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YouTube $10,000 App Challenge to Better Connect Businesses with Government -
Today, in conjunction with the newly-launched BusinessUSA initiative, the Department of Commerce announced the launch of their business app challenge. The $10,000 contest challenges app developers to find innovative ways to utilize Commerce and other publicly available data and information to support American businesses. The business app challenge calls on developers to utilize at least one Department of Commerce data set in creating an application that assists businesses and/or improves the service delivery of Business.USA.gov to the business community. Developers may choose the platform that best suits them. Applicants may design for the web, personal computer, mobile handheld device, or any platform broadly accessible to the open Internet. A list of developer-friendly data sets can be found on the Business Data and Tools page of Data.gov.
Guide to Doing Business in India -
India is a story of growth and opportunity. India’s sustained growth of around 8.0% in 2009-10 and growing dynamism in several of its regional markets have created wide and diverse business prospects for U.S. exporters and investors. With 2011 growth estimates hovering at around 8.6%, India remains one of the fastest growing, dynamic economies in the world.
The current economic downturn has not affected India to the same extent as the United States, though most Indian companies remain apprehensive and are extremely cautious with large expenditures. Worldwide economic difficulties notwithstanding, U.S. multinationals are sold on India and are expanding and deepening their market penetration. U.S. firms with advanced and niche-market products and services are entering the market for the first time, or are replacing legacy distributors appointed in the slow-growth past with more capable and aggressive representatives.
Many smaller American firms have begun to view India as a top anchor market for their products and services as well. The marked rise of U.S. exports to India, the daily business press announcements, the rapidly expanding demand for Commercial Service India matchmaking programs and due diligence services, and the many business development trade missions visiting India all point to India being open for business.
Customers Demand Green -
Green dry cleaners, Green energy. Green puppy food. Green car washes. Green wall paints. Green grease removal.
Green: it’s everywhere. It’s taught in the first grade. It’s at the center of many corporate manufacturing and marketing policies. And whether you believe in climate change or still have doubts, consumers are now demanding GREEN.
Adopting environmentally friendly and energy efficient business practices provides numerous benefits to new and existing small business owners looking to control costs, attract customers and become socially responsible. Non-toxic, recycled, organic, energy efficient, reused, eco-friendly, farm-to-table: these terms, and others, all help define the fast-growing green market.
So what can you do as a small business? Remember, that regardless of what options you choose, each one of them should and must be connected to your marketing strategy and company messaging. If you adopt energy efficiency practices, let your customers know; if you are committed to local agriculture, let them know, and if your product contains recycled by-products, let them know. Four out of five consumers say they are still buying environmentally friendly products and services today – which sometimes cost more – even in the midst of a recovering economy.
The Value of a Marketing Plan -
“Before beginning, plan carefully.”
The philosophy of the great Roman Orator Cicero is just as appropriate in today’s small business environment as it was in the political arena of the Roman Empire. A sound and well thought-out marketing plan is an essential part of a firm’s ability to compete in today’s marketplace. In spite of this, many small businesses take a disorganized or haphazard approach to their marketing efforts and, as a result, fail to capitalize on opportunities to sell more of their products and services.
Why do so many take this half-hearted approach? Many believe it stems from the nature of the entrepreneur, who thrives on action and being intrinsically involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. Planning is seen as a non-active effort and therefore does not provide the same stimulus as being involved in producing and selling a product and/or service.
The process of creating a marketing plan involves three steps:
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An analysis of the firm’s internal and external environments;
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A decision on a “Unique Selling Point” to emphasize and project; and
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The selection of action plans (both paid and unpaid) to reach the targeted customer base.
Size Standards: Additional firms become eligible for SBA programs -
The U.S. Small Business Administration published a final rule in The Federal Register that will increase some of the size definitions of small businesses in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services and Other Services sectors.
The final rule will increase 37 of the revenue-based size standards in 34 industries and three sub-industries in the “Professional, Scientific and Technical Services” sector. It will also increase one size standard in the “Other Services” sector.
Thinking about Government Contracts for Your Business? -
If you are considering government contracts as a way to increase revenues in your company, be sure to check out the SBA's Government Contracting Classroom where you will find self-paced on-line training designed to give you the confidence and know-how to participate in the federal contracting arena.
The new online contracting series is called Government Contracting 101, Parts 1-3. Part 1 provides an overview of the small business contracting programs so small businesses know what is available to them. Part 2 is designed to help small firms understand how the government buys goods and services. Part 3 is about how to sell to the government. All three modules include a “resources and tools” section with links, materials and more that are useful.
Guide to Doing Business in Brazil -
In the last decade, Brazil has been one of the fastest growing emerging markets. It is currently the largest economy in Latin America, and seventh largest in the world. This week’s trade spotlight highlights the importance of U.S.-Brazil trade relations and how the relationship benefits American farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, and workers.
As one of the fastest growing emerging markets, and a country that the International Monetary Fund projects is poised for continued growth, Brazil is an important trading partner for the United States. In 2010, U.S. goods and services trade with Brazil was $81 billion, with exports accounting for $52 billion and imports accounting for $29 billion. This resulted in a goods and services trade surplus of nearly $23 billion for 2010, a 61 percent increase from 2009.
Brazil is the 10th largest goods trading partner with the U.S., with goods trade surplus of more than $11 billion in 2010. Trade in services between the U.S. and Brazil totaled more than $21 billion in 2010. Additionally, the services surplus for the United States was more than $11 billion.
In 2010, Brazil was the United States’ 8th largest goods export market. U.S. goods exports to Brazil were more than $35 billion, a near 36 percent increase from 2009. Overall, U.S. exports to Brazil accounted for nearly 3 percent of total U.S. exports in 2010. The top U.S. exports to Brazil were machinery, aircraft, and electric machinery. Additionally, the U.S. exported $578 million worth of agricultural products to Brazil in 2010. The leading categories of agricultural exports were wheat, cotton, dairy products and sugars and sweeteners.
Realizing the Value of our Cross Border Trade with Mexico -
“The U.S.-Mexico border is open for business.” That is the refrain I and others who work on border issues tirelessly deliver wherever we can. But with the media’s relentless focus on immigration, drug-trafficking, and cartel violence, we know that we must provide and promote objective evidence to support our message. A report recently released by Arizona State University’s North American Center for Transborder Studies (NACTS) and NDN’s New Policy Institute (NPI), entitled “Realizing the Value of our Cross Border Trade with Mexico” does both.
The report only confirms the overwhelming evidence that the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) has assembled conclusively establishing that Mexico and, by extension the U.S.-Mexico border, is vital to the long-term health of the U.S. economy. However, all of that evidence is for naught if Americans are not made aware of it.
That is why I was pleased to join the effort to promote and further publicize the NACTS /NPI report at an event hosted by the New Democrat Network (NDN) last week, where I was joined by one of the authors of the report, NACTS Director D. Rick Van Schoik. I am convinced that it is through this kind of collaboration—between the public and private sectors—that we will change the national conversation about the border.
Reverse Trade Missions: Grow your Business & the American Economy -
Exporting matters! It matters to firms that profit from exporting and it also matters to the national economy as a whole. Federal, state and local governments devote billions of dollars each year to encourage exporting among firms of all sizes and in all sectors. here's how RTM, hosted by USTDA can help you grow your business and strengthen the American economy.
Reverse trade missions provide unique opportunities to foster business relationships and build long-lasting partnerships between U.S. businesses and our overseas partners. During the past year, USTDA hosted more than 50 reverse trade missions to introduce U.S. businesses to more foreign delegates and business opportunities than ever before.
A key part of USTDA’s support of the National Export Initiative, these carefully planned missions enable foreign delegates to visit the U.S. to observe first-hand the design, manufacture, and demonstration of goods and services that can help the delegates achieve their development goals. The reverse trade missions are planned to target current and near-term business opportunities, creating immediate results and export successes for U.S. businesses.
This past year, USTDA introduced more than 600 foreign delegates to more than 1,000 U.S. company representatives across the United States. These foreign delegates included ministers, mayors, and senior governmental and private sector officials from emerging markets.
Startup America Policy Challenge -
The White House announced $2 billion in public and private resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. In the spirit of open and participatory government, we also announced the Startup America Policy Challenge. We're calling on entrepreneurs and the broader public to share their ideas on how to accelerate entrepreneurial innovation in the areas of healthcare, energy and education. Aneesh Chopra, US Chief Technology Officer, kicked off the challenge in a post on Quora and asked a few questions to get the dialogue going.
Read Aneesh's post below and participate in the challenge by sharing your ideas on Quora:
Startup America is President Obama’s initiative to celebrate, promote, and inspire high-growth entrepreneurship throughout the nation. We’re working to expand access to private sector capital, accelerate the time it takes to get technologies from lab-to-market, and promote mentorship and entrepreneurship education.
Marketing Strategies: Essentials for Startup Growth -
With so many different companies out there today, having a solid marketing strategy is 100% essential. Without an effective small business marketing strategy, your company will not be capable of bringing in new business. Why? No one will know your business exists! If you have not yet created a marketing strategy, take the step to create a marketing plan today!
What will a marketing plan do for your business?
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Build awareness of your business.This will help more people know about your company and the services it provides.
Choosing a Business Structure -
How your company should be structured is one of the first decisions you will have to make as a business owner? This decision is important, because the type of business you create determines the types of applications you’ll need to submit. You should also research liability implications for personal investments you make into your business, as well as the taxes you will need to pay.
Prepare for Tax Season -
Check out IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
Your Small Business Advantage, Put Their Knowledge to Work for You
When you’re running a business, you don’t need to be a tax expert, too. But you do need some tax basics. IRS Small Business Advantage gives you the information you need to stay tax compliant so your business can thrive.
Choosing a Tax Professional
With your new responsibilities, you may decide to hire a professional tax preparer to assist with your taxes. Enrolled agents, tax attorneys, and certified public accountants have training and expertise in federal taxes. When selecting a tax professional, ask a few questions to see if he/she offers what you are looking for:
Experience: Does the tax professional have experience in working with similar size and type businesses? Is the professional familiar with your particular line of business?
Services: Does the tax professional offer electronic filing—the safest and most efficient way to file your tax returns?
Price: What does the tax professional charge for services? If the IRS examines your return, what is the tax professional’s policy on assisting you? Is the tax professional authorized to practice before the IRS?
Qualifications: New regulations require all paid tax return preparers to register with the IRS and obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Ensure that the tax professional you choose has a PTIN.
Guide to Federal Tax Identification Number -
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An EIN is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity. Employers with employees, business partnerships, and corporations and other types of organizations, must obtain an EIN from the IRS. The EIN is also known as an Employer Tax ID and Form SS-4.
You are required to have an EIN if you answer “yes” to any of the following six questions:
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Do you have employees?
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Do you operate your business as either a corporation or partnership?
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Do you file any of these tax returns: employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco and firearms?
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Do you withhold taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien?
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Do you have a Keogh plan?
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Are you involved with any of the following types of organizations?
Getting Ready for Tax Season: IRS Preparation -
Health Care Tax Credit
Health coverage legislation enacted in 2011 included a Small Business Health Care Tax Credit to help small businesses and small tax-exempt organizations provide health insurance coverage to their employees.
Small businesses and tax-exempt organizations providing health insurance coverage will qualify for a special tax credit. Included in the health care reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act encourages small business employers to offer health insurance coverage for the first time or maintain coverage they already have. In general, the credit is available to small business employers paying at least half the cost of single coverage for their employees.
Go to www.irs.gov, search: Health Care Tax Credit.
Tax Calendar for Businesses and Self-Employed -
Knowing when and what you have to file can save you a lot of headaches at tax time. To avoid paying penalties, mark your calendar with the following key dates.
If a filing or payment deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the deadline will be the next business day.
January 31, 2012
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Furnish Forms 1098, 1099 and W-2G to recipients for certain payments during 2011. Furnish Form W-2 to employees who worked for you during 2011.
March 15, 2012
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Corporations: File Form 1120 for 2011 calendar year and pay any tax due. For automatic 6-month extension, file Form 7004 and deposit estimated tax.
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Electing Large Partnerships: Furnish Sch. K-1 (Form 1065-B) to each partner.
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S Corporations: File Form 1120S for 2011 calendar year and pay any tax due. Furnish a copy of Sch. K-1 to each shareholder. File Form 2553 to elect S Corporation status beginning with calendar year 2012.
Helping Gulf Businesses Transition to Green and Sustainable Operations -
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center in Alabama announced a strategic partnership with the International Sustainability Institute of Applied Sciences, a division of ACF Enterprises LLC, to pilot a blueprint for small business sustainable development in South Mobile County.
To ensure inclusion and capacity-building of minority business enterprises (MBEs) in the emerging green economy, staff at the Business Center, which is working collaboratively with the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, received comprehensive training from the International Sustainability Institute of Applied Sciences to become Certified Sustainability Consultants. The intent of the strategic partnership is to pilot a “blended” training program that leverages technology with consulting to move central Gulf companies along a continuum of continuous improvements in sustainability performance.
According to Pamela Ramos, the Business Center’s Program Director, “Training and consulting will play an important role in transitioning south Mobile County businesses to sustainable operations in 2012. This is a way to add value and competitive advantage to a minority business enterprise classification.”
6 Tips for Borrowing Startup Funds from Friends or Family -
If you’re starting a business that requires significant financial investment up front, finding a source of funding can be a challenge, especially since the average cost of starting a business is $30,000. This is particularly true for young entrepreneurs who lack a strong credit history or don’t want the hassle of dealing with banks or private lenders.
Once these startup entrepreneurs are done considering their options, it’s not unusual for them to ask friends or family for startup cash. After all, unlike private investors or banks, these people know and trust you. It’s possible they can get you quicker access to cash with fewer flaming hoops to jump through. On the flipside, if your business fails or you are tardy in repaying the money, you may be headed for some conflict with the aforementioned family and friends.
New Online Course Introduced for Native American Small Business Owners -
Native American entrepreneurs have a new tool to help determine if they’re ready for business ownership and to help them get started. Native American Small Business Primer: Strategies for Success is a free, self-paced online business course developed for Native American business owners. The course provides an overview of basic business principles and makes them aware of the programs and services available from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“Native American Small Business Primer: Strategies for Success will enhance the agency’s effort to provide important resources for emerging Native American entrepreneurs,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “Our ultimate goal is to help create jobs and stimulate economic and business development in our Native American communities. This course is an essential business development tool for the entrepreneur’s toolbox.”
The new online course: emphasizes business planning and market research as essential steps to take before going into business; informs Native American entrepreneurs about the legal aspects of starting a business, including the type of ownership (legal structure) and licensing; and provides key information on seed money for starting up, raising capital, and borrowing money. In addition, there is a section on how to estimate business start-up costs that can help assess the financial needs of going into business.
Why should I keep records? -
Everyone in business must keep records. Keeping good records is very important to your business. Good records will help you do the following:
- Monitor the progress of your business
- Prepare your financial statements
- Identify source of receipts
- Keep track of deductible expenses
- Prepare your tax returns
- Support items reported on tax returns
Monitor the progress of your business
You need good records to monitor the progress of your business. Records can show whether your business is improving, which items are selling, or what changes you need to make. Good records can increase the likelihood of business success.
What Business Expenses Can I Deduct? -
Business expenses are the cost of carrying on a trade or business. These expenses are usually deductible if the business is operated to make a profit.
To be deductible, a business expense must be both ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your trade or business. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your trade or business. An expense does not have to be indispensable to be considered necessary.
Connecting Business and Government in the AAPI Community -
Recently, I participated in a small business roundtable with the Asian-American Pacific Islander community in Philadelphia. The event was co-hosted by the National Association of Asian American Professionals and the Mayor’s Commission on Asian American Affairs, and we were joined by 40 small business owners for a lively discussion on how to do business with the Federal Government.
Part of our mission at the General Services Administration (GSA) is to make sure that small firms across the country have the opportunity to do business with the government, and we were able to pass on several strategies that small businesses can use to successfully compete in the Federal market.
First, FedBizOpps is an online tool to help businesses learn about upcoming opportunities with the government. Small businesses can use this tool to preview what the government is looking to buy in the near future. GSA also posts a Forecast of Contracting Opportunities, informing vendors of anticipated contracts offered by GSA for the current fiscal year.
Work Opportunity Credit -
Expanded Tax Credit for Hiring Unemployed Veterans
The work opportunity credit has been expanded to provide employers with new incentives to hire certain unemployed veterans.
On November 21, 2011, the President signed into law the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. This new law provides an expanded work opportunity tax credit to businesses that hire eligible unemployed veterans and for the first time also makes part of the credit available to tax-exempt organizations.
Warmest Holiday Wishes -
Greetings,
As we close out 2011 and prepare to enter 2012, one cannot help but reflect on the year that was and look ahead to the year to come. 2011 proved to be a productive and exciting year for the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). MBDA took bold steps and explored new markets all in an effort to enhance our ability to empower the minority business community and create jobs for all Americans.
During 2011, MBDA committed nearly $14 million over five years to the MBDA Business Center program. The redesigned program eliminates geographic boundaries of the centers so they can assist minority entrepreneurs nationwide with access to markets, contracts and capital and offer strategic business consulting services. The Agency also expanded its footprint with new center locations in Denver, CO, Cleveland, OH, Boston, MA, and Minneapolis, MN and a satellite presence in Anchorage, AK.
As part of the nearly $14 million commitment, MBDA dedicated $1.75 million to open the Federal Procurement Center in Washington, DC with a sole focus of increasing the accessibility of the federal marketplace to minority-owned firms nationwide.
3 Ways to Start Planning Better For Your Existing Business -
I know it’s tough to build a business and keep it growing through the years, because I’ve done it. Don’t forget that good business planning can help a growing business stay focused and efficient, even as you manage the daily routine and changing markets. Here are my three favorite easy ways to get back on track with business planning. These are all things I’ve done myself.
Listen actively to a few of your customers
I mean this as exactly what it says. I’m not saying you do a market survey or a focus group. I’m saying you really talk to a few (aim for 10 or 15) customers. Get on the phone, tell them you’re the owner or manager, make an appointment, and talk to them about what they think about your business. Make it interesting for them. Ask them interesting questions. Ask them what you do well and what you do poorly. Ask them what else you could be doing. Ask them about other businesses they like and don’t like, even if not related. Ask them what they think about trends, social media, organic food, green technology … make it a real conversation.
And the talk isn’t what’s important here – it’s the listening that matters. You spark conversation, and then you shut up and listen. And have the good sense to listen well to criticism, not block it out, and learn from it. And do it as the owner of the business, or trusted top managers only. Don’t pay somebody else to do it. You need to see people’s faces, or at least (if you’re on the phone) hear voice inflection. You need to do the listening. The goal is to refresh your sense of what your business is really doing for whom, and why they care.
We always hear about doing customer surveys or focus groups, which can be valuable when done right, or if they are taken with healthy skepticism. Unfortunately, they are rarely done right and are almost always given too much importance.
Jump-start your Business Continuity Plan -
Here are a few things your can do – at no cost – to jump-start your business continuity plan:
Determine your greatest risk potential. It might come from loss of heat, frozen pipes (which can burst, causing water damage), or loss of access caused by icy conditions. What would happen if you had to shut down your business for several days? Look at the building where you do business and assess the property damage risks. If you do this early enough, you’ll have time to make structural upgrades that can prevent possible future storm, wind, water or earthquake damage.
Calculate the cost of business interruptions for one week, one month and six months. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able investigate insurance options or build a cash reserve that will allow your company to function during the post-disaster recovery phase. It’s also a good idea to develop professional relationships with alternative vendors, in case your primary contractor can’t service your needs. Place occasional orders with them so they regard you as an active customer when you need them.
Review your insurance coverage. Contact your agent to find out if your policy is adequate for your needs. Consult with a business insurance expert to advise you on the right coverage for your situation. When buying insurance, ask “How much can I afford to lose?” It’s a good idea to know the value of your property.
Employee Rights Notice Posting -
As of January 31, 2012, most private sector employers are required to post a notice advising employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The notice should be posted in a conspicuous place, where other notifications of workplace rights and employer rules and policies are posted. Employers also should publish a link to the notice on an internal or external website if other personnel policies or workplace notices are posted there.
For further information about the posting, including a detailed discussion of which employers are covered by the NLRA, and what to do if a substantial share of the workplace speaks a language other than English, please see the National Labor Relations Board Frequently Asked Questions. For additional languages visit the National Labor Relations Board website.
You may download and print the notice using the links below. You may also fill out this form or call 202-273-0064 and copies will be mailed free of charge.
How to Estimate the Cost of Starting a Business from Scratch -
How much does it cost to start your own business?
Of course, the answer depends on your business model and your chosen industry. However, a useful estimate based on a 2009 study conducted by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation puts the average cost of starting a new business from scratch at just over $30,000.
Many small businesses, particularly freelance, online and home-based businesses come in a lot lower than this, often needing only a few thousand to get started.
But averages aside, what can you do to calculate your specific startup costs? Read on.
Understand the Types of Costs a Startup Will Incur
Before you do any estimating it’s important to understand how startup costs are categorized. All startup costs (meaning the period before you start generating income) include two kinds of spending: expenses and assets.
10 Rules for Holiday Season Hiring -
As the economy continues to gain traction, many small retailers are forced to put more of their economic eggs in the holiday season shopping basket. Hoping to take advantage of an uptick in consumer confidence, a three-month end-of-year holiday splash is possible, but may be more difficult this season.
So hiring extra help for the hoped-for push should be thought out more than ever. Here are some ways to help make short-term hires pay off.
10. Have a Staffing Plan
Know what it takes to get specific tasks done, and how long it should take for a competent person to learn what you want them to do. Resist the temptation to be over-optimistic about what you will need to handle holiday season volumes.
9. Know How Much a New Hire Really Costs
Recruiting, hiring, training, employment taxes, wages, etc., all have costs. Compare these costs against the expected benefits in increased revenues or saved expenses. Are you making a wise decision versus paying some overtime to existing staff?
22nd Annual OSDBU Procurement Conference -
The OSDBU Procurement Conference is a national conference fostering business partnerships between the Federal Government, its prime contractors, and small, minority, service-disabled veteran-owned, veteran-owned, HUBZone, and women-owned businesses. Now in its 22nd year, the OSDBU Directors Conference has become the premier event for small business throughout the United States.
