levels of private capital commitments, increasing to $615 million in 2010 from $262.1 million in previous years- another 135 percent increase. Combined total initial capital to new funds increased to $1.845 billion in FY 2010 from an average $786.4 million.

SBICs are privately-owned and managed investment firms that are licensed and regulated by SBA. SBICs use a combination of funds raised from private sources and money raised through the use of SBA guarantees to make equity and mezzanine capital investments in small businesses. There are more than 300 SBICs with more than $16 billion in capital under management.

Since the SBIC program's formation in 1958 through April 2009, it has invested approximately $56 billion in more than 100,000 small businesses in the United States. For more information about the SBA's investment Division and SBIC program, go to http://www.sba.gov/INV or call 1-800- U ASK SBA