News Archives 2005 from the Saginaw Small Business Information Network:
If you have news items that you would like to see included in SSBiN News, please contact SSBiN at: support@SSBIN.ORG
December 24, 2005
Free Business Start-up Seminar
A free Business Start-up Seminar will be held Thursday, January 5, 2005, at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, 1710 W. St. Andrews, Midland, from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Attendance is free and recommended for those who would like to start a small business or those in business that would like to be acquainted with community and business resources.
The seminar is an overview of what it takes to start a business; where to go for information and assistance; the business plan and why you need one; licenses and permits; funding and the myth of “Free Money”; and resources available to help set up your business.
Pre-registration is preferred to Midland Area Chamber of Commerce (989) 839-9901 or register online at www.misbtdc.org/region5 and click on Calendar of Training.
November 14, 2005
For Young Entrepreneurs: New Disney Site
A new web site for youth and future entrepreneurs is available. The site, developed by Disney, simulates starting your own business. The site is entertaining, fun and educational for kids (and adults). The web address is: www.disney.go.com/hotshot/hsb3/index.html.
The address will also be available from the SSBiN Roadmap/Resources page for future reference.
November 2, 2005
Seminar: How to Develop, Define and Promote Your Brand
A seminar on brand promotion will be held Tuesday, November 22, 2005, at the Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State Street, in Saginaw. Registration is 7:30a.m.. The Seminar is from 8:00a.m. until 12 noon.
Presenting the conference is Dan Andrews, a recognized branding specialist and experienced presenter and keynote speaker.
The seminar will cover:
o How to use strategic guidelines for developing and detailing your brand.
o How to use a tool kit that shows you step-by-step how to successfully brand your business
o Best ways to define and profitably promote your brand
o Proven ways to identify and reach your target market
o Ways to discover and eliminate branding barriers and errors
Seminar attendees can enter a drawing worth $300 to win a customized BRAND STRENGTH EVALUATION.
The program is sponsored by the Independent Business Association of Saginaw County, Yeo & Yeo, CPAs & Business Consultants, Catholic Federal Credit Union and the MI Small Business & Technology Development Center, Delta College .
For more information, download the flyer, BrandSeminar.pdf.
Cost is $95. If you have questions, call Dan Andrews at 989-797-3300 or you may contact him at dan@hollismarketing.com.
September 23, 2005
Relocation: The MI Small Business & Technology Development Center, Region 5
The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, Region 5 is pleased to announce the relocation of it’s office to the Business Opportunity Center on the campus of Delta College. The newly renovated space in the H wing is shared with the MI-SBTDC program host - Delta College Corporate Services and the Delta College Workforce Development Center.
Their new address is:
Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center
Delta College
1961 Delta Road, H-Wing
University Center, Michigan 48710-0002
SBA 504: The Money That Makes America Work
This seminar on the 504 Loan program which is a joint initiative between the SBA and the Michigan Certified Development Corporation. The seminar will be held Thursday, September 28, 2005, at Saginaw Valley State University's Curtiss Hall, from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
The seminar will cover:
o Competitive advantages avialable to commercial banks by using the SBA 504 program
o Financing programs available to borrowers with limited equity requirements
o Increased limits and other recent changes in the 504 approval process and what they mean to you
o Best practices in generating new loan growth and reducing risk
Sponsored by: Michigan Certified Development Corporation, Andrews Hooper & Pavlik, and MI-Small Business & Technology Development Center
Cost: $15pp Early Registration and $20pp at the door
Continental breakfast provided.
For more information: Sandy Vergeson, 517.886.6612, ext. 13
September 17, 2005
Free Business Start-up Seminar
A free Business Start-up Seminar will be held Thursday, October 6, 2005, at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, 1710 W. St. Andrews, Midland, from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Attendance is free and recommended for those who would like to start a small business or those in business that would like to be acquainted with community and business resources.
The seminar is an overview of what it takes to start a business; where to go for information and assistance; the business plan and why you need one; licenses and permits; funding and the myth of “Free Money”; and resources available to help set up your business.
Pre-registration is preferred to Midland Area Chamber of Commerce (989) 839-9901 or register online at www.misbtdc.org/region5 and click on Calendar of Training.
September 17, 2005
New SBA, Junior Achievement Program for Young Entrepreneurs
"Mind Your Own Business" is a national partnership between the Small Business Administration and Junior Achievement.
The new website, Mind Your Own Business, http://www.mindyourownbiz.org/, is designed to support the growing interest in entrepreneurship among teens, and serves as a small business portal for youth entrepreneurs, providing necessary resources and information essential in realizing their dreams of business ownership.
The Mind Your Own Business website provides five easy-to-navigate steps on business ownership for entrepreneurial-minded teens, each with valuable information to help take teens from brainstorm to business.
The SBA also unveiled its re-vamped teen website Teen Business Link, at www.sba.gov/teens. Teen Business Link lays the foundation for the next generation of entrepreneurs and provides tools and resources on small business basics for the young entrepreneurs. Both the Mind Your Own Business and Teen Business Link websites will help to introduce teens to the idea of small business ownership as an entrepreneurial career.
September 7, 2005
The Truth About Loans: Finance Roundtable
Team SBA announces another Finance Roundtable session. If you are serious about seeking financing for your business, you owe it to yourself to attend a Financing Roundtable presented by TEAM SBA. TEAM SBA consists of SBA lenders, business consultants, SBA economic development staff, and business owners like you.
We’ll debunk the myths and demystify the process of bank financing. You will
learn how your loan application will be analyzed, what underwriting criteria is used, and how banking regulations affect the decision. We will answer your questions based upon your business model. Over the last six years, TEAM SBA has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs gain a better understanding of the financing process. In order to help you, we require you to have good credit, a solid business idea and some money to invest in your business.
The roundtable is free to attend, but you must register in advance and meet the criteria above. This session will be held on the campus of Delta College, 1961 Delta Road, Room F102, University Center, Michigan on Thursday, September 29, 2005, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
To register on-line visit: www.misbtdc.org/region5 Calendar of Training or call 989.686.9597. Check out www.sba.gov/calendar for upcoming sessions throughout Michigan.
To view the SBA flyer, The Truth About Loans - Seminar.doc.
September 6, 2005
Growing Your Business in Changing Times III
The third annual Growing Your Business conference will be held Friday, October 28th, 2005, at the St. Mary's Hospital Education Center in Saginaw.
This high-energy conference will feature nationally recognized marketing expert Bob Negen. Bob Negen will present a half-day workshop titled “Electronic Marketing – How To Harness The Power Of E-Mail Marketing And The World Wide Web To Grow Your Small Business”
In it Bob will describe exactly how small business owners can use e-mail marketing and simple, inexpensive web sites to:
- dramatically improve their sales
- build a stronger local market
- develop deep, long lasting a profitable relationships with their customers.
The focus of this workshop is inexpensive, affordable marketing strategies that today’s busy entrepreneurs can easily execute.
The program is being brought to the area through the efforts of the Saginaw County CRA Bankers Forum, the Saginaw County Minority Business Development Center , the MI Small Business & Technology Development Center, Delta College , and East Central MI Regional Planning Commission.
Cost is $25. Look for the bright green brochure in the mail. To make sure your company is on our mailing list call Kathy at 989-755-7630 or e-mail “fall conference” at tenwolde@diamondcs.net.
To download the reservation form: Form_Growing Your Business.PDF
About WhizBang! Training and Bob Negen:
As the founder of the Mackinaw Kite Co., Bob Negen used to tell his staff “nobody NEEDS a kite, it’s our job to make them WANT a kite”. This focus on creating an outstanding customer experience helped Negen build the MKC into a multi-store, multi-million dollar business. He brings the same “get it done, but have lots of fun” attitude to his work at WhizBang! Training, a company he started in 1999 to teach small business owners the skills they need to run their businesses successfully.
August 23, 2005
Free MISB&TDC Source Book
The 2005 Michigan Source Book from the Michigan Small Buisness & Technology Development Center (MISB&TDC) is available in our Download library. This document contains a great overview of the programs available from the MISB&TDC.
Also available is the 2004 Annual Report from the MISB&TDC. If you want to know how well the programs are working at the MISB&TDC this document will give you a great overview. Also available in our Download library.
August 10, 2005
Free Business Start-up Seminar
A free Business Start-up Seminar will be held Thursday, September 1, 2005, at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, 1710 W. St. Andrews, Midland, from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Attendance is free and recommended for those who would like to start a small business or those in business that would like to be acquainted with community and business resources.
The seminar is an overview of what it takes to start a business; where to go for information and assistance; the business plan and why you need one; licenses and permits; funding and the myth of “Free Money”; and resources available to help set up your business.
Pre-registration is preferred to Midland Area Chamber of Commerce (989) 839-9901 or register online at www.misbtdc.org/region5 and click on Calendar of Training.
August 10 , 2005
Course: Starting a Home-based or Small Business
The next 10-week program will begin September 14, 2005, from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. The program teaches the basics of starting and running a small business. instructors include Kathleen Tenwolde and guest instructors form the professional community.
Classes are at the Hoyt Main Library, 505 Janes Avenue in Saginaw. Cost of the class is $100. Partial scholarships, based upon need, are available as well as flexible payment plan. Class size is limited so register early. For more information please call Kathy at 989.754.2486.
To download the flyer (Word document), see the Downloads page.
August 1, 2005
Be Your Own Boss: New State Web Site
A new website created by the State of Michigan is geared towards small businesses, creating jobs and growing Michigan's economy. Gov. Granholm announced the launch of a new website to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. The website, Be Your Own Boss, (www.michigan.gov/beyourownboss) will help entrepreneurs find the tools they need to start a new business or grow an existing one.
For more information, Be Your Own Boss.
July 15, 2005
SBA at Your Desk!
Learn more about the SBA by joining them on a conference call, August 3rd, August 24th, or September 14th, 2005, at 10:00 a.m..
If you are new to business or thinking about starting a business, and would like to learn more about the SBA, please join in a Web conference call. Discussion will focus on how the SBA programs may help you start or grow your business. The conference call is available at your desk through your phone and your computer. Simply dial the toll-free number to access the voice part of the program (a speaker phone is recommended, if possible) and go to the ReadyTalk Web site for the visual presentation. If you do not have access to a computer, you can still participate by calling in.
For more information, SBA At Your Desktop Flyer.PDF.
June 20, 2005
The Truth About Loans: Finance Roundtable
If you are serious about seeking financing for your business, you owe it to
yourself to attend a Financing Roundtable presented by TEAM SBA. TEAM
SBA consists of SBA lenders, business consultants, SBA economic development
staff, and business owners like you.
We’ll debunk the myths and demystify the process of bank financing. You will
learn how your loan application will be analyzed, what underwriting criteria is used, and how banking regulations affect the decision. We will answer your questions based upon your business model. Over the last six years, TEAM SBA has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs gain a better understanding of the financing process. In order to help you, we require you to have good credit, a solid business idea and some money to invest in your business.
The roundtable is free to attend, but you must register in advance and meet the criteria above. This session will be held on the campus of Delta College, 1961 Delta Road, Room N007, University Center, Michigan on Wednesday, August 3, 2005, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
To register on-line visit: www.misbtdc.org/region5 Calendar of Training or call 989.686.9597. Check out www.sba.gov/calendar for upcoming sessions throughout Michigan.
To view the SBA flyer, The Truth About Loans - Seminar.doc.
June 20 , 2005
Just for Kids: Entrepreneur Summer Camp
Do you know a kid that would love to go to a Career Camp? MSBTDC, Junior Achievement, MITECH Plus, Northwood University and Garber Chevrolet have teamed up to provide summer Career Camps for kids. An Entrepreneur Camp will be hosted by Northwood University in Midland, MI, from July 25th - 29th, 9a.m. to Noon each day.
A week-long, half-day adventure designed exclusively for high school students. Discover some of the skills (hands-on activities) needed for success, experience the excitement of advertising and explore the realities of the workplace from the experts. Business professionals will lead the camp activities.
Students participating in this “hands on” camp will experience: Introduction to
Entrepreneurship, Product Development & Market Research, Success Skills – Interpersonal Effectiveness, Marketing & Sales and Business Plan & Sales Presentations. The camp will conclude with a pizza lunch for students and parents followed by student presentations and team awards.
Registration Fee: $45. For more information contact MITECH at 989-923-1500 or email: mitechplus@mitechplus.com
June 20 , 2005
Leaders Needed: Vision 2020 Leadership Training Opportunity
In an effort to help develop strong, committed community leadership, The 1000
Leaders Program has graduated over 300 individuals to date. Ninety-five percent of those graduates are currently participating in programs that benefit Saginaw County. The group held a successful 1000 Leaders reunion familiarizing and engaging graduates in Vision 2020 initiatives. For more information and to sign up, please see the Vision 2020 web site: www.scv2020.org
May 15, 2005
BusinessWeek Online Courses: Free!
BusinessWeek magazine is offering a series of free, instructor-led tutorials for running your own business. The online courses include advice on raising capital, writing business plans, designing home office and using wireless technology. For more information go to the BusinessWeek web site: http://www.bwcourses.com/
April 19, 2005
Update: Entrepreneur Orientation Seminar Schedule for 2005
The Entrepreneur Orientation Seminar, a free orientation for potential business owners is being offered on the following Thursdays in 2005:
Apr 21,
May 26,
Jun 23,
Aug 25,
Sep 22,
Oct 27 and
Nov 17.
The sessions are offered from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at the Hoyt Main Library, 505 Janes Ave, Saginaw, MI. Learn about community resources and the basics on business ownership from a local expert.
These opportunities are sponsored by Saginaw Future, Inc., the Public Libraries of Saginaw, Saginaw County Minority Business Development Center, Small Business & Technology Development Center and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact the Hoyt Main Library Reference Department at (989) 755-0904.
April 17, 2005
Going Global: Export Outreach Program
If you are serious about exporting then you will want to check out the news, events and resources available from the SVSU Export Outreach web site: http://www.svsu.edu/bie/exportoutreach/
April 17, 2005
Small Business Help Center
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce has created a new online resource called the Small Business Help Center: http://www.baycityarea.biz/index.htm
March 16, 2005
GLEQ Launches Free Entrepreneurial Training
The Great Lakes Entrepreneur's Quest (GLEQ) has announced that Wednesday, March 30th will begin its free Spring Cycle Training Program for entrepreneurs throughout the state of Michigan. The training encapsulates the critical elements needed to start a high-growth business and includes support and partnership from industry, government and academia.
The kick-off event will feature the Venture Value Chain and the Elevator Pitch presented by entrepreneur training veterans Jim Price of Company Crafters and Chuck Salley, respectively.
The Venture Value Chain is a high-impact presentation on the art and science of venturing; planning, launching and growing successful new startup companies. This session will provide an overview of the venture formation and growth process, and a "roadmap" to make the often mysterious venture process more predictable and straight forward to navigate.
The Elevator Pitch will help entrepreneurs create a succinct yet powerful communication that addresses the problem to be solved, the value of the solution, and the addressable market. This session will highlight the importance of a well constructued Elevator Pitch and provide the steps to building an effective one.
Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Time: 6:15pm - 8:45pm
Admission: Free with pre-registration (required) on www.gleq.org
Locations:
- Michigan Information Technology Center (MITC), Ann Arbor
- Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids
- Wayne State University, Detroit
- Michigan Technological University, Houghton
For more information, see www.gleq.org
March 14, 2005
MSBTDC & SBA Offer Financing Roundtable: The Truth about Loans
If you are serious about seeking financing for your business then plan to attend a Financing Roundtable presented by TEAM SBA. TEAM SBA is a preferred SBA lender, a business consultant, SBA economic development staff, and business owners like you.
Discussion will include debunking the myths and demystifying the process of bank financing -- in plain English. You will learn how your loan application will be analyzed, what underwriting criteria is used, and how banking regulations affect the decision. Get your questions answered based upon your business model.
The roundtables are free to attend, but you must register in advance and meet the criteria. A session will be held on:
Delta College,
1961 Delta Road, Room F102, University Center, MI
Thursday, April 7, 2005,
from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
To register online visit www.misbtdc.org/region5 Calendar of Training or call 989.686.9597. Check out www.sba.gov/calendar for upcoming sessions throughout Michigan.
March 14, 2005
Entrepreneur Orientation Seminar
This seminar is an overview of what it takes to start a business; where to go for information and assistance; the business plan and why you need one; licenses and permits; funding and the myth of “Free Money”; and resources available to help set up your business.
Registration is not required. For more information contact Hoyt Main Library Reference Department 989.755.0904.
Thursday, April 7, 2005 , at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, 1710 W. St. Andrews , Midland , from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Pre-registration is preferred to Midland Area Chamber of Commerce 989.839.9901.
Thursday, April 21, 2005, at the Hoyt Main Library, 505 Janes Avenue , Saginaw , from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. For more information contact Hoyt Main Library Reference Department 989.755.0904.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005, at the Auburn Branch Library, 235 W. Midland Road , Auburn , from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required to 989.893.9566, Ext 2 of the Bay County Library or for further information about the seminar.
March 7, 2005
Seminar: Starting a Home-based or Small Business
The next 10-week program will begin April 20, 2005, from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. The program teaches the basics of starting and running a small business. instructors include Kathleen Tenwolde and guest instructors form the professional community.
Classes are at the Hoyt Main Library, 505 Janes Avenue in Saginaw. Cost of the class is $100. Partial scholarships, based upon need, are available as well as flexible payment plan. Class size is limited so register early. For more information please call Kathy at 989.754.2486.
To download the flyer: Homebased & Small Business Flyer (Word document)
March 3, 2005
See SSBiN at the Mid Michigan Regional Business Expo
SSBiN.org will have a booth at the Mid Michigan Regional Business Expo. Small Business Seminars will also be featured during the day. Stop by for freebies and more information on SSBiN.org.
Wednesday, May 4, 2005
SVSU Ryder Center
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
For more information: http://midmichiganexpo.com/
February 7, 2005
MSBTDC & SBA Offer Financing Roundtable
If you are serious about seeking financing for your business then plan to attend a Financing Roundtable presented by TEAM SBA. TEAM SBA is a preferred SBA lender, a business consultant, SBA economic development staff, and business owners like you.
Discussion will include debunking the myths and demystifying the process of bank financing -- in plain English. You will learn how your loan application will be analyzed, what underwriting criteria is used, and how banking regulations affect the decision. Get your questions answered based upon your business model.
The roundtables are free to attend, but you must register in advance and meet the criteria. A session will be held on:
Delta College,
1961 Delta Road, Room N008, University Center, MI
Thursday, February 17, 2005,
from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
To register online visit www.misbtdc.org/region5 Calendar of Training or call 989.686.9597. Check out www.sba.gov/calendar for upcoming sessions throughout Michigan.
February 7, 2005
Business Week Online Begins New Small Business Section
Business Week Online, the online edition for the famous business magazine, has recently added a new focus on small business. The new section is focused on news and advice for entrepreneurs. For more information see: www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/
February 2, 2005
Detroit Free Press Column on Small Business Begins
The has started a new column focusing on small business by writer Carol Cain. The column runs each Monday and began this last December. The purpose of the weekly column is to provide expert advice and real-life examples from successful entrepreneurs on how to keep any small business thriving, whether you're the owner or a dedicated employee who wants to grow with your small business. See the links below for more information on this column.
CAROL CAIN: Introduction
http://www.freep.com/money/business/cainintro13e_20041213.htm
CAROL CAIN: Small businesses drive Michigan's economy
http://www.freep.com/money/business/cain13e_20041213.htm
All of Carol Cain's articles:
http://www.freep.com/index/carolcain.htm
January 1, 2005
W.E. Upjohn Study : Benchmarking Study of the Small Business Economy in Saginaw County 2003
The WE Upjohn Study Institute for Employment Research conducted a small business study for the Vision 2020 Small Business & Entrepreneur Committee in 2003. The results of this study are now available from our site by downloading the following PDF (Adobe Reader required): WE Upjohn Study2003.pdf.
January 1, 2005
Entrepreneur Orientation Seminar Schedule for 2005
The Entrepreneur Orientation Seminar, a free orientation for potential business owners is being offered on the following Thursdays in 2005:
Jan 27, Feb 24, Mar 24, Apr 21, May 26, Jun 23, Aug 25, Sep 22, Oct 27 and Nov 17.
The sessions are offered from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at the Hoyt Main Library, 505 Janes Ave, Saginaw, MI. Learn about community resources and the basics on business ownership from a local expert.
These opportunities are sponsored by Saginaw Future, Inc., the Public Libraries of Saginaw, Saginaw County Minority Business Development Center, Small Business & Technology Development Center and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact the Hoyt Main Library Reference Department at (989) 755-0904
|
