Small Business Grant | "Manweller hosts campaign kickoff in Moses Lake"

By : Ryan Lancaster
Source : http://www.columbiabasinherald.com
Category : Small Business Grant

MOSES LAKE - Republican Mathew Manweller, House of Representatives candidate for 13th District, is holding a campaign kickoff in Moses Lake.

The event takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Moses Lake Events Center, 1475 Nelson Rd Northeast, and includes a complimentary breakfast for all attendees, Manweller stated.

Several Grant County elected officials are co-hosting the kickoff, including Grant County commissioners Cindy Carter and Richard Stevens, Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones, Grant County Prosecutor Angus Lee, Warden Mayor Tony Massa and outgoing 13th Dist. Representative Bill Hinkle, according to Manweller.

He listed Dick and Marilyn Pulis, Bob Fancher, Ken and Bonnie Thompson, Rita and Cleo Thaemart, Glenn and Carol Knopp, Alice Townsend and BJ Garbe as some of the private sector co-hosts.

The event will be emceed by local auctioneer Chuck Yarbro.

Manweller said the "respected group of people" endorsing his campaign demonstrates a broad base of support across the district.

"I am humbled by the level of support community leaders in Grant County have offered my campaign," Manweller stated. "It is clear that our campaign is gathering support from leaders in all walks of life - farmers, civic leaders, educators, small business owners and law enforcement. The one thing that brings us all together is a desire to change this state for the better."

Campaign kickoffs traditionally signal the beginning of the political season, although the official filing period is not until May 14. Organizers of Manweller's event said they expect more than 125 attendees.

"I am excited to meet people from all over the county and have an opportunity to bring my message of limited government, free markets and controlling the unelected bureaucracy to whomever will listen," Manweller stated. "This election is about reminding the Department of Ecology and the Department of L&I that they work for us, not the other way around."

Source :http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/politics/article_136e04fc-7aa7-11e1-a4a9-001a4bcf887a.html

Small Business Grant | "Rothert accepts position with Peoria County"

By : Daily Ledger
Source : http://www.cantondailyledger.com
Category : Small Business Grant

Mark Rothert, executive director of the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, has been hired by Peoria County as their new Assistant County Administrator for Economic Development.  Rothert has served as Executive Director of the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development (SRPED) in Canton since 2006. While in that role, he attracted a new $7.5 million manufacturing facility to the community, creating up to 300 jobs; fostered nearly $9 million in downtown reinvestment in Canton; and secured $4.9 million in local, state, and federal grants for new infrastructure, downtown revitalization, tourism, and assistance for small business owners.

About this new position Rothert said, “This is an opportunity to advance professionally and return to local government where I first started my career.  I sincerely want to thank the community and its leaders for their support since 2005 when I first came to Canton.  Together we have truly made a positive difference in revitalizing our community. I have grown in many ways and will always treasure the opportunities provided for me here. ”

Rothert will start his new position on April 30, 2012.  After this date, Missy Towery, SRPED Deputy Director & Chamber Director, will serve as interim director for the SRPED until an executive director search is complete and a permanent replacement is hired.

County Board Chairman Thomas H. O’Neill III remarks of Rothert’s hire, “Mark is the best qualified person to help Peoria County meet our goals of economic growth. I am confident Mark will be able to help local businesses expand in our community. And his experience attracting new business will be a great asset to our residents and to the region.”

Prior to Rothert’s service for the SRPED, he was the Interim Economic Development Director for the City of Canton and played a critical role in the establishment of the SRPED to function as the economic development model for the community. He has also held positions in the City Manager’s Office for the City of Des Moines, Iowa, and the City of Overland Park, Kan.

Rothert earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Western Illinois University and a Master in Public Administration from the University of Kansas. He is certified as a Professional Community and Economic Developer. He currently serves as a Citizen Member on the Illinois Governor’s Rural Affairs Council and is a member of the Illinois Development Council and International Economic Development Council. Additionally, he has served on the Board of Directors for the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway.

Rothert was a 2010 award winner for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Program in the Public/Private Partnership, General Purpose Promotion, and Real Estate Redevelopment & Reuse categories. He was the recipient of IEDC’s New Economic Developer of the Year Award in 2009, and was named a 40 Under Forty Leader by Central Illinois Business Publishers, Inc. that same year.

“While I am sorry to see Mark leave, I think we all knew it was just a matter of time before his success would be noted and rewarded with larger opportunities,” said Canton Mayor Kevin Meade. “Canton’s loss is Peoria’s gain. These past few years has seen unprecedented growth in Canton and Mark has been a leader in those efforts. We will miss him and wish him well in his new role.”

Source:http://www.cantondailyledger.com/news/x586041231/Rothert-accepts-position-with-Peoria-County

Small Business Grant | "Think Tank: Customers and businesses get burnt by renewable energy schemes"

By : Richard Tyler
Source : http://www.telegraph.co.uk
Category : Small Business grant

Less hi-tech triggers include new regulations, much maligned by the wider business community, but actually a tried and tested means of spurring entrepreneurs – and chancers – into action.

The problem is that regulations that provide incentives – whether barriers to entry, grants or subsidies – can vanish as swiftly as they appear: the recent fiasco over the renewable energy feed-in tariff (FIT) is just the latest high-profile example.

Last month’s Supreme Court victory for Friends of the Earth and several installers reversed the Government’s decision to slash the subsidy in half from December 12.

The 30,735 homeowners and businesses who installed solar panels after the December cut-off date and before March 3 suddenly became eligible for the higher feed-in tariff of 43p per kWh of energy generated. It was originally cut to 21p with just six weeks’ notice.

For many businesses that sprang up to take advantage of the original tariff the damage had been done. The fledgling industry was already plagued by perceptions of a “cowboy” culture.
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Researcher Richard Hanna has surveyed more than 500 installers as part of his doctorate at the Centre for Environmental Strategy at the University of Surrey. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he found that by far the most popular product line was solar photovoltaics. Only 25 businesses sold and installed air source heat pumps, 16 solar thermal and 15 mentioned biomass boilers.

Three-quarters of the firms had 10 staff or fewer and the same percentage had only been installing microgeneration equipment for less than two years.

The vast majority operated from only one site, suggesting they served a local or regional patch.

Training, while widespread, was also of mixed quality. More than half of the companies surveyed did not work in the micro-generation sector originally and most came from backgrounds in electrical and mechanical industries, plumbing, heating and gas, or other aspects of buildings services.

One biomass boiler distributor said: “I have been involved in this industry for approximately 10 years now. I am amazed by the numbers of poor quality equipment, installations and mis-selling.”

Another installer of residential heat pumps said there was a certification scheme, but appeared to be little policing of the systems installed. “As such the whole renewable market may become like double-glazing sales.”

Government attempts to get to grips with an industry it has brought to life are hitting home.

The Department for Energy & Climate Change announced last week it was delaying new subsidies designed to encourage the take-up of renewable heating units until the summer of 2013.

Mr Hanna thinks a delay will give time to put in place proper consumer safeguards, particularly around minimum energy efficiency standards. Homes will also have to achieve an energy performance certificate rating of “D” to receive the FIT.

Installers are already responding to these regulatory changes. One said: “I feel very let down, having started up a business costing several thousands and taking on an apprentice thinking we could build the company up.

“[I am] now wondering where to go from here, especially not knowing if I can afford to keep the apprentice or not.”

His sentiments will be understood by any small businesses in a market so influenced by Government policy.

Source : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/management-advice/9176826/Think-Tank-Customers-and-businesses-get-burnt-by-renewable-energy-schemes.html

Small Business Grant | "Grants hoped to revive town centre centre "

By : Fife Today
Source : http://www.fifetoday.co.uk
Category : Small Business Grant 


OVER 20 businesses in Leven have been successful in bidding for grants of £1000 to help them grow.

It’s hoped the cash and subsequent improvements made will go some way to building the foundations for a more prosperous town centre in years to come.

The Fife Council grant scheme was open to all types of small business to make a wide range of small scale improvements, such as repainting shop fronts, installing new fixtures and fittings, creating or upgrading business web-sites, security, signage and lighting.

Some of the businesses successful in securing a grant include Alteration and Repairs, DM Homecare, and Ultimate Passions.

Ultimate Passions owner Mandy Smart told the Mail: “Customer impression of a shop is instrumental in their spending, by using the grant to invest in new laminate flooring and window lighting we’ve been able to create a nicer space for our business to grow.”

The grants are part of a project of regeneration set out in the Levenmouth Plan, which aims to tackle the underlying causes of inequality and help regenerate the area over the next 10 years through a range of practical measures in economic development, raising educational attainment and improving the physical environment.

Maria Young, owner of Alteration and Repairs, said: “This has improved my property and enabled me to improve my businesses potential.”

Chair of the Levenmouth area committee Councillor David Alexander said the grant project was just the first in a series of initiatives aimed at reversing the fortunes of the ailing town centre.

He confirmed that improvement works will also be carried out on the High Street to help make it more attractive.

Owner of DM Homecare, David Galloway, used the grant towards refurbishing his shop front and re-fitting the interior counter and display units.

Source : http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/grants-hoped-to-revive-town-centre-centre-1-2142786

Small Business Grant | "Applications for $30 M in STEP grants sought"

By : Mark Wilcox
Source : http://www.wyomingbusinessreport.com
Category : Small Business Grant

Earlier this week, the Small Business Administration began accepting applications for $30 million in grants to be used to increase exports by small businesses.

Each state is eligible for one State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant, and only the officially designated state entity responsible for state trade and exports may apply. That entity for the Cowboy State is the Wyoming Business Council.

Last year, Agribusiness Director Cindy Garretson-Weibel was in charge of Wyoming's application to receive more than $42,000 in STEP grant funding for a project to assist small businesses new to exporting by conducting workshops, on-line webinars and face-to-face roundtables. The program was to use existing exporters as mentors to new-to-export companies. The funding was also to support small business participation in a trade mission led by U.S. Wheat Associates.

Wyoming earned a much smaller chunk of the grant funding than any other state with its proposal. Only New Mexico even shared five-digit territory, though it still received almost double the funding at $81,000. The average grant was $577,000 in 2011, the first year of a three-year pilot program under the STEP grant initiative. The program launched as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and authorized up to $90 million in grants to states and U.S. territories to "increase the number of businesses that export, as well as the value of exports by small businesses."

The application period ends May 17, and awards will be presented Sept. 30.

At press time, it is unclear whether small businesses may propose ideas to Wyoming Business Council to be included in the official state application.

On the Web: www.sba.gov/STEP

Source : http://www.wyomingbusinessreport.com/article.asp?id=62506

Small Business Grant | "Grant to aid Save-a-Lot store"

By : Sam Spatter
Source : http://www.pittsburghlive.com
Category : Small Business Grant

A national grocery store chain will give $200,000 to a minority entrepreneur to open a Save-a-Lot store in a Mon Valley community, a small business advocacy group said on Wednesday.

The grant will be the first in the region under a program sponsored by Supervalu Inc., the parent of Save-a-Lot stores, said Dr. Howard B. Slaughter Jr., CEO of Christian Management Enterprises LLC. The purpose of the program is to increase minority ownership of grocery stores and place stores in minority neighborhoods, he said.

Slaughter would not disclose the exact location of the new Save-a-Lot store. It will be discussed at an event on Friday in Wilkinsburg. Details of the Supervalu's Licensed Store Incentive Program will be explained by Rachel Burse, a minority business development manager for Save-a-Lot.

The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon at Hosanna House, 807 Wallace Ave.

"One of my clients, part minority-owned, was approved as a licensee of Save-a-Lot and is working to complete paperwork to open multiple stores ... with the company's assistance," Slaughter said.

"Economic disenfranchisement for minorities will increase unless more grocery chains do what Save-a-Lot is doing by providing ... greater access to food choices, which includes minority ownership," he said.

Scheduled to attend the event are Wilkinsburg Mayor John Thompson, Allegheny County Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Steeler Charlie Batch, who has developed projects in Homestead, and officials of the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Source : http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_788802.html

Small Business Grant | "Centerplan Construction Gets $100K Grant From State"

By : Cassandra Day
Source : http://middletown-ct.patch.com
Category : Small Business Grant

The Middletown company qualified for a Department of Economic and Community Development matching grant and $500K loan through the Small Business Express Program to expand and create jobs. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Centerplan Construction Company of Middletown was among small businesses across the state which qualified for grants through the state’s Small Business Express Program to expand its businesses and create jobs.

EXP was created as part of the bipartisan jobs bill that was passed during the October Special Session.

“Connecticut must support its small businesses,” Malloy said. “They are the foundations of local economies, helping to improve the quality of life for thousands of Connecticut residents. State investments through programs like this not only help the businesses on Main Street grow, they also aid in the state’s economic recovery.”

The program, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees.

Centerplan was established in 2008 to serve the construction needs of its sister company Centerplan Development. Since then the company has grown, and is now planning to expand its space and operations.

DECD has awarded Centerplan a $100,000 matching grant for the build-out and fit-out of additional office space and for equipment. An additional $500,000 loan was awarded through the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund. The company plans to add five employees to its 31-member staff in 2012 and 20 to 25 in the next five years.

“Centerplan Construction Company is a real success story here in Middletown.  This grant and loan will allow Centerplan to build on that success and hire more employees,” State Sen. Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield) said.

“I am thrilled to see more local businesses benefiting from the jobs legislation we passed in October and creating good jobs for Connecticut residents.”

State Rep. Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell, Middletown, Portland) was pleased with the news. “I am happy the bipartisan jobs bill I voted for and that passed in October is doing what it is intended to do, which is help small businesses like Centerplan Construction Company.”

“Small business expansion and jobs creation in Middletown are most welcome,” State Rep. Gail K. Hamm (D-East Hampton, Middletown) said.  “Making Connecticut a business-friendly state involves both attracting new business and assisting those who have already invested here.”

“I want to thank Governor Malloy for supporting a great small business in Middletown,” State Representative Matt Lesser (D-Durham, Middlefield & Middletown) said.  “Small businesses are the engines of economic growth, and I wish Bob Landino and Centerplan much success.”

“Centerplan has developed into an important part of Middletown’s business community and has earned this support of the state,” State Rep. Joseph Serra (D-Middletown) said.

“Because these incentives will be used to help jump-start job creation and encourage long-term economic growth, they are also good investments for taxpayers.”

Source : http://middletown-ct.patch.com/articles/centerplan-grant

Small Business Grant | "$80k in grants to help small businesses"

By : Rebecca Ptak
Source : http://www.wpri.com
Category : Small Business Grant

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island Small Business Development Center ( RISBDC ) at Johnson & Wales University received funding to provide assistance to small businesses that were severely impacted by recent natural disasters.

The $80,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration will help assist those businesses impacted by the 2010 floods and last year’s Tropical Storm Irene.

People have until May 22 to file for economic injury loans related to the Secretary of Agriculture declaration for Tropical Storm Irene.

June 26 is the deadline for the SBA disaster declaration for Tropical Storm Irene economic injury loans.

“This additional funding for disaster assistance by the RISBDC is critically important,” said Mark S. Hayward, director of the SBA Rhode Island District Office.

He continued, “The technical assistance available to small businesses impacted by the natural disasters will play a vital role in their economic recovery.”

For more information or to apply for assistance, please contact RISBDC at 598-2702.

Source : http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/providence/80k-in-grants-to-help-small-businesses-johnson-wales-university-rhode-island-small-business-development-center

Small Business Grant | "EDC praises Progreso Latino program"

By : REBECCA KEISTER
Source : http://www.pbn.com
Category : Small Businss Grant

CENTRAL FALLS - The R.I. Economic Development Corporation praised a new Progreso Latino program – aimed at helping minority-run small businesses – as a crucial stepping stone to the state’s economic revitalization.

“[Investing] in urban areas will have a direct effect on economic recovery,” Keith W. Stokes, executive director of the EDC said at a press conference announcing the program on Tuesday.

“It’s where the people are, the workforce, the market, and opportunities,” he added.

Coordinated in collaboration with Urban Ventures and Macremi, the Progreso for Small Business initiative is funded with a $120,000 U.S. Small Business Administration grant and in-kind services.

Its intention is to help existing and startup businesses by counseling them on business plan development, marketing and access to capital. While the program looks to make specific efforts to recruit minority-run small businesses, it is open to any small business. In addition, it expects that experienced entrepreneurs will serve as mentors for those less experienced business owners.

Progreso for Small Business hopes to use the funds to help some 200 individuals, including Eric Misiak, a native of Poland who recently founded BB BuildBlock of Rhode Island, a company that sells insulating concrete forms, after starting and operating a construction company.

“I’ve been here long enough, but I understand the barrier of the Spanish-speaking community,” Misiak said. “New businesses need fostering and mentoring,” something he would be in a position to help out with.

Targeting ways to help small businesses grow is the centerpiece of the EDC’s Every Company Counts program.

Stokes said workforce training and identifying needs of early-stage businesses is a focus of its state-wide urban planning function.

Source : http://www.pbn.com/Progreso-Latino-program-praised-by-RIEDC,66375

Small Business Grant | "£40m fund to help 50% more SMEs in Wales"

By : News Wales
Source : http://www.bbc.co.uk
Category : Small Business Grant

A £40m investment fund to help small and medium businesses (SMEs) has been launched.

The Wales SME Investment Fund was announced last year, but is now "open for business," said Edwina Hart, Business Minister.

The Welsh government says it hopes the fund will create up to 4,000 jobs by providing debt and equity investment to small business.

It is hoped 50% more SMEs will be able to apply for funding via the scheme.

Currently, help for SMEs comes from European funding.

The fund was announced in December 2011, at the same time as a £15m growth fund for small businesses.

The fast track grant fund for investments was set up to provide short-term assistance to businesses in Wales in response to the current global economic crisis.

It enabled Welsh businesses to apply for a minimum of £100,000 of matched funding to create and safeguard jobs.


Source : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-17528205

Small Business Grant | "Maine Tech Institute invests in 7 businesses"

By : Lori Valigra
Source : http://www.masshightech.com
Category : Small Business Grant

Maine Technology Institute (MTI), a publicly-financed, private nonprofit organization created by Maine’s legislature to stimulate research and development, new products, and services, said it has invested $709,011 in seven growing Maine businesses.

The funds leverage matching investments of $1.7 million from the companies, more than half of which are in the cutting-edge industries of life sciences and cleantech. Funding was awarded in the form of TechStart Grants, development loans, and equity capital funding in amounts ranging from $3,600 to $495,751.

Betsy Biemann, president of MTI and a 2012 Mass High Tech Women to Watch honoree, said the funding supports technology innovation development to bring products and services to market and grow companies in Maine.

“Some of these entrepreneurs are just getting their ideas off the ground, while others are further along the path of refining and commercializing their technologies and in the process, building promising companies and growing good jobs for Maine,” she said.

MTI’s TechStart Grant, Development Loan and Equity Capital Fund are components of the organization’s Business Innovation Program, which provides coaching and capital for Maine’s technology-based businesses. There is a requirement for at least a 1-to-1 match for funding and a competitive process for applications.

Winners of the TechStart Grants include O’Grady LLC of New Gloucester, Maine, which received $5,000 that it matched with $5,700 for business planning related to Advanced Products Co., a nonwovens, precision fabrication, and thermoplastics company looking to produce a range of composite materials and value-add products for the medical and various OEM industries. Also getting a TechStart Grant is Northeast Hearing & Speech Center Inc. in Portland, Maine, which got $5,000 (that it matched with $5,700) for alternative communication devices and communication therapy apps for iPads.

Another grant went to Brightwater Bay Science LLC in Portland, Maine, which received $3,600 (matched with $5,600) for business plan development and market analysis related to reducing the incidence of skin cancers and premature aging of the skin through product innovation and education. The project will focus on a plan for a sunscreen that incorporates several marine compounds, two of which are sustainably harvested in Maine.

Newfield Design Inc. in West Newfield, Maine received a development loan of $495,751 that it matched with $1.6 million to fund completion of a new product in the land mobile radio market. Newfield will manufacture and sell the Expandable Radio Control System, which will allow interoperability between disparate communication systems. The development is expected to bring significant job growth, according to MTI.

The University of Maine Process Development Center in Orono, Maine received a development loan of $99,660, matched with $113,000, to further develop and license its process technologies to produce a novel nanocellulose-based release paper in conjunction with its development partner, Stirling Consulting Inc. Nanocellulose is said to have benefits over other nanomaterials, including lower cost and low toxicity.

MTI made a $50,000 equity investment in Orono, Maine-based Cerahelix Inc., which is developing a DNA-based method for producing advanced nanofiltration membranes for water reuse and recycling. MTI participated with private investors and the Small Enterprise Growth Fund in this initial funding round totaling $205,000. Cerahelix has previously been awarded seed grants that funded the initial development of its technology. MTI also provided support for the Cerahelix Federal Small Business Innovation Research proposals through its Technical Assistance Program. Susan MacKay, founder of Cerahelix, was named one of the 2011 Women to Watch by Mass High Tech. The company was a finalist for the 2011 MassChallenge startup competition.

MTI also made a $50,000 equity investment in Bar Harbor BioTechnology Inc. in Trenton, Maine. MTI participated with private investors and the Small Enterprise Growth Fund in the initial round of funding, which totalled $200,000. Bar Harbor BioTechnology is a life sciences company that spun-out of the Jackson Laboratory. MTI has previously funded the company with $870,000 through two seed grants, a development award, an equity investment through the Accelerated Commercialization Fund, and a Maine Technology Asset Fund award.

Source : http://www.masshightech.com/stories/2012/03/26/daily22-Maine-Tech-Institute-invests-in-7-businesses.html

Small Business Grant | "BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS Tompkins Chamber receives $30,000 grant"

By : Ithacajournal.com
Source : http://www.theithacajournal.com
Category : Small Business Grant

ITHACA -- The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Community Service Society of New York through its outreach program to help serve the small business community through a new Small Business Assistance Program.

The Tompkins Chamber is one of 13 organizations that will form a statewide network to provide outreach and assistance to small businesses in their communities regarding access to health care and health insurance, according to a news release from the Chamber. Community Health Advocates, the Community Service Society's outreach program, operates a similar program throughout the state that helps individual consumers find and use health coverage and care.

"This grant will allow us to reach more small businesses across Tompkins County with accurate and timely information about health insurance and access to health care," Jean McPheeters, president of the Tompkins Chamber, said in a statement. "It's a great honor to be a part of this system and to help form the SBAP."

Source : http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20120327/BUSINESS/203270329/BRIEFLY-BUSINESS-Tompkins-Chamber-receives-30-000-grant?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cp

Small Business Grant | "SBA Announces Second Round of Grants Under State Trade and Export Promotion Program"

By :  U.S. Small Business Administration
Source : http://www.sacbee.com
Category : Small Business Grant

WASHINGTON, March 27, 2012 -- Agency Seeks to Increase number of Small Businesses Exporting, Value of Small Business Sales Abroad

WASHINGTON, March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration is inviting states and U.S. territories to apply for $30 million in grants that can be used in a variety of ways to help increase exporting by small businesses.  SBA began accepting applications on March 27.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110909/DC65875LOGO)

"Federal investment in small business exporting is already beginning to pay dividends in foreign sales and economic development, which translates into a stronger economy and job creation," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. "Through the STEP program, new-to-export and new-to-market firms are selling American products and services in markets all over the world. The future looks even more exciting - with key marketing initiatives ranging from South Korea, to India and the European Union. This year's grants will further help states assist small businesses enter and succeed in the global market."

The State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant initiative, launched under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, is a pilot grant program authorizing up to $90 million in grants to the states and U.S. territories over three years to help them increase the number of businesses that export, as well as the value of exports by small businesses.

In fiscal year 2011, the STEP program awarded 52 grants totaling $30 million. The average grant was for $577,000.

Each state, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and American Samoa may submit a single application under the program each year. Activities authorized include participation in foreign trade missions and market sales trips, subscription to services provided by the Department of Commerce, design of international marketing products and campaigns, export trade show exhibits, training, and other efforts aligned with program goals.

The STEP program announcement will be posted at www.Grants.gov on March 27, 2012. The application period will be March 27, 2012 through May 17, 2012. Awards will be issued by September 30, 2012. See more information at www.sba.gov/STEP.

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Contact: David Hall (202) 205-6697Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

Source : http://www.sacbee.com/2012/03/27/4370464/sba-announces-second-round-of.html

Small Business Grant | "V.I. exports surge in last full year of HOVENSA operations"

By : ALDETH LEWIN 
Source : http://virginislandsdailynews.com
Category : Small Business Grant

The latest data from the International Trade Administration shows an uptick in imports and exports to and from the territory in 2011 - positive economic growth for the Virgin Islands - but most of the activity came from the HOVENSA oil refinery.

HOVENSA announced it was closing the St. Croix refinery in January and ceased refining operations in February. While the facility will still be used as a fuel storage facility, no oil will be produced in the territory for export to the rest of the world.

The territory's merchandise exports rose from $1.9 billion in 2010 to $2.3 billion in 2011 - a 21 percent increase. During the same period, the United States saw a 16 percent rise in products sold to other countries.

In 2011, the Virgin Islands exported $782 million in goods to the Netherlands and $277 million to Canada.

Of the exports to the Netherlands, 92 percent was petroleum and coal products, according to the International Trade Administration. The remaining amount included chemicals and machinery.

All of the exports to Canada were petroleum and coal products.

Imports into the territory also rose, according to the federal agency.

In 2010, the territory imported $10.5 billion worth of goods. In 2011, that number grew to $12.2 billion. The territory's number one import was petroleum and coal products from Venezuela. Following Venezuela was Gabon, Azerbaijan, Norway, and Niger among many others - all exporting petroleum and coal products to Virgin Islands as well.

"Only a small fraction of all U.S. companies export, and of those that do, 58 percent sell to only one foreign market. There's plenty of room to grow more exports," Rachel Duran, International Trade specialist of the U.S. Commercial Service in San Juan, said in a prepared statement.

She said her office can assist the territory's government in its efforts.

Gov. John deJongh Jr. said his administration has worked to encourage and help local companies interested in exporting goods to foreign markets.

"The Virgin Islands has yet to truly realize the tremendous potential of international trade," deJongh said in a written statement.

DeJongh said exporting is not limited to manufacturing. Professional service providers, such as legal and accounting businesses, which are a traditional strength for the Virgin Islands, also can benefit from foreign markets, he said.

Several months ago, the Virgin Islands received a federal grant to study the export market, including how local companies can access it.

The Virgin Islands received a $489,646 State Trade and Export Promotion grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help small businesses develop and expand products for the foreign export market.

The STEP Grant program, administered by the V.I. Economic Development Authority, is a three-year pilot trade and export initiative authorized by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and funded by federal grants and matching funds.

The STEP Grant is designed to help small businesses grow and create jobs, increase their exporting activities and raise the value of exports for small businesses that currently are exporting their goods and services.

- Contact Aldeth Lewin at 714-9111 or email alewin@dailynews.vi.

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Source : http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/v-i-exports-surge-in-last-full-year-of-hovensa-operations-1.1290547#axzz1qIXKY4fC

Small Business Grant | "GenVec Awarded Grant for Antigen Discovery Project"

By : Market Watch
Source : http://www.marketwatch.com
Category : Small Business Grant

GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- GenVec, Inc. GNVC -1.51%  announced today that it has received a grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under Award Number R43AI100467 to support the company's malaria vaccine program.

"We appreciate the support this grant offers GenVec. Our technology to discover new antigens is showing promise and this grant will further our efforts in this area to identify novel antigens for malaria vaccine development," said Dr. Joseph Bruder, Director of Research and head of GenVec's malaria program.

This grant, valued at approximately $600,000 over two years, will be used to identify novel highly protective antigens for malaria vaccine development. The work under this grant will build on the research that was started under a Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) grant from the NIAID in 2009. GenVec will be collaborating with the U.S. Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) to apply its adenovector technology to the development of malaria vaccine candidates.

About GenVec

GenVec is a biopharmaceutical company using differentiated, proprietary technologies to create superior therapeutics and vaccines. A key component of our strategy is to develop and commercialize our product candidates through collaborations. GenVec is working with leading companies and organizations such as Novartis, Merial, and the U.S. Government to support a portfolio of product programs that address the prevention and treatment of a number of significant human and animal health concerns. GenVec's development programs address therapeutic areas such as hearing loss and balance disorders; as well as vaccines against infectious diseases including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), dengue fever, malaria, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In the area of animal health we are developing vaccines against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Additional information about GenVec is available at www.genvec.com and in the Company's various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Statements herein relating to future financial or business performance, conditions or strategies and other financial and business matters, including expectations regarding funding, grants, collaborations, revenues, cash burn rates, the development of products and the success of the Company's collaborations, including with Novartis and Merial, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. GenVec cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or historical experience include risks and uncertainties, including the failure by GenVec to secure and maintain relationships with collaborators; risks relating to the early stage of GenVec's product candidates under development; uncertainties relating to research and development activities; risks relating to the commercialization, if any, of GenVec's proposed product candidates; dependence on the efforts of collaborators and third parties; dependence on intellectual property; currently unanticipated expenses, and risks that we may lack the financial resources and access to capital to fund our operations. Further information on the factors and risks that could affect GenVec's business, financial conditions and results of operations, are contained in GenVec's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available at www.sec.gov . These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and GenVec assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements.

Source : http://www.marketwatch.com/story/genvec-awarded-grant-for-antigen-discovery-project-2012-03-26

Small Business Grant | "Silverthorne offers business grants"

By : Janice Kurbjan
Source : http://www.denverpost.com
Category : Small Business Grant

Silverthorne is accepting applications for its new business grant program, an initiative meant to grow local business' economic success.
The town relies on sales tax revenue to provide town services and amenities and small businesses are key, a statement from the town said. The business grant program is one part of a broader strategy, recently developed and implemented, to grow business in Silverthorne.
Silverthorne officials have set aside $60,000 to fund the 2012 business grant program, which allows businesses to apply for up to $10,000 to fund projects that fall into one of two categories: site enhancements or economic developments.
Guidelines and rules for both project types are available by contacting Silverthorne Town Hall.
Get more mountain news at SummitDaily.com


Source : http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_20257385/silverthorne-offers-business-grants

Small Business Grant | "SBA now says CNMI ineligible for STEP grant"

By : Saipan Tribune
Source : http://www.saipantribune.com
Category : Small Business Grant

The CNMI Department of Commerce announced yesterday the unfortunate news received from the Office of International Trade under the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The notice from OIT received yesterday, immediately following a teleconference between representatives of OIT, SBA and CNMI Commerce, stated that the STEP Grant Program is cancelled and stressed that the Commonwealth will not be eligible to apply for future STEP awards as well, pursuant PL 111-240, §1207.

Effective immediately, all activities and/or expenditures under the CNMI STEP Grant Program are hereby cancelled. All affected individuals and/or agencies are encouraged to contact the Department of Commerce at 664-3044 for any comments and/or concerns.

Commerce Secretary Sixto K. Igisomar clarified that the CNMI was indeed not qualified to apply for the STEP grant, but was later classified as a qualified applicant following discussions by Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan.

“I want to express my gratitude to the grand accomplishments of our vibrant CNMI STEP Team for getting the STEP grant up to speed at full force, which includes CSD director Perry Inos Jr., ABTC director David Maratita, MVA's Perry Tenorio, Judy Torres, and the staff at CDA,” said Igisomar. “This grant allowed us to thoroughly review our export status and provide a mechanism that we can later duplicate for our small businesses if given the proper resources.”

Igisomar also noted that the OIT representatives did assure him that they will look at other available resources to better assist the CNMI with respect to similar programs under the STEP.

Inos said it was a “great disappointment to have learned of the loss of such an opportunity for CNMI small businesses, but we will still work with the CNMI's Small Business Development Center to assist small businesses to be export-ready with the resources SBDC offers despite the circumstance.”

Maratita, who in part assisted in the initial application of the STEP grant, added, “While the SBA expressly regrets any disruption that this action may cause, the only amicable solution to this matter is for U.S. Congress to amend Public Law 111-240, §1207, or the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, and include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as an eligible state to apply for the STEP program. During the initial stage of the STEP grant announcement, this very concern was brought to the attention of [Delegate] Kilili.”

Maratita added that a letter dated April 19, 2011 was received from OIT stating the SBA's definition of 'State' under the Code of Federal Regulations, 2 CFR Part 225 (OMB Circular A-87), Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments, which defines “State” as any of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States. The letter further stated that since the Northern Mariana Islands fit well within the meaning of “State”, there is no need to modify the STEP program announcement in order to qualify the CNMI to apply. Therefore, through the same letter, the SBA's OIT extended its invitation and encouraged the CNMI to apply for the STEP program.

“However, in our teleconference this morning with SBA officials, their legal department revisited the law and concluded that the STEP program legislation identified with specificity the eligible recipients and did not include the CNMI,” added Maratita.
Therefore, as a result, the CNMI STEP grant program has been cancelled. This matter has also been referred to the AG's Office for further review.

The STEP program is a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration that was awarded to the CNMI Department of Commerce last September. This program was to provide assistance and services through SBA resource partners to eligible small businesses in the CNMI.  The program aims to increase the number of small businesses that are exporting, and increase the value of exports by small businesses. However, the STEP Program, under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 defines eligible State as Several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam. (DOC)

Source : http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=117612

Small Business Grant | " Web big for small businesses"

By : Dick Lindsay
Source : http://www.berkshireeagle.com
Category : Small Business Grant

DALTON -- Four years ago, Aleisha Gibbons thought a website -- not a storefront -- would help her successfully launch Berkshire Organics.

Although Gibbons knew she lacked "Internet savvy," the now-33-year-old Dalton resident created a site on her own that allowed her customers to order baskets of locally and regionally produced organic foods online.

Today, Berkshire Organics has 300 delivery customers, employs two full-time and eight part-time employees, and works with more than 50 farms to bring their goods to market.

Aleisha's husband, Brian, left his full-time job at a local apple orchard to help his wife run the business.

In addition, the business relies on outside professionals to update and enhance its website. Since 2009, on an as-needed basis, the Gibbonses say they have paid an undisclosed fee to Aaron Altshuler, a local consultant with OnSite Tech Services, for website improvements and troubleshooting.

Aleisha Gibbons is one of the many local small-business owners who depend on the electronic media as an integral part of reaching out to consumers.

She started Berkshire Organics in May 2008 with produce from farmers in Western Massachusetts and Eastern New York. Gibbons initially collected their goods and brought them to her Dalton home. There, she would arrange them into delivery baskets that her customers had ordered online and deliver them throughout the county.

By the end of the summer of 2008, Berkshire Organics had grown from 35 customers to nearly 100. Gibbons realized she needed commercial space with more refrigeration. First she moved the operation to a former flower shop on Main Street. The following May, the business relocated again to Burgner's Farm Products on Dalton Division Road, where it now occupies 1,500 square feet -- more than half of the building's space.
The retail market sells the same items that customers can purchase online.

"[The store] puts a face to the name," she said. "We get people in that otherwise wouldn't know about us."

While opening a market was the next logical step for her business, Gibbons said that creating a website was the right first step for Berkshire Organics.

"There's no way we would have the store without the delivery service first," she said. "It was a way to build a customer base.

"I don't think we would have grown as quickly as we did without the website."

A website has become a basic necessity for anyone's business plan, according to Keith Girouard, director of the Berkshire regional office of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network in Pittsfield.

"Pretty much every small business in Berkshire County has one," he said.

However, Girouard says employers must be prepared to spend the time and money to constantly improve their online presence. In addition they must constantly invest in the maintenance or upgrade of their computer hardware and software.

"There is a learning curve for any new program or technology," he said. "Employers need to allow time to work out the glitches and get training for their employees."

For Jim Benson, who owns both Mission Bar & Tapas and the Ybar in downtown Pittsfield, social media is the best way for his clientele to keep tabs on what's going on in those North Street nightspots.

"Word of mouth has always been and always will be the best form of advertising, and Facebook and Twitter are a different way to do it," he said. "Everybody has what they need in their hand (through the use of mobile devices) to be a customer at Mission Bar and Ybar."

But this heavy reliance on technology comes at a price -- especially when an in-house computer system or an ever-important website crashes.

Berkshire Organics, which relies solely on the Internet for delivery orders, found this out the hard way.

"We had one day last year when our site was down for 24 hours and we couldn't figure out what went wrong," Aleisha Gibbons said.

Nevertheless, Gibbons said she finds it more efficient to receive orders online rather than taking them over the phone.

"Ordering through our website saves me 10 hours each week, giving me more time to handle the rest of the business," she said.

While many new and well-established small businesses have embraced the latest communication technology, some find a simple computer and a cell phone is all they need.

David Consolati, a self-employed contractor for 26 years, said he more frequently uses his computer to prepare job descriptions for his clients. But the Lee businessman said his cell phone has become indispensable, because he's more often at job sites than in the office.

"I'm in constant contact all day with homeowners and vendors, which is a good thing," he said. "But it can be a bad thing to, if I'm being interrupted trying to finish my work."

To reach Dick Lindsay:
rlindsay@berkshireeagle.com,
or (413) 496-6233

Building

a better website

Aaron Altshuler, a computer consultant with Pittsfield-based OnSite Tech Services -- which designed the current website for Berkshire Organics (www.berkshireorganics .com) -- lists five basic aspects of a successful business website:

n Keep it simple

n Think like a consumer

n Market your site once it's live

n Make payment processing easy

n Make yourself stand out from the pack

Source : http://www.berkshireeagle.com/ci_20250788/web-big-small-businesses?source=most_viewed

Small Business Grant | "Libby announces run for Lewiston House seat"

By : Sun Journal
Source : http://www.sunjournal.com
Category : Small Business Grant

LEWISTON — Nate Libby has announced his candidacy for the Maine House of Representatives in District 73.

The district includes the neighborhoods surrounding St. Mary's Regional Medical Center and Bates College, along with the Sunnyside, Webster Street, College Street and lower Sabattus Street neighborhoods.

Libby, 27, serves on the Lewiston City Council representing Ward 3, the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council and Lewiston's Community Development Block Grant Committee. He is the past director of the Maine Small Business Coalition, a nonprofit small business advocacy group.

Self-employed, Libby works as a property manager, carpenter and political consultant.

Libby's top three areas of interest include: supporting and strengthening Maine's small, independent business community through targeted tax credits and expanding small business loan programs; expanding access, lowering costs, and improving the quality and outcomes in Maine's health care system; and fighting for Lewiston's fair share of resources and revenue from the state.

“For the last couple of years, the Legislature has seemed more concerned with pushing an ideological agenda rather than coming up with real solutions to help Maine people who are struggling,” Libby said. “I will bring new energy and a new perspective to Augusta, and, most importantly, I will be a fierce advocate for the people of my district and for the city of Lewiston.”

Libby is a graduate of Bates College, with a degree in history and economics, and of Skowhegan Area High School. He is married to Andrea and has a 3-year-old son, Jude.

Source : http://www.sunjournal.com/news/city/2012/03/26/libby-announces-run-lewiston-house-seat/1172573

Small Business Grant | "Solano County leaders will share accomplishments from grant"

By : MELISSA MURPHY
Source : http://www.thereporter.com
Category : Small Business Grant

A two-year grant given to Solano County from the state has stimulated economic activity in the area, according to county officials.
A public hearing Tuesday before the Board of Supervisors will share the accomplishments of the $300,000 State Community Development Block Grant. The grant, received by the county in 2009, expired in December.

Additionally, the county will hold another public hearing to discuss submitting a new application to receive $400,000 in block grant economic assistance funds to be used for the Microenterprise Assistance Program and the Business Assistance Program for the cities of Benicia, Dixon, Rio Vista and Suisun City and unincorporated Solano County.

Services provided by the programs, funded by the grant, include providing low- to moderate-income businesses with training and counseling services.

The services provided are related to business startup basics, business planning financing, marketing, basic bookkeeping, hiring employees and other small business topics necessary for current and prospective business owners to succeed and grow their businesses.

The accomplishments after more than 262 hours of counseling services, according to staff, include 12 news jobs created at five businesses, 10 jobs retained at seven businesses, five clients started business activity and four businesses reported increased sales activity.

Using the Microenterprise Loan Program, Chepo's Tamales and Groceries in Elmira was awarded $50,000 to enable the business to meet U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements to expand its wholesale tamale sales.
Meanwhile, the county is now in the position to apply for a new grant worth $400,000. The county's goal is to continue its effort with the Solano College Small Business Development Center to stimulate the economic activity in Benicia, Dixon Suisun City, Rio Vista and the unincorporated areas of the county.

The application, which must be submitted by April 6, requests $277,500 for the assistance services and $92,500 for the business assistance loan program. The grant also provides for $30,000 in general administration funds to offset the cost of county staff time.

The Solano County Board of Supervisors meets at 9 a.m. in the County Government Center, 675 Texas St., Fairfield.

Source : http://www.thereporter.com/news/ci_20252224/solano-county-leaders-will-share-accomplishments-from-grant

Small Business Grant | "Spartanburg County Council to hear about small business help"

By :  Andrew Doughman
Source : http://www.goupstate.com
Category : Small Business Grant

A new resource for small businesses will be presented before the Spartanburg County Council at its meeting today.

A representative from the Spartanburg-area Small Business Development Center plans to brief the council on the services the center offers.

The re-opening of the center, which is sponsored through Clemson University, represents another resource for potential entrepreneurs.

A small business incubator created through the local Economic Futures Group was announced in December.

“Whether you’re BMW or you’re a mom and pop operation just trying to get off the ground, Spartanburg is a place to do business, and we’re going to help you any way we can,” said councilman David Britt, chairman of the council’s economic recruitment and development committee.

The presentation includes information about the center’s programming, which includes presentations in Spartanburg about finance, credit, taxes and other aspects of starting a small business.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the county council chambers of the county administration building at 366 N. Church St.

Council members also plan to address funding levels for the local Community Development Block Grant Program and Home Investment Partnerships, review updates to the current fiscal year’s budget, as well as hear reports about the county’s libraries and tourism efforts.

Council might also discuss and adopt a resolution regarding a Spartanburg County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan as well as adopt resolutions for mutual aid between the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and other nearby county sheriffs’ offices.

Source : http://www.goupstate.com/article/20120325/articles/203261001

Small Business Grant | "Startups bouncing back in the Springs"

By : WAYNE HEILMAN
Source : http://www.gazette.com
Category : Small Business Grant

THE GAZETTE
Startups are making a comeback in Colorado Springs.

A dearth of funding during and after the 2008 financial crisis left entrepreneurs in the Springs and many other cities unable to turn ideas for new products and services into businesses that one day could grow into major employers. Venture capital funds have bypassed the Springs for more than three years.

But the startup drought is ending, said Jan Horsfall, a top local entrepreneur and organizer of Startup Colorado and SpringsStartup.com, statewide and local groups of entrepreneurs helping each other solve problems with their businesses.

“The capital providers had to heal after the financial crisis, and now they are starting to come back into the market and finance startups,” Horsfall said. “Now it is a buyer’s market for investors, but I think we are on the back end of that kind of market. Once private equity and corporate money come back into the market, we will see another boom in startup funding. There are a lot more good startups here than we give ourselves credit for.”

The latest crop of local startups is dominated by technology companies, such as Stinky Kid Math, an online site designed to help struggling students improve their math skills, and HTML5.com, an application marketplace for electronic devices using any operating system.

HTML5.com, which already has a commitment for venture capital funding and is seeking more, could be the city’s next startup success story, Horsfall said.

“HTML5.com is a big and powerful idea. It is a classic case of an inventor with a big idea, and it is the kind of idea you would expect to see in the (San Francisco) Bay area or in the Route 128 corridor (near Boston),” he said.

Here’s a look at four local startups:

Stinky Kid Math

Todd Matia started Stinky Kid Math early last year to offer a remedial math teaching system he developed for middle and high school students online after plans to publish a book about the system fell through.

Matia, a pre-engineering and math teacher at Sand Creek High School, came up with the system five years ago while teaching a class for other teachers offered during summer sessions at the University of Minnesota. He had planned to write a book and had secured a federal grant with the help of former U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., but the funding for the grant disappeared during the financial crisis.

“I was teaching this math refresher course for other teachers and using a lot of algebra as part of the curriculum, but we found that teachers weren’t getting it,” he said. “I developed a system based on algebraic movement, which helps people understand the order in which things move in an algebra equation and makes math much easier to understand. I had the book nearly done when the grant fell through.”

Matia instead got approval to use the system in Falcon School District 49, including in his classes at Sand Creek High School. The program was so successful in the first two years that Matia couldn’t offer enough sessions for all the students who needed it. So he began looking for ways to offer the program to larger groups of students. .

Counselors at the Colorado Springs Small Business Development Center helped Matia turn his idea into a business. They helped him write a business plan, taught him the basics of human resources and business strategy, finance and accounting, helped him find an attorney, gave him marketing ideas and found him a Web developer. In all, Matia worked with eight counselors at the center before launching Stinky Kid Math in November.

Matia financed the business with $110,000 in investments by several friends and co-workers that he used to produce 350 video pre-algebra, algebra and algebra 2 lessons with modules on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The lessons were filmed at locations around the Springs and in Denver.

Access to StinkyKidMath.com costs $39.99 a month, but the monthly cost is lower if parents buy a nine-month membership for $249.99, Matia said. The site has about 40 users on a test basis, with sales slated to begin by the end of April; there’s a target of about 500 users by the end of the second year, he said.

MovinGal

Janet Corniel started MovinGal out of frustration: She moved 11 times in 16 years with her husband as his job with Ford Credit sent them around the country and across the Atlantic Ocean to England.

Corniel started MovinGal as a blog in 2010 to give advice to families making moves; it was a way to gauge demand for the online service she envisioned and build a following and a recognizable brand through social media. She launched a test version of the MovinGal.com website in mid-2011.

“After moving so many times, I felt there had to be a better way for people to move and settle into a new location,” Corniel said. “Six months after you moved in and built a support network, the Welcome Wagon people show up and by then they are useless. You end up staying up all night trying to find a pediatrician and school for your kids and a dry cleaner for your clothes — all those things your real estate agent doesn’t tell you about.”

The site allows users to type in a single U.S. address and get lists of movers, schools, utility providers, churches, medical practices and facilities, entertainment, other service providers and nearby military installations, all of which can be stored online. The site offers a premium service for military families, real estate agents and relocation coordinators that gives information on multiple addresses and allows those users to label the service with their own brand.

Corniel has financed MovinGal with $35,000 of her own savings plus about $5,000 she earned in revenue from her blog. She is negotiating with an investor who would help her market the company and website. She is seeking to raise about $300,000 to help her expand into coupons from some of the providers listed on the site and to add features such as allowing users to calculate their commute to work.

“If there is a place for Angie’s List, there is a place for us,” she said. “We could eventually expand globally because there is a huge gap for relocation information internationally.”
Corniel spent most of her career in transportation and urban planning, including with planning giant URS and engineering giant Parsons Brinckerhoff as well as the London Underground subway system.

QRlette

Ian Lee, Nick Lee and John Stewart want to quit their day jobs.

The three founders of Tins.ly hope to raise enough money that they can devote full time to making the QRlette a hit among smartphone applications. They hope the small codes will quickly replace QR codes used by many businesses and other organizations to create Web links for smartphone users because QRlette codes can send users to multiple Internet locations in a pre-defined order.

“We are building a bridge between the virtual and the physical worlds for brands to engage with consumers,” Ian Lee said. “Consumers are less likely to scan a QR code because it only goes to one place — it doesn’t add much value. QRlettes can send users to up to 15 places and in any order the business or brand specifies while also allowing businesses create, manage, track and update QRlettes.”

The three created the company under the name Engage LLC as a social media consulting firm for small and midsize businesses, but soon found the local market was flooded with social media consultants. They switched the company’s focus to creating the QRlette product as it searched for a product or service that it could develop and later sell quickly and inexpensively.

Tins.ly is targeting marketing agencies to sell packages of codes with five QRlette codes selling for $9.99 a month and a package of 50 codes for $49.99 a month, but an individual or business wanting one code can get it free.

Ian Lee forecasts that the company will generate $1.5 million in revenue this year and plans to build a local staff of up to 10 people during the next year.

Tins.ly’s founders are trying to raise $100,000 to boost marketing for the QRlette codes as well as developing the next generation of the code. Lee said the company doesn’t need much financing because it has no employees and keeps its expenses minimal.

HTML5.com

HTML5.com is just 8 months old, but the company already has a $2 million commitment from a California-based venture capital fund to help launch its applications marketplace for smartphones later this year.

The company wants to be the open-source marketplace for software developers to come up with applications that can be used with any electronic device connected to the Internet using any operating system, founder and CEO Charles Mason said. Consumers today are forced to buy applications a second time when they buy a new device that uses a different operating system.

“We will be competing with all of the major players in the mobile industry who operate their own app stores, including Apple, Google and Microsoft, but our advantage is they are all closed ecosystems. Consumers are caught in a battle like the Betamax-VCR format war decades ago. We tell them they don’t have to take sides,” Mason said. “This market generates between $1 billion and $3 billion in annual revenue today and is expected to generate $35 billion by 2016.”

HTML5.com was started by Mason, a former technology director for advertising giant Leo Burnett. He hopes to land another $3 million in venture funding within two months to build and launch the marketplace and could hire as many as 350 people locally for customer and technical support and other positions within a year.

The company won a contest at the Consumer Electronics Show in January in Las Vegas, which helped it gain a higher profile as well as attract the interest of venture capital funds, Mason said. He has invested some of his savings in the company, but is  skipping a step most startups follow by not seeking midsize investments from wealthy individuals called “angel investors.”

Source : http://www.gazette.com/articles/springs-135713-startup-businesses.html

Small Business Grant | "Crowd-funding sites pay off for pinched entrepreneurs"

By : Amanda Dolasinski
Source : http://www.pittsburghlive.com
Category : Small Business Grant

A dash of parsley, a little less vinegar and maybe a smidge more garlic.

Joey Zitzelberger spent days experimenting with seasonings until he got it right.

It was the perfect blend for the plump meatballs that soon would be smothered in bold buffalo, sweet habanero chili, creamy Alfredo and whatever wild sauce Joey thinks of next.

Once he and his wife, Sabrina, polished their menu, they didn't go to a bank for a loan they knew they couldn't get. They headed online to post a video, hoping to attract support for their dream restaurant — an eclectic meatball shop somewhere in the Pittsburgh area.

"Our credit isn't the greatest," Sabrina said. "This wouldn't have happened without Kickstarter — at least, not now."

Like thousands of other pinched entrepreneurs, the Zitzelbergers used what is known as a "crowd-funding website" to go after the money they needed for their restaurant. Two months and $10,426 later, the Zitzelbergers are getting ready to sign a lease in Sewickley.

Entrepreneurs, inventors and artists turned to crowd-funding websites, such as Kickstarter, Peerbackers and IndieGoGo, when bank funding dried up. The websites have become a solution for small businesses shut out of getting bank loans, Jerry Ross, executive director for the National Entrepreneur Center, based in Orlando, Fla., said.

"Ninety-three percent of the businesses in Florida have less than 10 employees and that's true for about the whole country," Ross said. "Small businesses didn't get stimulus money, so they're dying from a lack of capital — and that's the same group that produces all the jobs."

Currently, there are 21 Pittsburgh projects — ranging from a custom-art skateboard company to an app that would allow a user to edit 3-D animation and motion graphics across multiple platforms — on Kickstarter. Since Kickstarter's 2009 inauguration, 131 projects have raised $789,000 in the Pittsburgh area.

"It's a great way for a small businesses to get access to the capital they need to stay in business," Ross said. "Anything we can do to accelerate a business from a first stage to a second stage, you get an exponential increase in jobs."

It's a much different experience than going to a bank for a loan.

"What you would have to do in a (traditional) situation, you have to go to someone with a lot of expertise who grills you," said Dennis Galletta, professor of business administration at the University of Pittsburgh. "This is something that might intrigue people that might not be so sophisticated."

Even Congress is paying attention.

The Entrepreneur Access to Capital Act, targeting crowd-funding websites to make starting up businesses easier, is on its way to the Senate after sweeping through the House 407-17.

The bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, would allow those seeking funds on crowd-funding sites to raise up to $2 million without providing financial records to their backers. It eliminates the need to file paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which can be complex and costly for startup businesses with limited capital.

McHenry could not be reached for comment about the measure.

When Mike Kane, co-owner of cellpig.com in Latrobe, needed to establish a customer base for the company's new cell phone case, he turned to Kickstarter.

"It can be kind of scary to buy an insured product basically off a mom-and-pop shop on the internet," he said. "We thought Kickstarter would be a great way to show this is a legitimate product."

In seven days, the cellpig.com team hit its $10,000 goal. When the allotted 30 days ended, they collected $19,080.

The uncertain economy has heightened the competitiveness for grants.

That's a void that Peerbackers, a crowd-funding site focused on inventors and entrepreneurs, hopes to fill. When it started, five to 10 business would post each day; now, more than 25 are posting, co-founder Andrew Rachmell said.

And even more people — with disposable incomes — are cruising the website to fund the hottest new inventions.

"We're probably getting several thousand hits a day from backers," Rachmell said. "If an entrepreneur goes to get a loan, they're sort of at the mercy of the bank. You have to have a certain credit score, you have to have a certain amount of assets the bank can collect if you default ... now your success or your failure is in your own hands."

Crowd-funding websites typically set a time limit to raise funds, and most charge a platform fee to post the project.

Kickstarter stresses "rewarding" backers in lieu of returns on investments. A backer earns a reward that the entrepreneurs deem equal to the donation each makes from a tiered scale. For example, a $10 donation for Joey Z's meatballs gets those backers a free sandwich and fries.

Kickstarter only sends the money if the goal is met; others like Peerbackers will send the entrepreneur whatever is raised during the allotted time.

But meeting funding goals is easier said than done.

Only about half of the projects posted to Kickstarter reach their goals. Peerbackers' success rate hovers around 20 percent.

In order to be successful, Rachmell said he encourages entrepreneurs to send out social media blasts to connect with friends and complete strangers.

"An entrepreneur must be proactive," he said. "A lot of entrepreneurs think they can post on a crowd funding site, sit back and collect the money — that's not the case."

Artists, inventors and entrepreneurs don't seem to be intimidated by the odds. Kickstarter alone is on track to distribute more than $150 million to projects this year — $4 million more than the National Endowment of the Arts.

It's an admirable accomplishment, but can't entirely replace government grants, said David Seals, spokesman for the Pittsburgh Arts Council. For starters, one-time cash donations can't keep up with regular salaries or lease payments, he said.

Instead, Seals said he is seeing artists using Kickstarter to complement funding they receive in addition to grants and other donations. The council awarded $203,000 to 99 recipients last year, he said.

"The one weakness I see is, there's no one looking out for people who don't have money," he said. "If people are voting with their money, (then) people who don't have money don't have a way to make sure art is happening in their communities. That's where state art funding comes in."

A sample of past successful local Kickstarter projects includes a panoramic video lens for iPhones ($169,209), reflective bicycle strips ($8,380) and a mobile breast-feeding bus for mothers who are shamed for breast-feeding in public ($15,577).

A speciality organic market ($12,776) , two bee hive apiaries ($1,076 and $3,695) and a pop-up Indie book store ($3,853) were approved community projects.

Remember 10-year-old Jackie Evancho who wooed listeners with her big voice on America's Got Talent? The Pittsburgh native raised $1,000 from Kickstarter for an album in July 2010.

Even the Toonseum, in Downtown Pittsburgh, turned to Kickstarter for help. The cartoon museum raised $3,141 in September 2011.

"This is a platform where communities rally around ideas," said Justin Kazmark, spokesman for Kickstarter. "It's not like you walk into Wal-mart and buy something off the shelf. You can meet the maker. There are creative people all over the place in Pittsburgh and you can connect with them directly."

Source : http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_788211.html

Small Business Grant | "THUMBS: NETC partners with Continuum to give back"

By : MORNING NEWS
Source : http://www2.scnow.com
Category : Small Business Grant

Thumbs up to Northeastern Technical College, college president Dr. Ron Bartley, and Continuum Performance Systems and its president Brady Turley for a recent initiative designed to encourage area entrepreneurs. The NETC Entrepreneurship Development Fund is accepting applications from NETC students and alumni for seed money grants, as well as hands-on guidance from business and marketing experts to help them achieve success and create jobs with their business ideas.

“We have many hardworking, intelligent people here who, if given the opportunity and guidance, could become successful small business owners,” Turley said. “Small businesses have the staying power to grow our communities and create rewarding jobs.”

Continuum established the NETC Entrepreneurship Development Fund when Turley wanted to “give back” a $25,000 grant he received from the State Department of Commerce to assist in the establishment of the Cheraw branch of his software company. He partnered with Northeastern Technical College to establish the NETC Entrepreneurship Development Fund to set the foundation for future entrepreneurs and business growth in Chesterfield, Marlboro and Dillon counties.

Turley, who is from Killingworth, Conn., said he was grateful for the willingness of county and state leaders to work together to bring his business to the community, when he began expanding it in Cheraw several years ago.

Continuum Performance Systems Inc. is a Connecticut-based software company that provides software to health insurance companies. Continuum opened a new programming office in Cheraw in 2010,

“Northeastern Technical College, the county and the state went above and beyond for Continuum, and it was very much appreciated – not just by me, but also by the people whose lives were changed by the jobs created here at Continuum,” said Turley. “The Entrepreneurship Development Fund is Continuum’s way of saying thanks and giving back to the community by helping others to build businesses that will create jobs. Continuum hopes to see this grass roots effort grow into many opportunities for creating better lives and meaningful jobs.”

The grant is open to students enrolled at NETC and to NETC alumni. An application can be completed and submitted online by going to NETC’s website: www.netc.edu. Applications are being accepted through June 15. Applicants are also required to submit an executive summary describing their business. A sample executive summary is available on the application website.

The NETC Entrepreneurship Development Board has been created to screen applications and select finalists who will be invited to present their ideas and business plans to the board. The board will use information gathered during the presentations to select the grant award recipients.

Continuum has pledged an additional $25,000 to match other donations to assist in the growth of the Entrepreneurship Development Fund for annual award opportunities.

“This is just the beginning of many success stories,” NETC’s Bartley said. “I am issuing a challenge to other local businesses, groups and organizations to contribute to the grant fund and share in Continuum’s vision for creating successful entrepreneurs and increasing jobs in Chesterfield, Marlboro and Dillon counties.”

 Thumbs up to Lee Freeman, owner of Florence’s Print Image Solutions. Freeman was named the 2012 Small Business Person of the Year by the Florence Chamber of Commerce at its recent Outlook Luncheon. Freeman is a native of Darlington and a graduate of St. John’s High School and Chowan University in North Carolina, where he was honored as the Most Outstanding graduate in Printing Technology. He has 30 years experience in the printing and marketing industry. Professionally, Freeman has served on several boards, including president of the Carolinas Chapter of NAQP. He is also currently serving on the board of the Florence Men’s Choral Society and Billie Hardee Home for Boys as Chairman. And, he has served on the board of the Florence Rotary and currently an active member of that club.

Source : http://www2.scnow.com/news/2012/mar/24/thumbs-netc-partners-continuum-give-back-ar-3467026/

Small Business Grant | "Small Businesses Gain New Contracts, Grow Business"

By : Financial
Source : http://finchannel.com
Category : Small Business Grant

The FINANCIAL -- Fifteen large corporations announced that thousands of small businesses have a new way to do business with them, giving them access to the $300 billion that these corporations spend annually on goods and services. Small businesses, which are catalyst for the U.S. economy now have access to the supply chains of these 15 corporations by introducing them to a free Web site called Supplier Connection. This portal is similar to the Universal College Application, where a potential vendor need only fill out simplified forms once to be considered for many types of contracts for goods and services.  Through the platform, small businesses can offer their goods and services to many large enterprises with the goal of winning contracts, growing their business and creating jobs.

The website was created and is maintained by IBM through a grant of more than $10 million from the IBM International Foundation. “A recent national study revealed that within two years of winning a contract with a large company, small businesses doubled their workforce. Clearly by streamlining access to large company spending, we can help more small businesses create jobs,” said Stanley S. Litow, IBM Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and President of its Foundation. “By reducing complexity and offering access to spending by a group of large companies, Supplier Connection will help small businesses grow and improve their bottom line. The clear benefit to large companies is the access to the creativity and innovation of small businesses.”

Currently there are nearly 1,000 small businesses registered in the Supplier Connection program with more than 250 large company buyers actively searching for potential suppliers across 20 categories. One small business that has found success using the platform is Bottini Fuel, a provider of heating oil, propane, heating and air conditioning services based in New York’s Hudson Valley. Seeking to expand their commercial sales channel, small business owner Rick Bottini joined Supplier Connection to take advantage of the streamlined application process. Bottini Fuel became a new supplier to IBM’s operations in Poughkeepsie, New York providing fuel and service to power 24 backup power generators used at the 400-acre site where IBM’s mainframes are developed and manufactured.

"Becoming a supplier to a global business like IBM is something most small businesses envision as a daunting task," said Rick Bottini, Owner of Bottini Fuel based in Wappingers Falls, New York. "Using Supplier Connection we were able to establish a relationship with IBM and respond to their request for competitive bids in a timely manner. Having access to a powerful tool like Supplier Connection levels the playing field for a small business while helping save us valuable time and resources."

According to IBM, small business owner, Kurt Peterson, joined Supplier Connection less than one year ago and recently secured a contract through the Supplier Connection portal. “It is a resource that U.S. small businesses need,” said Peterson, president of Puritan Press, a printing and publishing company based in Hollis, New Hampshire. “With Supplier Connection, Puritan Press can now have increased visibility by the procurement offices of large corporations. Now, with a win through Supplier Connection, we look forward to increasing our revenue, strengthening our long-term business strategy and possibly expanding our employee base to meet business demands.”

Recognizing the possible impact this program could have on job growth among small businesses, Supplier Connection has doubled the number of large businesses in the initiative. New large companies to the consortium include: AMD , Caterpillar , Dell , Facebook, John Deere , JP Morgan, Kellogg Company , Office Depot , and Wells Fargo . These companies join founding members of the group: AT&T , Bank of America , Citigroup , IBM , Pfizer and UPS . Currently, the members of Supplier Connection purchase more than $300 billion in goods and services annually through their global supply chains.

The Supplier Connection program is a free program for both small businesses and large businesses. In addition to its one-stop registration capabilities, the portal enables small suppliers to learn from, collaborate with, and partner with each other so that they can become more competitive and successful in a bid with a large company.

Source : http://finchannel.com/Main_News/Tech/106141_Small_Businesses_Gain_New_Contracts,_Grow_Business_/

Small Business Grant | "Missouri River Bluffs Association helps small-business owners connect"

By : LAURA D'ANGELO
Source : http://www.columbiamissourian.com
Category : Small Business Grant

COLUMBIA — Even professional beekeepers Art and Vera Gelder get stung once in a while at Walk-About Acres, a family farm that focuses largely on using bees to produce honey.

Walk-About Acres is a business member of the Missouri River Bluffs Association, which has helped promote small businesses and other local organizations in or near the Missouri River corridor over the past two years. The association's members include wineries, bed-and-breakfast inns, small farms, restaurants, retailers, artisans, historians and individuals in five Missouri counties: Boone, Callaway, Cole,Moniteau and Osage. Nancy Grant, vice president of the group, said it is a geographically diverse group of businesses and people who are trying to make a living and provide enrichment for the area.

Boone County member Walk-About Acres is not just a honeybee farm. It also raises peacocks, pigs, rabbits, emus, chickens, geese, turkeys and goats. The honeybees, however, are probably the most fascinating creatures the farm has.

Walk-About Acres owner and operator Vera Gelder said if you would have asked her 20 years ago what a honeybee is, she would have said, "Well, they make honey, and, you know, they're bugs. What else do you want to know?"

Now she is able to answer her own question.

Vera Gelder said that one honeybee makes one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime. It would take 556 honeybees their whole lives to visit more than 2 million flowers and fly more than 55,000 miles to make just one pound of honey.

"Fifty-five thousand miles is like twice around the world, and like I tell the kids: 'How would you like to walk that every day to get your food?'"

Walk-About Acres offers field trips for groups from preschoolers to senior citizens. It also offers beekeeping classes and sells diverse products, such as  beekeeping equipment and honey ice-cream.

Vera Gelder said the Missouri River Bluffs Association, which is a not-for-profit organization, works hard to get the word out about businesses such as hers.

"Its been beneficial networking with other members, but to go ahead and say that it's been bringing in more business, I can't make that statement yet just because it's so new," Vera Gelder said.

Grant said the organization meets every other month and encourages car tours about twice a year to member businesses.

Longfellow's Garden Center in Centertown hosted the most recent meeting. Grant said members got a tour of the garden center, potted some plants, met for lunch at Tammy's Restaurant and shopped at Centertown Antiques — all of which have been involved in the association.

Grant said networking and promoting other member businesses will help establish a distinct identity for the Missouri River Bluffs Association.

Vera Gelder said Walk-About Acres has sold honey, pork, goat meat and other products at the Columbia Farmers' Market, which is also part of the association, for the past eight or nine years, but will not be selling there this year.

"Our definition of local is approximately 55 miles as a bird flies," farmers market director Caroline Todd said. "That's why it's a good fit with our Columbia Farmers' Market because all of our producers come from a 54-mile radius."

The market opened Saturday at its outside location, the Activity and Recreation Center parking lot.

"A farmers market is an incubator for small businesses," Todd said. "Most vendors can come to a farmers market and start a business for less than $1,000, and I think that's really important in today's economy with people trying to find work."

Todd said that the cutoff date for new vendors to join the Columbia Farmers' Market is April 1.

Epple Haus Bed & Breakfast, about 20 miles southwest of Hermann, is also a member of the Missouri River Bluffs Association. The bed-and-breakfast inn has been in business for more than 10 years.

"It's a secluded, comfortable, country-living setting," host Arlen Schwinke said.

Schwinke said he is confident that once the association establishes a website, Epple Hause Bed and Breakfast will see more business.

Grant said the Missouri River Bluffs Association is developing a website and it is looking to recruit new members. There are about 40 members now.

"I think the organization has a lot of possibilities," Schwinke said.

Source : http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2012/03/25/mrba-helps-promote-small-business-efforts-mid-missouri/

Small Business Grant | "Cuomo team to hit road for small business help"

By :  The Associated Press  
Source : http://www.newsday.com
Category : Small Business Grant

QUICK READGov. Cuomo sends team of agency heads to meet with, help small businesses statewide
(AP) -- A team of state agency administrators are headed to meetings statewide to help small businesses grow.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is announcing the small business outreach initiative and has set several dates for meetings.
The state officials will be from the areas of economic development, labor, taxation and worker's compensation. Agencies that license business such as liquor stores will...

Source : http://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/cuomo-team-to-hit-road-for-small-business-help-1.3619081

Small Business Grant | "Small-business outreach planned"

By :  Casey Seiler
Source : http://www.timesunion.com
Category : Small Business Grant

ALBANY — The Cuomo administration will send a team of officials from at least six agencies — including the departments of State, Labor, Taxation and Finance, Empire State Development, the State Liquor Authority, and the Workers Compensation Board — to every region of the state over the spring and summer to talk about rules and state initiatives intended to help small businesses.
The program, dubbed NY Open for Small Business, is part of the state's economic development efforts. One of the first sessions will be held in the Capital Region, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at Schenectady County Community College, 78 Washington Ave. in Schenectady.
"This program is all about creating jobs because when small businesses do well, New York does well," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. "It's important for us to get out of the office and go into communities to see how we can help anyone who wants to start, grow or improve a business, and that's what this program will do."
Each workshop will be conducted with input from local chambers of commerce.
The sessions are an attempt to answer questions from small businesses on issues such as regulations and licensing; obtaining and filing tax forms; hiring employees; and becoming certified as a minority- or women-owned business — a sector of state contracting that Cuomo has vowed to expand.
For more information on the sessions and the initiative, visit the administration's website, http://www.NYOpenforSmallBusiness.com. Business owners and organizations interested in learning more about or getting involved in the Small Business Outreach Initiative should contact smallbusinessinfo@exec.ny.gov.

Source : http://www.timesunion.com/business/article/Small-business-outreach-planned-3428292.php

Small Business Grant | "Lawsky, business groups push for health exchange"

By :  Casey Seiler, Capitol bureau chief
Source : http://blog.timesunion.com
Category : Small Business Grant

Hoping to move the push for a state health insurance exchange back into public consciousness amid this month’s flurry of other issues, Department of Financial Services Superintendent Ben Lawsky unfurled a host of endorsements of the concept by small business, insurance brokers and health insurers.

Lawsky and company want “immediate” passage of language, which was included in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s budget proposal, to create a state exchange. A new emphasis is being placed on what might be seen as a neo-state’s-rights argument: “If the legislation is not passed now, the federal government will run the exchange and New York will not be able to make important decisions about how it operates and who it serves,” the DFS release states.

Cuomo and the Democrat-controlled Assembly reached an agreement last summer which apparently had the blessing of some moderate Senate Republicans, but resistance from others in the Senate majority, who view the exchange as part and parcel of “Obamacare,” blocked it as the year wound down. Some in the Senate GOP want to wait until the Supreme Court rules on the federal health care reform act, although supporters of the exchange concept say it’s unlikely the court would go so far as to gut the portion of the law calling for their creation.

From the DFS release:

“Affordable health insurance is one of the top issues for businesses, especially small business. New York’s more than 400,000 small businesses are our engines of growth, generating two-thirds of all new jobs. Helping those businesses grow will improve the entire state’s economy. This should not be a Republican or Democratic issue — it’s about jobs,” Superintendent Lawsky said. “If New York waits any longer, the federal government will impose an exchange not tailored to the needs of our small businesses and consumers. Certification for the state exchanges begins in mid-2012 and we must be able to demonstrate we can run it by January 2013. If we don’t start building ours immediately, we will have a federal exchange in 2014.”

Last year, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, and the Senate and Assembly agreed to compromise language to create the exchange. The language in this year’s budget reflects that agreement. But the Senate, which agreed to create the exchange last year, has not included it in its budget this year.

The federal government will operate exchanges for states that do not create their own. That means the exchange and its jobs could be located outside New York. More important, a federal exchange may not be the best design for New Yorkers. New York requires minimum benefits and prohibits insurers from charging higher premiums to seniors and small businesses with older employees. A federal exchange operating in New York may provide fewer health insurance benefits, while charging older New Yorkers higher premiums.

“This issue is too important to too many people and businesses to let it be scuttled by politics in an election year. Let’s pass the exchange now, to help New York’s small businesses thrive and create jobs to lead our economic recovery,” Superintendent Lawsky said.

Chuck Steiner, Chair of Chamber Alliance of New York State (CANYS), which represents chambers of commerce around the state, said, “As negotiations continue related to the establishment of a Health Insurance Exchange in New York, CANYS supports the creation of a public authority that would have oversight of the exchange in New York State. We encourage the involvement of chambers of commerce, business associations and brokers as a means of distributing products within the exchange.”

Benjamin Geyerhahn, director of special projects, Small Business Majority, a small business advocacy organization, said, “Healthcare premiums are spiraling out of control and insurance plans are getting more complicated every year. As proposed, the New York health insurance exchange would reduce premium costs and make it easier for small businesses to purchase healthcare insurance. The State should seize this historic opportunity to provide relief to New York’s small businesses. Unfortunately, the Senate’s inaction will force federal regulators to seize control of the New York exchange, which no one wants.”

Paul F. Macielak, president & CEO, New York Health Plan Association, a health insurance trade association, said, “HPA and its member plans support the establishment of a New York exchange versus one developed under a federal model. Health plans have been a partner in the state’s efforts to increase access to affordable health insurance for New Yorkers and a state exchange allows New York to control its own destiny as we continue working toward that goal.”

Andrew F. Biernat, President, New York State Association of Health Underwriters, which represents brokers who sell health insurance, said, “We ask that all of our State’s legislators act quickly and pass legislation that will allow us to move forward in creating a New York State Health Insurance Exchange. The Empire State has always been a leader and innovator in providing our residents with quality health insurance that takes into account our State’s unique needs. If legislation is not passed soon, the Federal Government will step in and create a Health Insurance Exchange for New York, without taking into account the complexities and uniqueness of the New York State insurance marketplace.”

Vincent C. Ashton, President & CEO, HealthPass New York, which provides health insurance options for small businesses, said, “Small businesses and individuals in New York State are trapped in unaffordable, confusing and dysfunctional health insurance marketplaces that threaten their health, livelihood and future. They desperately need a Health Benefits Exchange designed by New Yorkers to meet the needs of New Yorkers, not a Federal Exchange designed to meet the needs of the mythical ‘average American’, and which is likely to be hobbled by compromise in order to insure that one size fits all states.”

A health insurance exchange will offer a choice of reasonably priced health insurance policies. Individuals and small businesses will be able to compare rates, benefits and the quality of competing plans in an open and transparent marketplace — thus encouraging insurers to offer more competitive prices and plans. And federal tax credits will help consumers and small businesses pay for coverage.

The exchange will feature a Small Business Health Options Program, which can act as a human resources department, helping employees make choices and enroll, and collecting premiums to send to insurers. Small employers can set a defined contribution toward employees’ coverage, and employees can choose from a broader range of plans.

Some opponents have raised the issue of costs, but New York State will not use any of its own funds to create or operate the exchange. Federal grants are available to support the exchange through December 2014, when under federal law, the exchange must be self-sustaining whether run by the state or the federal government. New York has already received $88 million in health exchange federal grants.

Source : http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/121900/lawsky-business-groups-push-for-health-exchange/