Technology

From: Mary Sullivan, Marketing Co-Chair, Pacific Northwest Clean Tech Open:

Cleantech Open Launches 2010 Pacific Northwest Competition

The 2010 Cleantech Open Competition for clean technology start-ups is underway, with several key dates approaching:

-- April 22, 2010 is the Early Bird Entry Deadline, after which the entry fee increases from $149 to $199 for students, and from $199 to $249 for professionals.

-- Those interested in entering should attend the Executive Summary Webinar, on May 4 from 4:00 to 6:00pm PDT. Click here to register. This briefing will answer questions and help contestants prepare their Executive Summary entries.

Last year, 12 Semifinalists were selected from 56 entrants. Three became regional winners. One, Hydrovolts of Seattle, won the prestigious National Sustainability Award. For information, contact MSullivan@cleantechopen.com.

Accounting

Tax Time!

If you are self-employed, be sure to check out the IRS website designed just for you: Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center.

This site answers many topics like how to work with independent contractors, filing the right forms, estimated tax, and choosing a preparer.

Human Resources

For First Time or New Employers!!

The Department of Labor and Industries is holding a free workshop for new businesses or businesses that are hiring for the first time. The workshop is scheduled for March 10 from 9:00 a.m. to noon (with refreshments!) and will be held at the Vancouver offices at 312 SE Stonemill Dr, Suite 120.

The workshop will cover employer’s rights and responsibilities and give an overview of the services L&I provides. It will also cover workplace safety and health requirements, claims management strategies, risk management, quarterly reporting requirements and wage-and-hour laws.

Specific questions about the workshop can be directed to Ron Langley, 360-902-4745, or smallbusiness@lni.wa.gov.

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Marketing

Gear up for Conventions!

In case you missed it, the State Democratic and Republican conventions selected Vancouver as the site for their gatherings. Here are quotes from the Convention and Visitor's Bureau for SW Washington's website:

"VANCOUVER SELECTED AS SITE OF THE 2010 DEMOCRATIC STATE CONVENTION

VANCOUVER, Wash. – October 2, 2009 - Vancouver has been selected as the site of the 2010 Democratic State Convention to be held June 25 and 26, 2010. The convention is expected to draw as many as 2,100 attendees for the two day event.

VANCOUVER NAMED SITE OF THE 2010 REPUBLICAN STATE CONVENTION

VANCOUVER, Wash. – June 23, 2009 - Vancouver has been selected as the host city for the 2010 Republican State Convention to be held June 10 to June 12, 2010. This is the first time in the party’s 150 year history that the convention will be in Vancouver."

These could be great opportunities to sell SW Washington goods and services. Check with the Convention and Visitor's Bureau for more information.

Marketing

Increase your Sales!

Train yourself

Washington Small Business Development Center is offering a LIVE WEBINAR on Marketing in the Real World of Small Business– February 24 & 25 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Attendance can be live in person at the Spokane SBDC in the Sirti building, 665 N Riverpoint Blvd., Suite 201 OR virtual via computer. The cost is $49 (half the regular price). A workbook and case study material will be emailed prior to the workshop. Pre-registration is required and can be completed on line at the WSBDC training calendar or contact Cindy Doyl, cdoyl@wsu.edu or 509-358-7890.

Shop Locally

A way to increase local sales is to attend the Southwest Washington Shop Local Business Showcase on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, from 4 pm. to 7 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel at the Quay, 100 Columbia Street, Vancouver, WA. This free event includes a no host bar provided by the Red Lion Hotel and networking on-site. This is an opportunity for people to find goods and services locally and make connections with local businesses.

UPCOMING EVENTS!

Several worthwhile events are being offered. Here are some details:


Business Best Practices: "Web Power: Tips for building a world class, high traffic website; using social media and new technology to build your business" (panel); February 4, 2010; 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Lower Columbia College; Longview, WA. Contact the SBDC at 360-442-2946 to register.

"Commercial Property Success Series Workshops"; February 11, 2010; 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., located at Executive Center Northwest; Vancouver, WA"

Managing in Turbulent Times"; February 18, 2010, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Clark College, Vancouver, WA.

Business Best Practices: "Key business questions for the Strategic Planning Process: Reinventng your business model for new economic challenges"; March 4, 2010; 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Lower Columbia College; Longview, WA. Contact the SBDC at 360-442-2946 to register.

SCORE workshop entitled "How to Manage or Start Your Business in a Tough Economy"; March 18, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon; presented by SCORE, Vancouver, WA. Details at the SCORE website.

"Evolving Marketing Conversations"; Social Media Conference NW 2010, March 25, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.; presented by Center for Economic Vitality and Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington; McIntyre Hall Performing Arts and Conference Center, Mount Vernon, WA.

In the meantime, if you don't see an event here you would like to attend, be sure to check out the Washington SBDC training calendar. If you are unemployed and interested in the Self-Employment Assistance Program, check for a NxLevel training session offered near you.

Self Employment Options

SEAP

If you are currently receiving unemployment benefits but are interested in starting a business, the Self Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) may be a good program for you. After you have gathered the details on the program, you will see there is a requirement to attend approved business training. Susan Hoosier, from our WSU SBDC office in Longview, is offering a NxLevel Entrepreneur Certification Program that has been approved by the state for SEAP participants.

The program is scheduled for January 26, 2010 and meets weekly for 12 weeks from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For details on program cost and location, contact Lynell Amundson at Lower Columbia College, 360-442-2601.



Self-Employment is a Life-Changing Decision

You are at a crossroads. You are not employed but you want to work. Do you look for a job or is now the time to start your own business? Perhaps self-employment is an intriguing thought but can you be successful as an entrepreneur? Have you identified a business opportunity worth the risk?

The first step in evaluating self-employment as an option is to analyze your potential. Successful entrepreneurs are often characterized as people who are comfortable with risk, are motivated by a long-term vision or goal, and take initiative in decision-making and problem- solving. Other traits include patience, creativity, perseverance, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic. To assess your potential, think back to times when you have demonstrated these traits. For example, have you held leadership roles in job or volunteer efforts to raise funds? Were you a child who enjoyed activities to earn money?

If you lack all of these characteristics, you probably will not be happy in your own business. However, if you lack only a few of them, there are some things you can do. For example, you can obtain training in areas such as creative thinking and leadership or you can team up with others who complement your personality.

The next question to ask yourself is why you want to start a business. Successful business owners are usually high achievers who desire to excel at what they do. They enjoy business as a means of self-expression as well as a way to gain financial security. Self-employment will be less rewarding if the motivation is because you cannot find a job or you have difficulty working for others. Business ownership is much more challenging than holding a job.

Obviously, business success is not entirely dependent on your personal characteristics. Owning and managing a business is a large commitment which is often a lifestyle as well as a career choice. Therefore, spend some time evaluating your personal, financial, and professional goals. Make a thorough analysis of your strengths, weaknesses, and the resources you can contribute to a business. Scrutinize the business opportunity and carefully assess the risks. An acceptable level of risk can be achieved if you have: 1) a good understanding of your industry and your market, 2) the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver a product or service people want, 3) determined ways to overcome weaknesses or gaps in knowledge or skill, 4) committed the required amount of capital and, most importantly, 5) a genuine preference for the work you do.

If self-employment still sounds like an option, find a format for a business plan and begin organizing and detailing your thoughts. (Formats are available through SCORE, Fort Vancouver Regional Library, local bookstores, or the Washington State University Small Business Development Center.) The business plan will help you focus on one thing at a time. Regardless what you determine to be a great business opportunity, you need to know about the specifics of the industry it represents. If you do not have enough experience, seek a job in a business in the same or similar industry and learn from it.

Underlying the risk of business failure is the risk of losing your capital and collateral. Therefore, use what you know about the business to analyze its ability to meet your financial goals. It will take time for a business to generate a profit and return your investment. Your earlier assessment should indicate you have cash and other assets to finance the business during this initial growth stage. This is a good time to establish some short-term, as well as long-term, financial goals and a means for measuring them periodically. You can compare your projections with alternative investment opportunities to determine which is the best route for you.

Self-employment is a big decision. If the timing is right and you are confident of success, go for it! If you are not quite ready but are still intrigued by the idea, investigate some part-time business opportunities. They are a great way to experience self-employment. Whatever you decide, make the most of your unique characteristics and qualities and enjoy your work!