Completed by Shuchi Nagpal and Tobin Scroggins
 
Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on February 13, 2009, and four days later, the President signed the legislation into law. As of Sept. 2009 the $787 billion Recovery plan has awarded 20,287 contracts roughly worth $12 billion, 60,320 federal grants worth $141 billion and 17,438 loans for about 8 billion dollars. In seven months the federal government has already spent $161 billion which is around 20 percent of the entire funding available.¹ Where is the money going and how much is being spent to support small businesses?

“More than $1 out of every $4 spent on federal Recovery Act contracts has gone to small businesses….As of Oct. 2, nearly 26 percent of all federal stimulus contracting dollars –or more than $4 million was awarded to small businesses…” These are the words of Joe Jordan, associate administrator of government contracting business development at the Small Business Administration, in testimony before the Small Business Entrepreneurship Committee.²

 

NAICS Code: 541430

SIC: 7336

Completed by Merari Ramos

Entrepreneur.com claims, “If you've always pictured yourself as a commercial artist but your drawing style is closer to stick figures than Cézannes, then graphic design might be just the business for you.”¹ Since technology is always advancing, especially in this industry, there are many ways to get around the pencil and eraser. Graphic designers may use various types of software to formulate their creative ideas and transform them into a masterpiece.  

Some graphic design artists may come up with drawings for advertisements, logos, brochures, product packaging, textbooks, magazines and even mail order catalogs.¹ Graphic designers may work on a freelance basis, or they may work in house for a certain company. Potential customers could be corporate clients, advertising agencies, consumer products packaging market and publishers.

Beef Jerky Manufacturing

NAICS Code: 311612
SIC Code: 2013

Completed by Richard Schaefer

Market Overview 

Aspiring meat processors beware: a handful of select brands dominate the pre-packaged jerky and meat snacks industry.  In 2007, according to Information Resources, Inc., the four top-selling labels comprised approximately 87% of jerky and 97% of dried meat snack sales in supermarkets and drugstores.  This pattern of consolidation is expected to continue, as retailers increasingly deny products from smaller vendors.ⁱ

 

Predictably, many of the same brands possess the strongest distribution relationships with convenience stores.  A 2009 Convenience Store Decisions Brand Preference surveyed key personnel throughout 87 convenience store chains.  Among those surveyed, Jack Link’s, Slim Jim, and Pemmican were perceived as the strongest-performing brands.ⁱⁱ

  

By Jesse Ortiz
July, 2009

The long term care industry is made up of a variety of senior care services, including assisted living facilities (ALFs).  The Census divides the ALF industry into two major categories:  continuing care retirement communities (NAICS 623311) and homes for the elderly (NAICS 623312).  The primary distinction between the two is the presence of nursing care: continuing care retirement communities provide on-site nursing facilities, while homes for the elderly do not.¹

ALFs provide excellent services for seniors who wish to remain independent but still need some assistance with daily living.  Types of assistance offered in ALFs include help with bathing, dressing, eating, grooming and getting around.  There are a variety of options available in the ALF industry, making them popular with seniors.  ALFs can be located in high rise apartment buildings, converted Victorian homes, or even renovated schools.²

Future industry growth will be spurred by the 77 million Baby Boomers planning to retire over the next two decades.  With life expectancy continuing to increase in the U.S., many individuals who retire at 65 will have to decide where to spend the remaining twenty or more years.³ This is expected to increase demand for assisted living services, and provides an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs.