Small Business Grant | "Entrepreneurs vie for small business awards."

By : Jenny Lee 
Source : http://www.vancouversun.com 
Category : Small Business Grant 

Patrick Levesque and Jamie Beuthin will not be biting their nails as they wait to find out whether they’ll win a Small Business B.C. Successful You award.

MASC, their men’s skincare and grooming products business, is a finalist in Small Business B.C.’s newest award category, best online marketer. Winners will be announced Feb, 28 at the Successful You awards in Vancouver which will feature Trevor Linden as keynote speaker.

Levesque and Beuthin have created more than 200 YouTube videos in which they discuss men’s skincare, grooming, and highlight current trends and products. They have more than 1,300 Facebook fans, 900 Twitter followers and more than 275,000 views on YouTube.

Also new this year will be a community impact category. The four other award categories are include best company, best concept, best employer and best green business. Companies nominate themselves, then use their social networks to secure votes. Judges then select the top five finalists in each category to present a 10-minute pitch before the winners are chosen.

The 9th annual Successful You awards takes place Tues, Feb 28, 5-8 pm at the Pan Pacific Vancouver and is open to the public. Trevor Linden is the keynote speaker. For information, visit www.successfulyou.ca.

Best Concept: On The Rocks Ice – Vancouver; Lovey’s Body Products – Tsawwassen;Urban Foliage – Vancouver; EightSix Network – Vancouver; The Juice Truck – Vancouver.

Best Company: Vij’s Restaurant Inc – Vancouver; Williams and White – Burnaby; Idea Rebel – Vancouver: Discovery Trekking Outfitters Ltd. – Campbell River; AspenClean – Vancouver.

Best Employer: Williams and White – Burnaby; Eclipse Awards – Vancouver; Nurse Next Door Home Care Services – Vancouver

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards – Oliver; The Elements Society – Vancouver.

Best Green Business: Pemberton Valley Lodge – Pemberton; Gibsons Recycling Depot – Sunshine Coast; Clover Earthkind Hair Salon – Vancouver; Green Coast Rubbish – Vancouver; Debrand Services Inc. – Vancouver.

Best Online Marketer: CanadianNanny.ca – Nanaimo; Raspberry Kids – Vancouver; MASC – Vancouver; True Cuddles Inc. – Vancouver; TradableBits Media Inc. – Vancouver.

Best Community Impact: Forum for Women Entrepreneurs – Vancouver; Dance With Me Studio – New Westminster; Kids Physio Group – Vancouver; Lux Jewels – Vancouver; Amuse Consulting Inc. – Vancouver.

Source : http://www.vancouversun.com/life/fashion-beauty/Entrepreneurs+small+business+awards/6206156/story.html#ixzz1nTpzU8bD

Small Business Grant | "US DOE awards $26.4 million for small business R&D projects"

By : Platts.com 
Source : http://www.platts.com 
Category : Small Business Grant

The US Department of Energy on Tuesday announced it has awarded a total of $26.4 million in funding to 142 small businesses to support energy research-and-development projects.

"These small businesses are working to develop new technologies to bring to the marketplace, creating new jobs and potentially new industries here in America," Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement.

The projects range across the energy spectrum, from wind-turbine-analysis software to algae biofuel engineering to a high-performance magnets for fusion-energy systems.

Projects receive a range of funding, up to $150,000, through phase I of DOE's Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. Projects that successfully test their concepts could be eligible for phase II, which provides up to $1 million to develop technologies at the prototype- or pilot-project scale.

The programs were established to help small companies move technology innovations from the lab bench to the marketplace. DOE has long struggled with commercializing technologies developed at its national laboratories, and last year expanded the use of the SBIR program.

By law, agencies such as DOE that have large R&D budgets must set aside a small percentage of their spending to fund R&D at small businesses through the SBIR and STTR programs. The small business would retain the rights to developments and are encouraged to commercialize their discoveries.

Source : http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews/RSSFeed/ElectricPower/6976362

Small Business Grant | "Federal grant awarded to Optimal Solutions "

By : South Bergenite
Source : http://www.northjersey.com 
Category : Small Business Grant 

New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC) Business Accelerator client Optimal Solutions Inc. has been awarded a Phase 1 $150,000 Small Business Innovation Research grant by the U.S. Department of Energy. Optimal Solutions, an IT and engineering consulting firm, develops customized software applications to improve efficiencies in complex manufacturing processes.

Optimal Solutions will use the federal funding awarded last month to begin work on new, Web-based products that would allow a large number of small and medium-sized companies to access its technology, which is currently available only to a few large businesses.

"The NJMC is excited to see Optimal Solutions recognized for its innovation and hard work in helping companies maximize their manufacturing operations to reduce costs and increase profits," said Marcia Karrow, executive director, NJMC. "By growing its own business at the Accelerator and helping others to prosper, Optimal Solutions is playing an important role in promoting economic growth in the Meadowlands District and throughout New Jersey."

Nearly 1,000 early-stage businesses applied for the highly competitive SBIR Phase 1 grant. Optimal Solutions was one of just 156 companies to receive funding and will be eligible to apply for a Phase II grant in December of 2012.

Optimal Solutions was founded in 2009 and joined the Accelerator in 2011. The company's technology and software tools, said a company spokesperson, bring mathematical and computer support to their clients' decision-making processes to reduce energy usage, optimize manufacturing variables, increase profitability and decrease products' time to market. For more information on Optimal Solutions, visit www.osiopt.com.

"The grant opportunities that we have been exposed to and the strategic business training we have received from the NJMC Business Accelerator have greatly expanded our access to new markets and growth opportunities," said Vijay Hanagandi, founder and chief technology officer of Optimal Solutions. "We are thrilled to be affiliated with the Accelerator and look forward to continuing to grow our business."

The NJMC Business Accelerator provides resources that may otherwise be unaffordable or inaccessible to early-stage businesses. Services include one-on-one mentoring, business planning and marketing assistance, networking opportunities, support in identifying grant opportunities and writing grant proposals, and professional and affordable office space in Lyndhurst.

Source : http://www.northjersey.com/news/business/announcements/140108213_Federal_grant_awarded_to_Optimal_Solutions_.html

Small Business Grant | "Neustar & National Small Business Association Team Up To Promote .Biz"

By : Michael H. Berkens 
Source : http://www.thedomains.com 
Category : Small Business Grant 

According to a press release out today, Neustar, Inc., the operator of the .biz registry announced a partnership today with the National Small Business Association (NSBA) to  promote .Biz domains.

“Recent research by 1&1 Internet shows that many small businesses still don’t have a website”

“In today’s world, doing business online is a critical component of any small-business strategy,” said NSBA President and CEO Todd McCracken. “We are pleased to be working with Neustar in connecting small businesses with .biz.”

“Recent research by 1&1 Internet shows that many small businesses still don’t have a website,” added Jim Rogers, vice president marketing, Neustar Enterprise Services. “In fact, 54 percent of businesses with fewer than 10 employees and annual revenues of less than a million dollars do not have a website. With recent studies showing that 85 percent of consumers use the Web before they buy, it is essential for small business owners to have an online presence. “

“According to 1&1 Internet, 80 percent of businesses with a website say that having one is “essential.” NSBA—an early adopter of the .biz domain—has partnered with Neustar to spread the word about both the importance of being online to boosts business growth, as well as thinking outside the box of traditional domains.”

Source : http://www.thedomains.com/2012/02/23/neustar-national-small-business-association-team-up-to-promote-biz/

Small Business Grant | "State receives $26 million federal grant for Minnesota-made insurance exchange"

By : St. Paul 
Source : http://hometownsource.com 
Category : Small Business Grant 

Gov. Mark Dayton announced that the state has received a $26 million grant to continue the design and development of a Minnesota-made health insurance exchange.

An exchange is a marketplace where Minnesota consumers and employers can find, compare, choose, and purchase health care coverage that best fits their personal, family, and business needs. The funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will be administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

“This grant provides the resources to continue the design and planning for technical infrastructure, program integration, operations, and outreach for a Minnesota made exchange,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “It will further support ongoing work with all stakeholders to design an exchange that meets the unique demands of Minnesota’s consumers, businesses, and health care marketplace.”

Minnesota has less than 11 months until a key deadline. States must demonstrate their own health insurance exchanges will work by Jan. 1, 2013, and make their exchanges available to consumers by Jan. 1, 2014. If the state does not do the work necessary to achieve certification by the end of this year, the federal government will impose a one-size-fits-all solution on Minnesota.

Minnesota received two initial exchange planning and development grants in February and August 2011. Since then, the Commerce Department, in partnership with the departments of Human Services and Health, has engaged a variety of stakeholders – including consumers, employers, insurers, agents, navigators, health care providers, and legislators – to advise on analytical, operational, and technical infrastructure planning for an exchange. This new grant provides resources to continue that collaborative work.

Source : http://hometownsource.com/2012/02/23/state-receives-26-million-federal-grant-for-minnesota-made-insurance-exchange/

Small Business Grant | "Local firms get grants for new energy technologies"

By : Anthony Clark 
Source : http://www.gainesville.com 
Category : Small Business Grant 

Two Gainesville companies are among 142 nationwide to receive grants for small businesses to conduct research on new energy technologies, the U.S. Department of Energy announced Tuesday.

Accelerated Data Works was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research grant and Sinmat won a Small Business Technology Transfer grant.

Each of the grants is worth up to $150,000 for the companies to test the feasibility of their technologies over the next nine months, after which they could be eligible for research and development grants of up to $1 million.

Accelerated Data Works provides broadband, data center and website hosting services. The company is testing software to integrate existing network management systems for more efficient operations.

Sinmat makes products used to manufacture semiconductors. In conjunction with Ohio State University, it is testing a chemical mechanical polishing process for synthetic diamond crystals that will help miniaturize computers and electronic appliances.

The 142 companies were awarded up to $26.4 million for 180 projects out of nearly 1,000 proposals as part of the Obama administration’s Startup America Initiative designed to improve the nation’s energy security, economy and global competitiveness, the energy department said in a news release.

Source : http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120223/ARTICLES/120229754/1109/sports?Title=Local-firms-get-grants-for-new-energy-technologies

Small Business Grant | "EDPPlus Grant Helps Hot Springs Business Owner Purchase and Expand an Existing Business"

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

A $25,000 Economic Development Program Plus (EDPPlus) grant was awarded by Southern Bancorp Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) to help aspiring entrepreneur Hazel Dillehay accomplish her dream of owning a small business.

Ms. Dillehay purchased Hot Springs Medical Rentals during the summer of 2011 with financial assistance through Southern Bancorp Bank. With assistance from Brad Taylor, senior vice president at Southern Bancorp Bank, Ms. Dillehay was approved for a loan from Southern Bancorp, which was funded by an Economic Development Program (EDP) advance from FHLB Dallas. She also qualified for an accompanying $25,000 EDPPlus grant to assist with purchase and start-up costs.

The EDP provides favorably priced advances to FHLB Dallas member institutions, such as Southern Bancorp Bank, to support economic development and community revitalization projects that qualify by location, income, or targeted services. If a member institution is approved for an EDP advance, the member's customer may then be eligible for an accompanying EDPPlus grant. EDPPlus grants are noncompetitive and available on a first-come, first-served basis to promote and enhance small business development and job creation in underserved areas or to underserved populations. FHLB Dallas has made available $1 million in EDPPlus grant funds in 2012.

"The EDPPlus program allows Southern Bancorp to inject additional cash into local businesses, which makes them potentially more profitable," said Mr. Taylor. "We are always happy to help small businesses when the opportunity arises, and this program can have a significant impact in helping business owners with start-up expenses."

Within the first two months of operation, Ms. Dillehay expanded her product offerings and hired three additional employees. Hot Springs Medical Rentals distributes hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, electric scooters, back braces, uniforms for hospital personnel, and diabetic supplies. Ms. Dillehay has also extended the hours of operation to include Saturdays, which she said is essential for busy hospital personnel who often shop at her store for uniforms and supplies.

"I tried to start a similar business years ago, but just didn't have the capital to get it up and running," said Ms. Dillehay. "When the opportunity arose to purchase Hot Springs Medical Rentals, the EDPPlus grant gave me a huge advantage financially, rather than trying to build the business from the ground up like I did last time. Within the first six months, the business has taken off, and we are growing faster than I ever imagined. I feel very blessed to have received such support from Southern Bancorp Bank in order to get started."

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 12 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $31.4 billion as of September 30, 2011, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to more than 900 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. For more information, visit the FHLB Dallas web site at fhlb.com.

Source : http://www.marketwatch.com/story/edpplus-grant-helps-hot-springs-business-owner-purchase-and-expand-an-existing-business-2012-02-21