This workshop is targeted to individuals who are interested in starting their own business or have recently started a business operation. The program addresses describing your business, legal forms of ownership, developing financial projections, and the importance of industry and market research.

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Congratulations, Brian!

The Board of Trustees of Leadership Medina County has selected Brian Walters, MBA, CBA, to participate in the Leadership Class of 2010. Leadership Medina County is a non-profit civic education and leadership development organization. Brian is a Certified Business Advisor for the Ohio Small Business Development Center at the Summit Medina Business Alliance, Inc. in Akron.


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*********FYI.......


The 2010 Census will present Central Ohio funders with a once-in-a-decade opportunity to make a tremendous impact on the well-being of the people they serve. The census is important because every year the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to local, state and tribal governments based on census data. If the numbers are inaccurate, then the impact on local service providers could be huge.

In central Ohio, the stakes are particularly high. For every 100 people not counted, a community loses an estimated $1.2 million in federal funds for programs such as Medicaid, social services block grants and vocational education, according to Nonprofits Count, Seven Things Any Nonprofit Needs to Know About Census 2010.The loss of such funding makes efforts to overcome challenges such as out-migration, foreclosures and poverty even more difficult.

Please encourage everyone you know to participate in the upcoming census.


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Winter/Spring Entrepreneurship and Small Business Series




Anita Campbell Knows What's in Store for Small Business...


The nationally respected and oft-quoted authority on emerging trends in small business, Anita Campbell, will offer her insights into the trends driving today’s small business market in a presentation at the Hudson Library & Historical Society on Wednesday, February 3rd at 7 p.m. as part of the library’s 2010 Winter/Spring Entrepreneurship Series.

Ms. Campbell is the CEO of Small Business Trends LLC, a media and information company. In that role she closely follows trends in the small business market and trends in technology. She is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Small Business Trends (http://smallbiztrends.com), an award-winning online publication. In 2005 and again in 2008 the site won the Forbes “Best of the Web” distinction for small business blogs. The site also has been highlighted or profiled in the Wall Street Journal (2007), on MSNBC’s “Your Business” show as Website of the Week, twice in the New York Times (2005 and 2008), and was a CODIE 2007 Finalist.

A respected speaker and emerging trends resource, Ms. Campbell’s expertise has been noted or her opinion quoted in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, Inc Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, CIO Magazine, Entrepreneur Radio, BusinessTVChannel.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, San Francisco Chronicle, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Akron Beacon Journal, Boston Globe, CRM Buyer, and countless trade publications, websites, podcasts and more.

Ms. Campbell also hosts “Small Business Trends Radio,” where she interviews other small business experts, and is a part-time instructor at the University of Akron. Ms. Campbell holds a B.A. from Duquesne University and a J.D. from the University of Akron Law School. She also completed the Leadership at the Peak Program at the Center for Creative Leadership, and the Executive Program at the University of Michigan Business School.

To register for this free program, call 330.653.6658, ext. 1010 or email askus@hudson.lib.oh.us.

NEXT UP:

Rebecca O. Bagley, President and CEO of NorTech, will discuss “Growing Northeast Ohio’s High-Tech Economy” on Wednesday, February 17th at 7:00 p.m.


Ellen Smith
Head of Reference & Adult Services
Hudson Library & Historical Society
96 Library Street
Hudson, OH 44236
330-653-6658
www.hudsonlibrary.org


For a full schedule of upcoming Hudson Library events, please visit
Hudson.lib.oh.us.



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2010 QUICKBOOKS SERIES - January 2010


Basic QuickBooks classes - (next series of workshops is in the planning stage)

The course is designed to teach how to use QuickBooks software to maintain financial information. Accounting topics will be discussed as they relate to understanding QuickBooks. While an accounting background is not necessary for this training, this training should not be considered a substitute for basic accounting training.

Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. A seat in the class is reserved when payment of $100 (for all four sessions) is received. Checks should be made out to Summit Medina Business Alliance. Payment in full must be received before first class begins to ensure ample seating and materials. There will be no refunds or adjustments for missed classes. All classes are held from 4 pm to 6:30 pm.

Location: The PC Lab, 7th floor
Akron Global Business Accelerator
526 South Main St.
Akron, OH 44311

To register, call 330.375.2111, or email info@akronsbdc.org.

Sponsor: Ohio Small Business Development Center at the Summit Medina Business Alliance.
Jim Griggy, CBA - Instructor


Jan.25, 2010
Lessons 1 & 2 - Getting Started and Setting Up QuickBooks

Feb. 1, 2010
Lessons 3 & 4 – Working with Lists & Working with Bank Accounts

Feb. 8, 2010
Lessons 5 & 6 – Using Other Accounts In QuickBooks & Entering Sales Information

Feb. 22, 2010
Lessons 7 & 8 – Receiving Payments and Making Deposits & Entering and Paying Bills


Watch our website for future QuickBooks workshops!


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Numbers Demystified - 2010 Schedule

All too often small business owners receive a set of financial statements from an accountant or bookkeeping service, an untrained employee or directly from an accounting software package without the benefit of any analysis of what the numbers actually mean. Later, they are surprised by events that could have been foreseen if they knew how to look at their own financials.

This two-hour presentation demonstrates some basic analysis techniques using meaningful comparisons and financial ratios.


January 20, April 21, June 23, September 22
4 pm to 6:30 pm
Workshop to be held at:
Akron Global Business Accelerator
Mezzanine Floor (9th floor)
526 S. Main St.,
Akron, OH 44311

Presented by: Jim Griggy, Certified Business Advisor

Please RSVP by phone to 330.375.2111, or by email at info@akronsbdc.org



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THE FOLLOWING TWO ARTICLES WERE TAKEN FROM THE BUSINESS SECTION OF THE AKRON BEACON JOURNAL


1. FREE TAX INFO AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

The IRS reminds taxpayers that it provides free publications, forms and other tax materials and information. Free help is available on the IRS webite, by phone, at local IRS offices, and at many community locations.

At the website http://www.irs.gov, one can access free tax information. At 1040Central on the Individuals page, one can obtain forms, instructions, and publications, learn about IRS e-file, determine your eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit, read about the latest tax changes, and find answers to frequently asked questions.

in the Online Services section, one can access numerous applications to help with your taxes, including Free File, the IRS Withholding Calculator, the Alternative Minimum Tax Assistant, the EITC Assistant, and more. one can also check the status of one's refund by clicking on "Where's My Refund?"

Filers also may call the IRS Tax Help Line for individuals at 80.829.1040 to get answers to federal tax questions.



2. HOME BUSINESSES QUALIFY FOR TAX BREAKS

websites to visit:

Bankrate.com
http://bankrate.com/brm/itax/tips/20010321a.asp
Features requirements for home-office deductions and where to claim costs.

Internal Revenue Service
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index
Select "Small Business and Self-Employed 'Filing Season Central'" to access information.

Investopedia
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/08/home-office-tax-deduction.asp
Lists criteria for home-office deductions.

Startup Nation
http://www.startupnation.com/pages/articles/home-based-business-taxes.asp
Discusses home-based business write-offs.





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IRS e-News for Small Businesses: a Time Saver for Small Businesses and the Self-Employed



IRS e-News for Small Businesses offers small businesses and the self-employed a real time-saver. e-News is a bi-weekly newsletter that alerts them to what’s new, hot and important for small business owners to know. It’s quick to read, easy to subscribe – and it’s free.



e-News for Small Businesses is the IRS’s e-newsletter for businesses with specialized content consisting of:

· Important upcoming tax dates for small businesses

· What’s new for small businesses on IRS.gov

· Reminders and tips to assist small businesses with tax compliance

· IRS news releases and special IRS announcements

· Direct links to a variety of Web sites and resources

· Availability of IRS products, services, and training opportunities

Businesspeople may also want to take a look at other IRS e-newsletters:

IRS Tax Tips – tax information via e-mail from the IRS daily during the tax-filing season and periodically the rest of the year


Retirement News for Employers – information about current developments and upcoming events within the retirement plan arena; issued periodically during the year
Subscribe to e-News for Small Businesses on IRS.gov at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=154825,00.html or other IRS e-newsletters at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/content/0,,id=103381,00.html, click on the newsletter title, click on “Subscribe Now” and enter your e-mail address.



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For more information on other events in Summit and Medina Counties, please visit http://MedinaCountyEvents.com, and http://SummitCountyEvents.com


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DISASTER CONTRACTING


If you are a small business wanting to assist in cleanup in the aftermath of a disaster, you need to do the following:


FIRST STEP

Register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) at www.ccr.gov. The FEMA Disaster Response data base collects its information in the CCR. Once you have accessed the website, go to “Help” link on the top of the page and read the CCR Handbook. It will tell you all the information you will need to register. To begin your registration go to the CCR Home page and select “Start a New Registration” on the left hand side of the page.


After you complete the required elements, go to the Disaster Response page (see “Optional Information” on the left had side of the page). FEMA established its Debris Removal Contractor Registry (DRCR), specifically for state and local governments to use to identify and pre-qualify available debris removal contractors. All vendors interested in doing business with FEMA should send an e-mail to FEMA-Industry@dhs.gov.


Small Business should also complete SBA’s Supplemental Page at the end of the registration.


CCR Customer Service Contact Information
Toll-Free Phone Number 1-888-227-2423
CCR Email: ccr@bpn.gov
Hours of Operation are 9 - 5 (EST) Monday - Friday. Voice mail messages will be taken if all lines are busy; all calls will be returned.


SECOND STEP:


The Army Corps of Engineers also has its Disaster Resource Contractor Registry at http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/DisasterEquip/ (firms must also be register in CCR). The Corps of Engineers has developed this contractor registry for assistance with their disaster response mission. The Corps of Engineers uses its engineering and contracting capabilities to support FEMA and other Federal, State and local government agencies in a wide variety of missions during natural and man-made disasters.

Information in this registry will be used by Corps of Engineers offices that are looking for specific goods or services during emergencies. Submission of information is voluntary. Information will be considered For Official Use Only within the Federal government. Submission of information to this registry DOES NOT expressly or implicitly commit the Federal government to procurement of products or services

For any questions regarding the Army Corps Contractor Registry, please email disasterresponsereg@lrl02.usace.army.mil.


OTHER RESOURCES


FEDBIZOPPS

Once you have registered with CCR, you can go to http://www.fedbizopps.gov. This is the single government point-of-entry for Federal government contract opportunities over $30,000. Managed by the General Services Administration, FedBizOpps allows businesses to sign up for e-mail notification of open contracts related to specified fields. At the website, on the right hand side, under Related Links, click on “Vendor Notification Services”, which will allow you to receive email alerts by contract number, classification or all contract notices.


You can reach the FedBizOpps Help Desk by clicking on the “Help Desk” link on the bottom of the FEDBIZOPPS web page, calling 877-472-3779 or sending an email to fbo.support@gsa.gov.

The Help Desk is open between 8am and 6pm EST (M-F).


Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) form a nationwide network of procurement professionals dedicated to providing you: www.aptac-us.org

An understanding of the requirements of government contracting, and the know-how to obtain and successfully perform federal, state and local government contracts.
At little or no cost, PTACs provide a wide range of assistance covering every phase of government contracting – from initial registrations through contract completion.


Small Business Development Centers: Offer One-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety of information and guidance in local, easily accessible branch locations. http://www.sba.gov/sbdc/sbdcnear.html



For any other contracting opportunities, please contact the state, county, or other local municipalities in the area that you would like to do business in, to find out what is available and what their requirements may be.

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SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Akron, Ohio June 1, 2006

The City of Akron and Summit County have joined with The Summit Medina Business Alliance (SMBA) to improve the environment for Akron's small business community.

The Summit Medina Business Alliance, Inc. (SMBA) has been incorporated to support the economic development of the region by drawing upon academic, government, private and public resources to help the region grow and improve. The SMBA will also serve as a central resource facility to foster innovation and continuous improvement of business and the development of the region through consulting, training, technology transfer and resource exchange between business, higher education and government.

This new non profit corporation will be the host for the Akron Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in their delivery of business consulting services. The City of Akron and Summit County have provided funding for the SBDC currently housed in the Akron Global Business Accelerator (formerly known as the Akron Industrial Incubator). The Akron SBDC is also supported by grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD). The support given through such funding does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of any of the co-sponsor(s)' or participant(s)' opinions, products, or services.

This cooperative effort between the City of Akron, Summit County, and The Summit Medina Business Alliance is a significant milestone towards expanding the region's ability to support the growth of small businesses and increase jobs, says Director, Mary Ann Jasionowski. The SBA reports that small businesses generate 60% to 80% of net new jobs in the nation annually.

Our highly professional staff will initiate and maintain contact with Summit and Medina county start-up and existing businesses to provide management assistance and educational programs to aid in the identification and solution of business problems.
Our full-time counselors, Mary Ann Jasionowski, Brian Walters, and Jim Griggy, are available to consult and train entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The Akron SBDC is located at 526 S. Main St., Suite 813, Akron, OH and can be contacted at 330-375-2111 or by email at info@akronsbdc.org.



“The Small Business Development Center Program of Ohio (SBDC) is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBDC program is also funded in part by the Ohio Department of Development. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the Ohio Small Business Development Center at the Summit Medina Business Alliance, 526 S. Main St., Ste. 813, Akron, OH 44311; phone 330.375.2111.”