Success Stories
Banks help pump up small business growth
Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU
Here are some of its 2007 highlights:
Consulted 390 clients
Hosted 47 training events to 770 participants
Celebrating its fifth year of entrepreneurship programs
CARBONDALE - Nearly $10 million in financing from area lenders last year went to small businesses working through the Southern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center and the Illinois Small Business Development Center.
Entrepreneur Incubator is Hatching in Santa Clarita
San Fernando Valley Business Journal - May 27, 2008 - Mark R. Madler
The College of the Canyons has put out a call to any and all entrepreneurs.
Through its I3 Advanced Technology Business Incubator, the Santa Clarita Valley institution seeks to pair neophyte business owners with investors, mentors and area companies offering services and products for start-up needs.
Currently housed in a trailer on the campus, the incubator has big plans for its future. With the opening next summer of the new university center, space becomes available for permanent offices and space for up to 15 business people to work out of as they get off the ground.
Choose your strategic partner carefully
Strategic partnerships can help you creatively compete in today's volatile business climate. Strategic partnerships allow you to expand your business, increase your visibility, enhance your products and improve your customer service.
By seeking out strategic partnerships, you can increase your involvement in larger projects while spreading out the risks. You may find yourself looking at a job or contract that is too large for you to handle. It may be that the initial cash requirements are more than you can afford or that the payments are too large for you to carry. It may be that if something goes wrong you would not be able to absorb the loss.
Small-business program bracing for budget squeeze
NJ.com - May 23, 2008 - Beth Fitzgerald
A statewide program that dispenses free help and advice to entrepreneurs and small businesses stands to lose its entire $1 million funding under Gov. Jon Corzine's proposed state budget -- and that cut will trigger an additional loss of more than $800,000 in matching federal funds.
Last year, the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers provided 22,000 businesses with courses, workshops and individual counseling, and those efforts would likely be cut in half if the legislature affirms Corzine's cuts, said Deborah Smarth, associate state director of the SBDC.
Katy Commerce Center, SBDC To Hold Grand Openings Today
The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce will host two grand openings today, one for the new University of Houston Small Business Development Center and one for the Katy Commerce Center.
The ribbon cutting and open house reception at the University of Houston will take place from 1 – 3 p.m. this afternoon. It will be followed by the Katy Commerce Center event from 4 – 6:30 p.m.
