WHEN: February 21-24, 2012, daily at 3:00 p.m. (ET)

WHO: Webinar topics and presenters are

Felipe Wright, CEO

Intelligent Information Technology Solutions

Topic: Entrepreneurship Empowers Everyone Tuesday, February 21 at 3:00 p.m.

Joseph Clarke, Chapter Chair

Washington, D.C. SCORE

Topic: The Things an Entrepreneur Needs to Know Wednesday, February 22 at 3:00 p.m.

Melanie Lamar-Hancock, President

Right at Home, Washington, D.C.

Topic: Building Your Team

Thursday, February 23 at 3:00 p.m.

Jennifer Kushell, Founder and CEO

YSN.com

Topic: Entrepreneurship & Networking

Friday, February 24 at 3:00 p.m.

HOW:        Audio Conference Login Instructions

1.  Dial the AT&T Connect Teleconference Toll-Free Number – 1-888-858-2144 2.  Enter your AT&T Access Code – 4259370 (press the # key)

Web Conference Login Instructions

1.  Login at www.connectmeeting.att.com

2.  Enter “Meeting Number” 1-888-858-2144 3.  Enter “Access Code” 4259370 4.  Enter “Email Address, First and Last name”

5.  Click Submit

6.  Click Participant

7.  Click Participant Application (Recommended) 8.  Click “Enter” Event 9.  Click Dial-In/Already Connected by Phone (Close the Telephone Connection Instructions pop-up box)

System Requirements:

*To set up the AT&T Connect Participant application, a user’s PC must run either Windows 2000, Windows XP (SP1, SP2, SP3 are supported), or Vista with either Internet Explorer 6.0 (or higher) supported.  AT&T Connect does support the Mozilla or Firefox browser.

*Separate telephone line is needed for the audio portion

Note: For assistance with AT&T Connect Web Conference Service, contact AT&T Connect Customer Care at 1-888-796-6118.

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National Entrepreneurship Week (February 18-25, 2012) hosted by the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education celebrates the heritage of entrepreneurship in America and of entrepreneurship education for the next generation.  For details on this and other events, visit the National Entrepreneurship Week Website at www.entre-week.org/.

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Now, I’ve put opensource software to work as an e-commerce platform at www.OhWowThatsCool.com. We’re using Zen Cart on  OhWowThatsCool.com as a storefront that supports our other three websites.

It was a lot of work. I’ve spent six weeks learning the software, adding inventory, and trying to make things look pretty. I’ve also opened it up to other local vendors as a way to help them get more exposure.

If you have a few moments, go check it out. Leave me a comment on the site design. I’m pretty happy with it for a free piece of software

Are you looking for an idea to help you start your new business? Is your current business in need of some fresh ideas to bring in new customers?

When my consulting clients come to me for help, most of them are stuck for new ideas. They need to start or grow their business, but they have a very difficult time coming up with new and creative solutions.

The good news is that it isn’t as hard as it appears to be. By the time you finish reading this article, I’m willing to bet that you’ll have several new ideas floating around in your head. That’s the easy part. The hard part is going to be evaluating them and putting them into practice.

If you want to come up with new ideas to evaluate, you need to think in three basic ways. First, every problem is also a solution. Second, everyone is an expert in some area. Third, think about parades.

Every problem is also a solution. That’s one of my favorite ways to come up with new ideas or products. Think about it. There are lots of problems in life, and you’ve probably worked through many of them yourself already. It’s a pretty safe bet that if you struggled with something at some point in time, there are lots of other people still struggling with it, and you can use this idea in your business.

So how does this help you? Let me share an example from my own past. Last year I was putting together a manuscript for a book on how to start a business. I wanted it available on Amazon and anywhere else I could get it, but for many reasons, I wanted it published electronically instead of in print.

I’m a computer geek. There’s absolutely no way I’m going to pay over $1000 for someone to convert my Word document into epub format when I can do it myself. I spent two weeks researching the epub format, different submission guidelines, etc. I taught myself how to convert the file, and practiced on many public domain books, too.

After I was comfortable doing the file conversion myself, I realized that there are lots of other people out there trying to accomplish the same thing! What did I do? I wrote a second book: How to epublish your manuscript. I offered it for sale, as well as doing the actual conversions for other authors. That’s how my problem also became a solution.

Everyone is an expert in some area, including you. I don’t mean you have to win the Nobel Prize to be an expert. If you worked through a problem like I did above, then you’re an expert on that particular problem. How can you put that expertise to use helping someone else?

Think about parades. Parades are long lines of people. There’s a leader up at the front, but the people in the middle of the parade are following those just in front of them. This refers back to the first two ideas. You may not think you’re an expert, but somebody somewhere who knows less than you do would see you as an expert.

You don’t have to lead the parade in order to be an expert or to help people. You only have to offer some direction to the people behind you in the parade. Those people are following your lead.

Start with a problem you solved. Offer to share the solution with others that are still struggling with that same problem. Remember that you’re always in front of someone in the parade.

COLUMBUS – Secretary of State Jon Husted today announced that as part of an ongoing effort to recognize the impact Ohio businesses have on our state, February’s Ohio Business Profile features minority-owned businesses.

“These companies are a testament to the welcoming business climate in Ohio for entrepreneurs who provide quality services and products to their customers,” Secretary Husted said. “These businesses are an integral part of our communities and their continued success has a positive impact on our state.”

The companies being featured this month offer a wide variety of products and services, ranging from IT support to fishing gear.

• Executive Security Group – Cleveland, Ohio – Founded in 2008, this company offers armed and unarmed security, private investigations, BCII and FBI electronic fingerprinting and more.
• Salamander Sinkers – Cincinnati, Ohio – This sporting goods company specializes in drop shot, freshwater drift and salt water drift fishing sinkers.
• OCG Telecom – Cincinnati, Ohio – This IT and telecom equipment and software company began in 2008 and specializes in computers, software and routers.
• Dane’s Dessert Cafe – Columbus, Ohio – Started in 2011, this company offers sweet treats such as specialty crepes, Belgian waffles and sundaes.
• JDT Concierge – Columbus, Ohio –This company offers a variety of transportation services including private cars and shuttle services for senior citizens and students.
• Environmental and Safety Solutions – Cincinnati, Ohio – Employing nearly 40 people, this company specializes in environmental, health and safety compliance, and technical staffing.

The Ohio Business Profile was launched by Secretary Husted to raise awareness about companies registered and doing business in Ohio that are creating interesting products, offering outstanding service, contributing to their local communities and employing Ohioans in the process. Each month, a handful of diverse businesses linked together by a common theme are featured on the Secretary of State’s website at www.OhioBusinessProfile.com. Here, Ohioans may also submit companies they feel are deserving of recognition in future months.

Secretary Husted’s office also releases a monthly report of new business filings in Ohio. Recent data has shown that the number of newly-registered businesses in Ohio is up for the year as compared to the same timeframe last year.

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Thursday, February 16, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., ET

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration’s February web chat will offer business start-up advice for entrepreneurs.  If you are considering starting a business in 2012, SBA can be valuable resource to help you find a mentor, improve your business skills and get training to help boost your ideas.

WHO:  Janice Washington, state director of the Arizona Small Business Development Center Network, will host the February web chat on “New Year, New Business: How to Start it Right.”  An experienced business consultant and former business owner, Washington will answer questions about the early steps to take when starting a business, and the tools and resources that can help to get a small business idea off the ground.

WHAT: SBA’s web chat series provides small business owners with an opportunity to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs.  Chat participants have direct, real-time access to the web chats via questions they submit online in advance, and during the live session.  Participants will gain valuable information on how to participate in the program to gain increased access to government contracting opportunities.

WHEN: February 16, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. (ET) – Washington will answer questions for one hour.

HOW:  Participants can join the live web chat, and also post questions before the February 16th chat, by going online to www.sba.gov, and click on the web chat event under What’s New.

To review archives of past web chats, visit online at http://www.sba.gov/content/monthly-web-chat.

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Event Features Awards, Forums and the Naming of National Small Business Person of the Year – Events Open to the Public

WASHINGTON – The nation’s top entrepreneurs will be honored at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week events May 20-22 in Washington, D.C.  A series of award ceremonies, small business events and educational forums will mark the 59th anniversary of the agency and the 49th annual proclamation of National Small Business Week.

National Small Business Week is cosponsored by the SCORE Association as well as numerous corporate and trade sponsors to be announced.

More than 100 outstanding small business owners from across the country will receive awards while gathering for three days at the city’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel.  They will meet with top administration officials, congressional representatives and national business leaders.  The highlight of the celebration will be the announcement of the National Small Business Person of the Year.

“Small business owners and employees across America are proving their resiliency as they continue to help drive economic recovery, economic growth and job creation,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills.  “National Small Business Week gives us an opportunity to honor their achievements and the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and determination that makes them the engine of our economy and our nation’s economic recovery.”

Men and women also will be recognized for their involvement in disaster recovery, government contracting and their support for small businesses and entrepreneurship, and awards will be presented to SBA partners in financial and entrepreneurial development, including the year’s top SCORE Chapter, Small Business Development Center and Women’s Business Center.

Interested parties can register online at www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com where additional information (updated weekly) is available regarding registration, awards ceremonies, small business forums and educational and matchmaking sessions.  The event also will be webcast live at the web site.

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Get Tips on Disaster Planning During Free SBA/Agility Webinar

WASHINGTON – Because it’s easy for even the best leader to be overwhelmed when a crisis hits and misinformation shows up in a twitter feed, managing the flow of information about your company is crucial when an emergency occurs.

Get tips on how to plan a communications strategy that will eliminate confusion and support your recovery efforts during a free webinar on February 14, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery Solutions.

The discussion will help you assess your company’s needs, identify a good spokesperson and develop fact sheets and talking points.

SBA has partnered with Agility to offer business continuity strategies through its “PrepareMyBusiness” website. Visit www.preparemybusiness.org to access past webinars and get additional preparedness tips.

The SBA provides disaster recovery assistance in the form of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of all sizes. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/disaster.

WHO: Bob Boyd, President and CEO, Agility Recovery Solutions

WHAT: “Crisis Communications Planning—The Keystone of Disaster Recovery Response” will be presented by Boyd. A question and answer session will follow.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 – 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST

HOW: Space is limited. Register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/421917136

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The full report is located at http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/rs390tot_0.pdf and the research summary is located at http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/rs390.pdf.

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WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration kicked off its 2012 e200/Emerging Leaders executive-level training initiative in 27 cities and communities. Since 2008 the e200/Emerging Leaders initiative has helped nearly 1,000 promising small business owners in underserved communities across the country sustain and grow their businesses, providing training they use to succeed and create jobs.

“Over the last few years Emerging Leaders has helped expand opportunities for many promising small businesses in underserved communities – in particular those that have been most impacted by these tough economic times,” SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. “Graduates of the program have increased their revenue, created jobs and helped drive local economic growth in their communities. Continuing with this year’s lineup of new classes builds on this success and provides even more entrepreneurs in underserved communities with the support, resources and skills to succeed.”

Despite the difficult economy, more than half of the businesses that have completed the e200/Emerging Leaders training have shown an increase in revenue totaling more than $7 million. Nearly 60 percent have reported creating new jobs in their communities.  Surveyed participants also reported having secured more than $7 million in new financing for their businesses, and an increase in confidence when applying for government contracts. As a result, program graduates have reported securing nearly 500 federal, state and local contracts, worth more than $112 million.

The Emerging Leaders initiative has been a catalyst for expanding opportunities for both urban small business owners and Native American communities. In 2011, there were 17 urban host cities and 10 Native American host cities. Combined, the program graduated 340 small business owners, representing the largest graduating class since the e200 initiative began in 2008.

The eight-month training includes approximately 100 hours of classroom time per participant and provides the opportunity for small business owners to work with experienced mentors, attend workshops and develop connections with their peers, city leaders, and financial communities. Local recruitment for the 2012 training cycle will start in February through SBA district offices, and classes are scheduled to begin in April.

The cities hosting e200/Emerging Leaders initiative classes in 2012 include:

Urban Markets

•     Atlanta, Ga.

•     Baltimore, Md.

•     Boston, Mass.

•     Chicago, Ill.

•     Dallas, Texas

•     Denver, Colo.

•     Des Moines, Iowa

•     Detroit, Mich.

•     Fresno, Calif.

•     Jacksonville, Fla.

•     Memphis, Tenn.

•     Minneapolis, Minn.

•     New Orleans, La.

•     Philadelphia, Pa.

•     St. Louis, Mo.

•     Syracuse, N.Y.

•     Youngstown, Ohio

Native American Communities

•     Albuquerque, N.M.

•     Helena, Mont.

•     Farmington, N.M.

•     Honolulu, Hawaii

•     Milwaukee, Wis.

•     Phoenix, Ariz.

•     Rapid City, S.D.

•     Santa Ana, Calif.

•     Spokane, Wash.

•     Tulsa, Okla.

For more information about e200 Emerging Leaders, or to contact the respective local SBA District office in that area go to www.sba.gov/e200

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