Table of Contents | John A. Lizotte

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Business
October 30, 2012, 19:01
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Photography
October 30, 2012, 19:03
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Robotics
March 20, 2013, 09:03
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Blog Resources
February 21, 2013, 09:14
If you’re looking to build a website for your business, we’d like to share some insights with you. Please note that we only recommend products and…
Policies
September 8, 2010, 11:10
This is the page containing all the legal stuff and fine print. It's boring to read, but I'd like you to know where I stand on Privacy and Disclosures. You…
- Privacy Policy
  September 8, 2010, 08:51
  This privacy notice discloses the privacy practices for www.JohnLizotte.com. This privacy notice applies solely to information collected by this web site. …
- Affiliate Disclosure
  September 8, 2010, 10:49
  The Federal Trade Commission requires that I disclose any relationship I have between a product manufacturer or service provider when I write about a product…
- Media Syndication
  January 1, 2012, 18:58
  Are you a publisher, editor, or blogger looking for fresh, new business content? Grow Your Business is a syndicated business column sent weekly (every…
About Me
June 16, 2010, 17:48
The short (professional) version: I’ve been involved with business development and technical writing for over 15 years. I’ve owned several different…
- Contact Me
  September 7, 2010, 15:10
  Questions? Comments? Suggestions to improve the site? Need a quote? You can contact me several ways: You can email me personally at: John "at"…
- Services
  December 7, 2011, 15:45
  I offer a wide range of services through our company, Lizotte Enterprises, LLC for the small business community. Each of my projects is custom-tailored a…
- Testimonials
  June 16, 2010, 17:51
  Here's some comments about the Small Business Roundtable Seminars: "Very good ideas! Thanks for your time & energy." ~Diana…

Blog Posts

Category: General Business (241)
- Important Federal Tax Dates for June 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  May 10, 2013, 19:23
  Wed 5 Deposit payroll tax for payments on May 29-31 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 7 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jun 1-4 if…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for May 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  April 10, 2013, 19:21
  Wed 1 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Apr 24-26 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 3 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Apr 27-30…
- SCORE eNews April 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  April 8, 2013, 11:08
  Winning at the Numbers Game Visit score.org this month for FREE tools, resources and webinars on accounting and finance for your business. Visit…
- 50 Years or Older? Want to Start Your Own Business? by: John A. Lizotte
  April 8, 2013, 11:02
  The Toledo Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Month Workshop is designed for you! April 29th, with Free Counseling Available on April 30th to Workshop Participants C…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for April 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  March 10, 2013, 19:19
  Mon 1 Electronically file Forms W-2, W-2G, 1098, 1099, and 8027. Mon 1 File Form 2290 and pay the tax for vehicles first used in February. M…
- Welcome to my site! by: John A. Lizotte
  March 6, 2013, 14:02
  This website is an educational and reference tool for small and very small business owners to get information on topics like picking the right structure for…
- How to Create a Professional Site for Your Business and get Google Love by: John A. Lizotte
  March 6, 2013, 10:40
  I know that I know what I'm talking about here, but you may not be so sure. In case you'd like to know, just 5 days after my latest site went live, it ranked…
- LaunchHouse seeking tech startups for LaunchHouse Accelerator program by: John A. Lizotte
  March 4, 2013, 13:05
  Lean business accelerator to invest in 10 tech startups Shaker Heights, OH – February 25, 2013 – Shaker LaunchHouse, a lean business accelerator based…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for March 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  February 10, 2013, 19:17
  Fri 1 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Feb 23-26 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 1 Farmers and Fisherman: File Form 1040 and pay…
- SBA Launches Affordable Care Act Web Page & Blog by: John A. Lizotte
  January 28, 2013, 12:36
  WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today launched a new web page and blog dedicated to educating small business owners about the…
- SBA Presidential Innovation Fellows Launch Online Contracting System by: John A. Lizotte
  January 18, 2013, 12:58
  A Limited Number of Low-Dollar Contracts Now Available Through New Online Marketplace WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration, in conjunction…
- SBA Announces Changes to Contracting Program for Women-Owned Small Businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  January 18, 2013, 12:56
  WASHINGTON – Women-owned small businesses will have greater access to federal contracting opportunities as a result of changes included in the National…
- Advocacy Applauds IRS Simplification of Home Office Deduction by: John A. Lizotte
  January 17, 2013, 09:32
  WASHINGTON, D.C. –The SBA Office of Advocacy applauds yesterday’s decision by the Internal Revenue Service to offer a simplified version of the home office…
- Warning for Small Businesses: Don't Open E-mail Falsely Claiming to be From FTC by: John A. Lizotte
  January 17, 2013, 09:27
  Warning from the team at USA.gov: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning small businesses that an e-mail with a subject line "NOTIFICATION OF…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for February 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  January 10, 2013, 19:15
  Fri 1 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jan 26-29 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Wed 6 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jan 30 -…
- Ohio returning Million in tax overpayments to businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  December 20, 2012, 15:42
  New Policy Will Automatically Tell Businesses When They Are Eligible For A Refund COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John R. Kasich joined Ohio Department of Taxation…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for January 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  December 17, 2012, 19:11
  Thu 3 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Dec 26-28 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 4 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Dec 29 -…
- Price is part of your brand. Why lower your brand? by: John A. Lizotte
  December 15, 2012, 17:15
  This article comes to us from Pamela Trow-Johnson, CEO of 501 DRIVE, Strategic Driven Design, and owner of artpassionsdesign.etsy.com. There is some great…
- Final, Proposed Size Standard Increases for Several Sectors Published in Federal Register by: John A. Lizotte
  December 10, 2012, 11:01
  SBA Increases Size Standards for Information and Admin Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services Industries SBA also Proposes Revisions to Size…
- Top 10 Mistakes for Businesses To Avoid When Dealing With a Crisis by: John A. Lizotte
  December 4, 2012, 13:03
  WASHINGTON – What are the biggest and most common mistakes business owners make when facing down a disaster event? It could be flooding caused by a big…
- LaunchHouse Accelerator Fuels Ten Cleveland Tech Startups by: John A. Lizotte
  November 22, 2012, 09:20
  Invites venture capitalists and angel investors to attend Showcase Day SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO - Nov. 20, 2012 – The LaunchHouse Accelerator program, also…
- Small Business Saturday by: John A. Lizotte
  November 22, 2012, 09:14
  SBA ENCOURAGES AMERICANS TO SUPPORT THEIR LOCAL ECONOMIES BY SHOPPING SMALL ON NOVEMBER 24 WASHINGTON – November 24 is Small Business Saturday, a day set…
- 2013 standard mileage rates up 1 cent per mile by: John A. Lizotte
  November 22, 2012, 09:11
  Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, the standard mileage rates will be: 56.5 cents per mile for business miles 24 cents per mile for medical or moving purposes 14…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for December 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  November 20, 2012, 10:20
  Wed 5 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Nov 28-30 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 7 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Dec 1-4 if…
- SBA’s November Web Chat Will Offer “How-To” Tips for Small Business Owners by: John A. Lizotte
  November 15, 2012, 10:47
  First of Two Web Chats is Monday, November 19, at 1 p.m. ET WASHINGTON – The start of the holiday season also signals the end of another year. Small…
- Ohio Secretary of State Husted Releases New Business Filing Figures for October 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  November 15, 2012, 10:44
  Secretary of State Husted Releases New Business Filing Figures for October 2012 COLUMBUS – Secretary of State Jon Husted today announced that 8,001 new…
- SBA Helps Veterans Start, Grow and Expand Small Businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  November 9, 2012, 12:54
  WASHINGTON – As the nation marks Veterans Day 2012, the U.S. Small Business Administration continues to build on its successful programs for America’s…
- 6 Steps to Assess Your Small Business’ Readiness to Export by: John A. Lizotte
  November 4, 2012, 08:36
  by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator, SBA.gov (Original article here) Between 2009 and 2011, U.S. exports grew by 40 percent and the federal government is…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for November 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  October 20, 2012, 10:19
  Fri 2 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Oct 27-30 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Wed 7 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Oct 31 -…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for October 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  September 20, 2012, 10:17
  Mon 1 File Form 730 and pay tax on wagers accepted during August. Mon 1 File Form 2290 and pay the tax for vehicles first used during August. …
- Important Federal Tax Dates for September 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  August 20, 2012, 10:15
  Thu 6 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Aug 29-31 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 7 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Sep 1-4 if…
- LaunchHouse Tech UnConference by: John A. Lizotte
  July 22, 2012, 14:04
  Last month we spoke with LaunchHouse's David Greenberg about how they help startups get off the ground with seed money. This month David tells me that…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for August 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  July 20, 2012, 10:14
  Wed 1 File 2011 Form 5500 or 5500-EZ. Wed 1 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jul 25-27 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 3 De…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for July 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  June 20, 2012, 10:13
  Mon 2 File Form 11-C to register and pay annual tax if you are in the business of taking wagers. Mon 2 File Form 730 and pay the tax on wagers…
- June Business Profiles by: John A. Lizotte
  June 8, 2012, 10:45
  SECRETARY OF STATE HUSTED ANNOUNCES JUNE BUSINESS PROFILES AND MARKS ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY Featured businesses highlight the wedding planning industry in…
- LaunchHouse's Accelerator Program Targets Small Tech Businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  June 5, 2012, 11:28
  In the past few days, I've had an opportunity to talk with David Greenberg, from LaunchHouse, about one of their accelerator programs giving ten teams…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for June 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  May 20, 2012, 10:11
  Fri 1 Deposit payroll tax for payments on May 26-29 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Wed 6 Deposit payroll tax for payments on May 30 -…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for May 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  April 20, 2012, 10:10
  Wed 2 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Apr 25-27 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 4 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Apr 28 -…
- SBA Announces a New Partnership to Connect Small Businesses with Corporate Supply Chains by: John A. Lizotte
  March 22, 2012, 15:31
  WASHINGTON – A new private-public collaboration will help small businesses strengthen their revenue streams by gaining access to more than 0 billion in…
- SBA Hosts 14-City Matchmaker Conferences for Federal Contract Opportunities by: John A. Lizotte
  March 21, 2012, 19:50
  WASHINGTON--The U.S. Small Business Administration will host the fourth of its free Mentor-Protégé Matchmaking Conference series in Los Angeles, Calif., on…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for April 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  March 20, 2012, 10:08
  Mon 2 Electronically file Forms W-2, W-2G, 1098, 1099, and 8027. Wed 4 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Mar 28-30 if the semiweekly deposit…
- SBA’s March Web Chat Offers Tips and Advice for Women-Owned Small Businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  March 15, 2012, 07:22
  WASHINGTON – In recognition of National Women’s History Month, SBA’s March web chat will feature an open forum on Women’s Business Ownership. The…
- State Small Business Week Winners Will Head for Washington in May by: John A. Lizotte
  March 14, 2012, 09:31
  SBA Honors Nation’s Top Small Businesses Winners Will Gather in Washington during National Small Business Week WASHINGTON – Small Business Person of the…
- SBA Licenses First Nationwide Impact Investment Fund by: John A. Lizotte
  March 8, 2012, 11:51
  SJF Ventures III, LP Will Invest in Cleantech and Positive Impact Businesses Across the Country WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration today…
- Get Tips on Using Social Media for Disaster Recovery by: John A. Lizotte
  March 2, 2012, 08:29
  Crisis Communications Strategies offered during Free SBA/Agility Webinar WASHINGTON – When a deadly tornado destroyed nearly 8,000 homes and businesses in…
- SBA Finalizes One Size Definition Change, Proposes Another by: John A. Lizotte
  February 27, 2012, 11:06
  SBA Increases Size Standards in Transportation and Warehousing Sector, Proposes Increases for Health Care and Social Assistance Sector WASHINGTON – The…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for March 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  February 20, 2012, 10:06
  Thu 1 Farmers and Fisherman: File 2011Form 1040 and pay any tax due. However, you have until Apr 17 to file if you paid your 2011 estimated tax…
- SBA Webinar Series Marks National Entrepreneurship Week, Feb. 18-25 by: John A. Lizotte
  February 17, 2012, 14:19
  WHAT: The U.S. Small Business Administration will host a series of webinars in recognition of the sixth annual National Entrepreneurship Week. The emphasis…
- Using Opensource Software for E-Commerce at www.OhWowThatsCool.com by: John A. Lizotte
  February 16, 2012, 16:21
  I've always advocated starting new business ventures with as little investment at risk as possible. It makes sense to let the business pay for itself. I've…
- Grow Your Business with new ideas by: John A. Lizotte
  February 11, 2012, 13:57
  (I originally published this article in the Galion Inquirer on February 11, 2012) Are you looking for an idea to help you start your new business? Is your…
- February's Ohio Business Profiles by: John A. Lizotte
  February 6, 2012, 15:03
  Featured companies all minority-owned businesses in Ohio COLUMBUS – Secretary of State Jon Husted today announced that as part of an ongoing effort to…
- SBA Live Web Chat Will Focus on How to Start a New Business by: John A. Lizotte
  February 6, 2012, 11:25
  Advice and Tips on Starting a Business Offered In SBA’s February Web Chat Thursday, February 16, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., ET WASHINGTON –…
- National Small Business Week Event Set for May by: John A. Lizotte
  February 2, 2012, 14:11
  SBA to Honor Small Businesses at National Small Business Week May 20-22 in Washington, D.C. Event Features Awards, Forums and the Naming of National Small…
- SBA/Agility Offer Webinar on Small Business Crisis Communications by: John A. Lizotte
  February 1, 2012, 10:59
  Are you Ready to be an Effective Communicator during a Crisis? Get Tips on Disaster Planning During Free SBA/Agility Webinar WASHINGTON – Because…
- Small Business GDP: Update 2002-2010 by: John A. Lizotte
  February 1, 2012, 06:53
  U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) is the market value of the goods and services produced by labor and property located in the United States. This research…
- SBA Launches e200/Emerging Leaders Initiative in 27 Cities by: John A. Lizotte
  January 31, 2012, 12:04
  Entrepreneur Training Initiative Sparks Small Business Growth, Job Creation WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration kicked off its 2012…
- Apps for Entrepreneurs Challenge Winners Announced by SBA by: John A. Lizotte
  January 27, 2012, 12:04
  by Sean Greene, SBA Official Recently, the SBA asked how we could use apps to put customized tools directly in the hands of entrepreneurs and small business…
- 2011 Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories by: John A. Lizotte
  January 26, 2012, 12:06
  The economic condition of small businesses in the United States is captured in the Small Business Profiles. The profile shows that small businesses are key…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for February 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  January 20, 2012, 10:03
  Wed 1 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jan 25-27 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 3 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jan 28-31…
- Do you need a website to market your small business? by: John A. Lizotte
  January 19, 2012, 14:24
  Are you thinking about starting your online business in 2012, or adding an online presence or webstore to your existing business? As my way of saying thank…
- Making Government Work Better for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners by: John A. Lizotte
  January 19, 2012, 12:49
  by Karen Mills, SBA Official Today was an important day for America's small businesses. President Obama asked Congress for the authority to reorganize and…
- Ohio Secretary of State Husted Releases Year-End Filing Figures for New Businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  January 17, 2012, 13:36
  SECRETARY OF STATE HUSTED RELEASES YEAR-END FILING FIGURES FOR NEW BUSINESSES Announces updates to filing forms for companies to make doing business in Ohio…
- SBA Program Helps to Bridge the Small Business Gap by: John A. Lizotte
  January 17, 2012, 13:11
  WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration’s national network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) plays an essential role in the…
- Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program Request For Comments by: John A. Lizotte
  January 12, 2012, 15:31
  Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program Interim final rule; request for comments. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is requesting…
- New Online Course Introduced for Native American Small Business Owners by: John A. Lizotte
  January 6, 2012, 14:58
  WASHINGTON – Native American entrepreneurs have a new tool to help determine if they’re ready for business ownership and to help them get started. Native…
- Ohio Sales Tax Due January 23, 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  January 6, 2012, 11:26
  Just a reminder to those folks filing Ohio State Sales Tax: Filing of returns with the Ohio Department of Taxation is due by January 23, 2012. The good…
- SBA/Agility Webinar on Business Continuity Lessons Learned in 2011's Natural Disasters by: John A. Lizotte
  January 6, 2012, 09:58
  What Did We Learn From 2011’s Natural Disasters? Disaster Planning Tips Discussed During Free Webinar Hosted by SBA and Agility Recovery Solutions WASHI…
- Ohio Dept of Taxation Hall of Fame Nominations by: John A. Lizotte
  January 6, 2012, 09:45
  The Ohio Department of Taxation in partnership with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce is inviting you to nominate candidates for the Ohio Tax Hall of Fame. The…
- .5-Billion Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program for Small R&D Firms Extended 6 Years by: John A. Lizotte
  January 5, 2012, 15:32
  by Karen Mills, SBA Official Last week, President Obama signed a bill reauthorizing the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business…
- The grant writing process by: John A. Lizotte
  January 4, 2012, 07:55
  (I published this article in the Galion Inquirer on January 04, 2012) I think it’s safe to say that most small businesses would love to find grant money,…
- SBA Seeks Small Business Nominees for SBIR/STTR R&D Programs by: John A. Lizotte
  December 27, 2011, 15:22
  SBA Accepting Nominations for Small Business Innovation Research Awards 2012 SBIR Tibbetts Awards and SBIR Hall of Fame Awards to be presented in April WA…
- Ohio Dept of Commerce: Guard against investment fraud in 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  December 22, 2011, 18:17
  OHIO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE OHIOANS URGED TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST INVESTMENT FRAUD IN 2012 New Year Is Good Time To Set Investing Goals With the New…
- Annual Report of the Office of Economic Research, FY 2011 by: John A. Lizotte
  December 22, 2011, 12:29
  In FY 2011, the Office of Advocacy’s Office of Economic Research (OER) continued to offer timely research on a variety of small business topics, with a…
- Understanding Gross Margin and How it Can Make or Break your Startup by: John A. Lizotte
  December 22, 2011, 07:58
  (Editor's Note: This article written by Caron Beesley appears on www.sba.gov. You can see the original article here. She gets complete credit for the article.…
- New Tax Guide Helps People Save on Their 2011 Taxes by: John A. Lizotte
  December 21, 2011, 16:35
  WASHINGTON — Taxpayers can get the most out of various recovery tax benefits and get a jump on preparing their 2011 federal income tax returns by consulting…
- The truth about small business grants by: John A. Lizotte
  December 21, 2011, 05:56
  You have probably heard that there is free money out there to be given away to small business owners to spend however they want. This is not necessarily…
- SBA Names Winners in Small Business Mobile Apps Challenge by: John A. Lizotte
  December 20, 2011, 09:50
  SBA-backed Competition Yields Cash Prizes for Winners, Seven New Tools WASHINGTON – A new electronic application that quickly and efficiently finds loans,…
- 2012 IRS Standard Mileage Rates by: John A. Lizotte
  December 15, 2011, 10:34
  Source: N-2012-01 (A-2011-40); IR 2011 116 (IR-2010-119) 2012 Cents/Mile Rate Type 2011 Cents/Mile 55.5 Business Miles Driven* 51.0…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for January 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  December 11, 2011, 10:02
  Fri 6 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jan 1-3 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Tue 10 Employers: Employees are required to report to…
- Profit by making holiday shopping easier for your customers by: John A. Lizotte
  December 7, 2011, 11:06
  (I originally published this article in the Galion Inquirer on Dec. 7, 2011) Now that the holiday shopping season is upon us, I thought it might be a good…
- SCORE Live Webinar: The Easy Business Plan by: John A. Lizotte
  December 7, 2011, 10:39
  The Easy Business Plan, Featuring Richard Hall, SCORE Mentor and Author A FREE, LIVE Webinar Presented by SCORE Thursday, 12/15 at 1pm ET/ 10am…
- How To Make Lifelong Customers by: John A. Lizotte
  December 7, 2011, 10:17
  (I originally published this article in the Galion Inquirer on Dec. 7, 2011) How many times have you dreaded calling a large company, even for something as…
- SBA-Agility Webinar on Small Business Disaster Preparedness by: John A. Lizotte
  December 7, 2011, 01:48
  Are Your Leadership Skills Enough to Lead Your Company Through a Crisis? Get Tips During Free Webinar Hosted by SBA and Agility Recovery Solutions WASHI…
- SBA’s Web Chat to Focus on Tax Essentials For Small Business Owners by: John A. Lizotte
  December 7, 2011, 00:31
  Thursday, December 15, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., EST WASHINGTON – With the end of the 2011 tax year right around the corner, small business owners can help…
- Do you have a mentor? by: John A. Lizotte
  December 3, 2011, 10:03
  Last week I travelled three hours to meet with a very successful businessman who I'd never met. His business is publishing print-versions of how-to guides.…
- Are you ready for Entrepreneurship? by: John A. Lizotte
  December 3, 2011, 07:00
  (I originally published this article in the Galion Inquirer on Dec. 3, 2011) In business, just as in life, there are no guarantees. There are many risks…
- SBA’s Disaster Assistance Lending Marks Billion Milestone by: John A. Lizotte
  November 30, 2011, 11:06
  Since 1953 the SBA has approved more than 1.9 million loans to U.S. Residents and Businesses WASHINGTON – Emergency lending by the U.S. Small Business…
- Marketers committing business suicide by ignoring 50+ consumers, expert asserts by: John A. Lizotte
  November 28, 2011, 14:20
  Targeting that market could boost sales significantly, says ICAA CEO Colin Milner Vancouver, BC – Boomers and their parents are over 110 million strong.…
- Business Branding 101 by: John A. Lizotte
  November 26, 2011, 10:57
  There's quite a bit of confusion with some of my start-up clients when I talk to them about branding their business, so I thought I'd take a few minutes to…
- IRS Form 2290 is Due Nov. 30 by: John A. Lizotte
  November 23, 2011, 13:56
  Reminder for Truckers: Form 2290 is Due Nov. 30 Federal highway use tax returns, usually due Aug. 31, are due Nov. 30, 2011. ###
- Make a Big Difference on Small Business Saturday® by: John A. Lizotte
  November 21, 2011, 14:12
  SBA says shopping at small businesses can have a huge impact on local economy WASHINGTON – As a proud supporter of Small Business Saturday®, a day…
- Important Self-Employment Tax Dates in 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  November 19, 2011, 15:04
  Knowing what forms to file and when can save you a lot of headaches. According to the IRS, the following dates are important to small business and individual…
- Do I need an EIN for my new business? by: John A. Lizotte
  November 19, 2011, 14:58
  (Author's Note: I originally published this article in the Galion Inquirer on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011) An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is an…
- November Web Chat Focuses on Native American Small Business Opportunities by: John A. Lizotte
  November 16, 2011, 16:47
  Wednesday, November 23, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., ET WASHINGTON – In recognition of National Native American Heritage Month, SBA’s November web…
- SBA Helps Veterans Start, Grow and Expand Small Businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  November 9, 2011, 13:58
  Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Disabled Veterans Expands to Eighth School WASHINGTON – With thousands of service men and women returning from wars in Iraq…
- Five Small Business Exporters Split ,000 in Awards by: John A. Lizotte
  November 7, 2011, 15:00
  WASHINGTON – SteelMaster Buildings, a company in Virginia Beach, Va., that designs and builds prefabricated steel buildings for a variety of industries, is…
- SBA Kicks Off Young Entrepreneur Series, Events Slated for Five Cities by: John A. Lizotte
  November 3, 2011, 09:17
  Five-city tour offers young people advice and tools to start and grow businesses WASHINGTON – The White House and the U.S. Small Business Administration…
- SBA/Agility Disaster Preparedness Webinar for November by: John A. Lizotte
  November 2, 2011, 15:20
  WASHINGTON – Businesses everywhere are now operating on limited resources. Yet the survival of your company rests – particularly when faced with a disaster…
- SBA Awards Grants to Support Small Business Teaming by: John A. Lizotte
  September 23, 2011, 14:20
  Five-year pilot program will help small businesses work together to grow and create jobs WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)…
- Free Web Chat 9/29 -- Disaster Recovery for Business Owners: An Inside View by: John A. Lizotte
  September 23, 2011, 13:27
  Disaster Recovery Tips and Advice Offered for Homeowners and Businesses Thursday, September 29, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., ET WASHINGTON…
- Industry Clusters Get Funding by: John A. Lizotte
  September 23, 2011, 13:24
  New Obama Administration Initiative to Spur Job Creation and Accelerate Economic Growth in 20 Regions across the Country. 16 Federal agencies come together…
- SBA/Agility Webinar: Survivor Panel—Real World Lessons Learned by: John A. Lizotte
  September 23, 2011, 11:43
  Business Owners to Share Post-Disaster Survivor Tips During SBA & Agility Recovery Solutions Free Webinar WASHINGTON – Any crisis in a disaster…
- SBA & MBDA Recognize Minority Entrepreneurs and Promote Small Business Growth Strategies During MED Week 2011 by: John A. Lizotte
  September 21, 2011, 12:51
  WASHINGTON –“Emerging Industries & Markets: A Blueprint for Success” will be the focus of the 29th annual National Minority Enterprise Development…
- August Disaster Preparedness Webinar Will Focus on Using Social Media to Help Recovery by: John A. Lizotte
  August 5, 2011, 11:31
  SBA & Agility Recovery Solutions Host Free Webinar on Social Media Strategies for Business Disaster Recovery WASHINGTON – A major disaster has…
- SBA Names 20 Community Lenders for New Loan Pilot by: John A. Lizotte
  August 4, 2011, 13:46
  20 First Community lending organizations selected to start making loans up to 0,000 under new Intermediary Lending Pilot Program WASHINGTON, D.C. –…
- SBA Licenses First Impact Investment Fund in Michigan by: John A. Lizotte
  July 26, 2011, 14:38
  State of Michigan, Dow Chemical Company, SBA Form Partnership To Help MI Small Businesses Grow WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration…
- 2011 Standard Mileage Rate Increase by: John A. Lizotte
  July 20, 2011, 16:18
  The standard mileage rate for business miles increased to 55.5 cents a mile July 1. This is an increase of 4.5 cents from the 51 cent rate in effect for the…
- SBA Offers Web Chat on Building a Home-Based Business by: John A. Lizotte
  July 20, 2011, 11:44
  SBA’s July Web Chat Offers Tips and Advice on Growing a Home-Based Business Thursday, July 28, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EDT WASHINGTON –…
- SBA Offers Webinar on Disaster Recovery Best Practices by: John A. Lizotte
  July 13, 2011, 16:31
  WASHINGTON – Find out what business owners learned after nearly losing their companies to small scale disasters like a sprinkler system malfunction or…
- June SBA Web Chat Features Small Business Person of the Year from Rhode Island by: John A. Lizotte
  June 8, 2011, 12:57
  WASHINGTON – The SBA’s Web Chat will feature 2011 Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year Kathleen Devlin, owner of All About Home Care LLC in…
- Free Online Tool from SBA Helps Small Businesses Develop an Export Business Plan by: John A. Lizotte
  June 8, 2011, 10:55
  WASHINGTON – Small businesses interested in starting or expanding sales of their goods and services overseas have access to a new, free online tool that will…
- Factors Affecting Entrepreneurship among Veterans by: John A. Lizotte
  May 11, 2011, 09:53
  We know from previous Advocacy-sponsored research and more than three decades of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that year in and year out veterans…
- Three Hispanic-Owned Small Businesses to be Recognized During National Small Business Week by: John A. Lizotte
  May 11, 2011, 09:10
  Three Hispanic-Owned Small Businesses to be Recognized During National Small Business Week WASHINGTON –Hispanic-owned small businesses from Florida, New…
- SBA/Agility Webinar for May Features Hurricane Forecast, Preparedness Tips by: John A. Lizotte
  May 5, 2011, 10:37
  WASHINGTON – The devastating effects of a hurricane extends beyond the coastal areas where the storms land. In recent years, we’ve seen how the impact of…
- SBA Approves First Six Lenders for Community Advantage Pilot Program by: John A. Lizotte
  April 30, 2011, 14:23
  WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved an initial group of six community-based, mission-focused lenders to start accepting and…
- March Web Chat on Contracting for Women-Owned Small Businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  March 24, 2011, 08:58
  WASHINGTON – Are you a woman business owner seeking federal contracts? The U.S. Small Business Administration’s March web chat will focus on a new…
- State Small Business of the Year Winners Announced by: John A. Lizotte
  March 23, 2011, 07:30
  WASHINGTON – Small Business Person of the Year winners from 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam will converge on…
- Gasoline Humor by: John A. Lizotte
  March 18, 2011, 07:48
- SBA Proposes Increase in Size Standards To Expand Eligibility for Small Business Programs by: John A. Lizotte
  March 16, 2011, 10:44
  WASHINGTON – A proposed rule published today for comment in The Federal Register by the U.S. Small Business Administration would adjust the size definition…
- National Small Business Week Set for May 18-20 by: John A. Lizotte
  March 14, 2011, 15:16
  WASHINGTON – The nation’s top entrepreneurs will be honored at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week events May 18-20 in…
- Ohio Businesses Offered Incentives to Reduce Tax Risk by: John A. Lizotte
  March 10, 2011, 15:07
  ODT has launched the Use Tax Education Program (UTEP) as an initiative with two goals: to raise awareness of the use tax and help businesses understand how it…
- Find Investors: InvestEngine.com by: John A. Lizotte
  March 8, 2011, 09:20
  There's a new site in town and it's called InvestEngine.com. I'd like to tell you a little bit about it, because I think it's a great idea. Maybe we can help…
- Book Review: Enchantment, by Guy Kawasaki by: John A. Lizotte
  March 8, 2011, 08:45
  Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions Let me start by saying that once I started this book, I could not put it down. I read…
- SBA Disaster Preparedness Webinar Is March 15 by: John A. Lizotte
  March 7, 2011, 11:17
  WASHINGTON – In the aftermath of flooding, wildfires, earthquakes and man-made calamities, how does the U.S. Small Business Administration determine which…
- Derek Sivers: How to start a movement by: John A. Lizotte
  March 5, 2011, 21:05
  This video from TED.com is short. Only about 3 minutes. But it's worth watching. Why? Because it talks about the guts to stand up on your own and do what…
- SBA Offers Jobs Act Grants Available for Promoting Trade, Exports by: John A. Lizotte
  February 24, 2011, 10:18
  WASHINGTON – Beginning March 1, states can apply for grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration to support efforts to increase exporting by small…
- Lisa Gansky: The future of business is the "mesh" by: John A. Lizotte
  February 17, 2011, 15:56
  I came across this video on Ted.com. I found Lisa Gansky's ideas to be very interesting in terms of how things in the world of business are changing.…
- SBA Launches Startup America Entrepreneurial Mentor Corps by: John A. Lizotte
  February 17, 2011, 10:45
  WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration today launched an initiative to mobilize members of the current generation of successful business owners…
- SBA Launches Temporary Program for Commercial Real Estate Refinancing by: John A. Lizotte
  February 17, 2011, 10:38
  WASHINGTON, D.C. – Small businesses facing maturity of commercial mortgages or balloon payments before Dec. 31, 2012, may be able to refinance their mortgage…
- Small Firm Lending, 2009-2010: Harbingers of Growth by: John A. Lizotte
  February 11, 2011, 10:22
  WASHINGTON, D.C. –Lending to small firms by U.S. financial institutions continued to decline, but began to stabilize in some loan size categories over the…
- SBA Lending Initiatives for Underserved Communities Launch on Feb. 15 by: John A. Lizotte
  February 10, 2011, 11:27
  WASHINGTON – Lenders who participate in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Preferred Lender Program can approve loans through the agency’s new…
- SBA and Agility Recovery Solutions to Host Small Business Disaster Recovery Year-In-Review Webinar by: John A. Lizotte
  February 7, 2011, 11:37
  WASHINGTON – Small business owners can participate in a discussion on the major disaster events that caused business interruptions in 2010 during a free…
- SBA Re-launches Dealer Floor Plan Pilot Loan Program by: John A. Lizotte
  February 4, 2011, 11:18
  WASHINGTON – A pilot loan program aimed at increasing access to inventory financing for auto, boat, RV and other dealerships will be re-launched Tuesday…
- SBA Announces Contracting Program For Women-Owned Small Businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  February 3, 2011, 21:13
  WASHINGTON – Women-owned small businesses can begin taking steps to participate in a new federal contracting program on Friday, Feb. 4, the U.S. Small…
- Report Examining the Small Business Economy in 2009 by: John A. Lizotte
  January 27, 2011, 10:22
  The 2010 edition of The Small Business Economy documents the 2008 recession’s effects on small business as well as the changing economy at the end of 2009.…
- SBA Expands ‘e200’ Emerging Leaders Initiative by: John A. Lizotte
  January 25, 2011, 16:40
  WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Small Business Administration will expand the e200 Emerging Leaders executive-level training initiative to eight new cities and…
- 5 Simple Steps to Setting Smart Goals by: Noel Lizotte
  January 25, 2011, 13:32
  The way to accomplish anything is to set a goal. That sounds easy enough, but it seems to be a difficult task for many people. The problem is that they…
- Small Business Grant Basics by: John A. Lizotte
  January 25, 2011, 11:30
  You have probably heard that there is free money out there to be given away to small business owners to spend however they want. This is not necessarily…
- SBA Delivers Jobs Act Grants to SBDCs in Six States by: John A. Lizotte
  January 24, 2011, 20:22
  The first six of a series of grants to Small Business Development Centers around the country to expand access to programs to help entrepreneurs start or grow…
- Small Business Grants by: John A. Lizotte
  January 21, 2011, 09:11
  Most small businesses would love to find grant money, but they commonly experience these two big stumbling blocks. Have you ever applied for a grant?
- Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review by: John A. Lizotte
  January 19, 2011, 06:51
  WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Chief Counsel for Advocacy Winslow Sargeant praised President Obama’s efforts on behalf of small business following the President’s…
- 2011 Self Employment Tax Calendar by: John A. Lizotte
  January 12, 2011, 17:57
  Important tax deadlines for 2011. And don't forget, the standard mileage rate for 2011 is 51 cents.
- Disaster Preparedness Webinars by: John A. Lizotte
  January 12, 2011, 10:43
  Small business owners have an opportunity to get tips on business continuity planning in 2011 through a series of free webinars hosted by the U.S. Small…
- One Secret of Success in Business: The Proper Mindset by: John A. Lizotte
  January 9, 2011, 15:04
  A huge part of success in business, especially when you're just starting out, is having the proper mindset for success. If you've been to any of my seminars,…
- Jobs Act Supported More Than Billion in SBA Lending to Small Businesses in Just Three Months by: John A. Lizotte
  January 3, 2011, 14:01
  WASHINGTON – Today, SBA Administrator Karen Mills announced that as of Dec. 31 the agency had approved more than .3 billion in loan guarantees which…
- 4 Magic Words: How Can I help? by: John A. Lizotte
  January 2, 2011, 17:12
  Most of us have heard those four magic words: How can I help? We've probably all read about them in terms of customer service. They…
- Are You Budgeting for 2011? by: John A. Lizotte
  December 30, 2010, 16:11
  I hope 2010 was a financial success for you! If it wasn't, what steps are you taking to improve your chances in 2011? During the past year, my wife and I…
- SBA Unveils New Website and Launches SBA Direct by: John A. Lizotte
  December 21, 2010, 11:40
  As part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s mission to ensure that small business owners and entrepreneurs have access to accurate, timely and…
- SBA Announces Two New Programs to Boost Lending to Underserved Markets by: John A. Lizotte
  December 20, 2010, 07:43
  With small business owners and entrepreneurs in traditionally underserved communities continuing to face challenges accessing capital, the U.S. Small Business…
- Recharge yourself with this six minute break. by: John A. Lizotte
  December 18, 2010, 08:20
  Tired? Stressed out? Burned out? Take the next six minutes to forget about your problems and let your sense of wonder marvel at what can be accomplished.…
- New Technology Guide Helps Entrepreneurs Grow Their Small Businesses and Create Jobs by: John A. Lizotte
  December 13, 2010, 12:44
  The U.S. Small Business Administration and Microsoft have teamed up to develop this free, comprehensive guide on how technology can improve the small business…
- Business Planning Tools: 10 Steps to Finding Customers by: John A. Lizotte
  December 13, 2010, 12:14
  This free e-Guide from UPS and SCORE outlines ten basic steps to finding new customers for your business start-up
- Theme Malware Anatomy by: John A. Lizotte
  December 11, 2010, 12:20
  Jeff Chandler posted this write-up about the danger of using free WordPress themes downloaded from the net. I'm posting a short excerpt and embedding the…
- One Page Form for Health Care Tax Credit for Small Businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  December 9, 2010, 08:30
  The most immediate benefit of the new law is a tax credit that will help America’s smallest employers and nonprofit organizations (less than 25 full-time…
- 2011 Standard Mileage Rates by: John A. Lizotte
  December 9, 2010, 08:25
  According to a news release from the IRS, beginning Jan. 1 the standard mileage rates for 2011 are: 51 cents per mile for business miles driven, 19 cents per…
- Have you lost your Muchness? by: Rachel Mendell
  December 9, 2010, 06:49
  After watching the new Alice In Wonderland, released last year, I was amazed at the timeliness of its message. Like Alice, we have lost our Muchness. We have…
- WordPress Affiliate Platform Plugin by: John A. Lizotte
  December 1, 2010, 00:04
  If you sell any type of products, services or memberships from your website, then you might want to consider using the power of affiliate marketing to get…
- SBA’s Experts Offer Advice on Business Expansion in November Online Web Chat by: John A. Lizotte
  November 25, 2010, 11:24
  WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration’s November web chat will offer advice to entrepreneurs looking to grow or expand their businesses. If…
- New Site: Six Steps to Exporting Success by: John A. Lizotte
  November 19, 2010, 12:30
  WASHINGTON – Small businesses interested in exporting now have a new online tool to help them tap into the global marketplace to grow their business.…
- Transactions and Collections – How to Get Paid and Paid on Time by: John A. Lizotte
  November 19, 2010, 09:31
  Making sure your business gets paid on time and as seamlessly as possible is critical to your success and survival. Here are some pointers about setting up…
- Small Business Guide for Veterans by: John A. Lizotte
  November 17, 2010, 01:56
  There are a number of programs and services from the government and non-profit organizations specifically designed to help veterans start and grow their…
- Ultimate Guide to Intellectual Property by: John A. Lizotte
  November 16, 2010, 02:05
  If you have a great business idea, you may want to keep it to yourself until you’ve had a chance to learn a little about intellectual property laws. To…
- How a Simple Business Plan can Get you from A to Z, and Navigate all Things In-Between by: John A. Lizotte
  November 15, 2010, 07:11
  It’s doubtful that no two words in an entrepreneur’s vocabulary are procrastinated over more than these two: “Business Planning”. But…
- 10 Tips to Getting Publicity for your Business by: John A. Lizotte
  November 12, 2010, 13:49
  You don’t need a degree in public relations to effectively publicize business to the press. And you don’t need a huge marketing budget either. What…
- SBA Expands Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Vets. Announces Two New Programs for Women Vets, Guard, Reservists and Families by: John A. Lizotte
  November 11, 2010, 10:47
  WASHINGTON – With thousands of service men and women returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Syracuse…
- Small Business Financing Advice by: John A. Lizotte
  November 5, 2010, 10:28
  In any case, if you expect to sell someone on your idea, you better be prepared. I came across this TED.com video by David S. Rose. Rose has garnered…
- Book Review: Who Cares? Creating a Culture of Service in Your Business by: John A. Lizotte
  November 5, 2010, 09:21
  This week I got an interesting book from the library. Who Cares? Creating a Culture of Service in Your Business, written by Scott A. Brown. This short (196…
- U.S. Census Bureau Annual Employment Data Updated for 2007 by: John A. Lizotte
  November 1, 2010, 08:51
  U.S. Census Bureau annual employment size of firm data (partially funded by the Office of Advocacy) on firm births, deaths and job creation has been updated…
- Finishing by: Rachel Mendell
  October 25, 2010, 14:00
  Last year I lived my 50th year on this earth and began to realize, I’m most likely halfway through it, or less, and projects sit unfinished in draws, files,…
- SBA Web Chat Will Focus on Regulatory Fairness for Small Business Owners by: John A. Lizotte
  October 20, 2010, 18:47
  WASHINGTON – Small business owners, who feel they are subject to excessive or unfair federal enforcement actions, like repetitive audits or investigations,…
- SBA Growth Capital Program Provides Record .59 Billion in Financing for Small Businesses in FY10 by: John A. Lizotte
  October 14, 2010, 10:58
  WASHINGTON – At a time when capital was scarce for small business, financing from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s growth capital program increased…
- Don’t Answer That … by: Rachel Mendell
  October 10, 2010, 16:46
  Don’t Answer That – Being Politely Rude I have learned a secret to wise time management – learning the art of being politely rude. Writing for the…
- SBA Implements Higher Maximum Loan Sizes Made Possible by Small Business Jobs Act by: John A. Lizotte
  October 8, 2010, 11:36
  WASHINGTON – On the heels of completing final approvals of loans to nearly 2,000 firms that has been in its loan queue waiting for final approval of the…
- Crawford 20/20 Vision Update by: John A. Lizotte
  October 8, 2010, 10:50
  Last night, October 7, The Crawford 20/20 Vision held a public meeting at Lowe-Volk Park to let everyone know where they're at in the whole "Visioning"…
- Statement of SBA’s Chief Counsel for Advocacy Winslow Sargeant on expanded reporting requirements by: John A. Lizotte
  October 7, 2010, 10:27
  “I am surprised and disappointed by Senator Snowe’s portrayal of the Office of Advocacy’s actions regarding the expanded IRS Form 1099 reporting…
- SBA Finalizes Revisions of Size Standards To Expand Opportunities for Small Businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  October 6, 2010, 13:29
  WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration published today a package of revised size definitions for three broad commercial sectors affecting…
- SBA Awards Million in PRIME Grants to Help MicroEntrepreneurs Grow their Businesses and Create Jobs by: John A. Lizotte
  October 5, 2010, 18:27
  WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ninety-two nonprofit organizations from around the country received million in grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration to…
- One week after signing of Jobs Act, SBA approves nearly 0 million in loans to small businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  October 5, 2010, 18:21
  WASHINGTON – All of the loan applications placed in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s loan queue by small business borrowers have received final…
- SBA Releases Final Women-Owned Small Business Rule to Expand Access to Federal Contracting Opportunities by: John A. Lizotte
  October 4, 2010, 15:16
  WASHINGTON – With the publication today of a final rule in the Federal Register, the U.S. Small Business Administration will begin implementation of its…
- Recovery Loan Incentives Spurred Continued Rebound in SBA Lending in FY2010 by: John A. Lizotte
  October 4, 2010, 13:57
  WASHINGTON – Loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration to small businesses and entrepreneurs continued to rebound in fiscal year 2010 as a…
- Ohio Small Businesses Find Solutions for Pesky and Often Costly Problems by: John A. Lizotte
  September 30, 2010, 09:45
  (COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Approximately 1,500 businesses have used Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray's new program designed to protect them in the marketplace,…
- First Two 504 First Mortgage Loan Pools Assembled, Ready to be Sold on Secondary Market by: John A. Lizotte
  September 29, 2010, 11:20
  WASHINGTON – Bank of America and United Midwest Savings Bank have become the first financial institutions to assemble SBA 504 first mortgage pools to be sold…
- Free Seminar: How to Start a Business in Ohio by: John A. Lizotte
  September 28, 2010, 14:31
  The Small Business Roundtable is a free seminar explaining how to start a small business in Ohio. The seminar will take place on Oct. 23, from 9-11 a.m. in…
- Cash Flow Management for Business Owners The Focus of September’s Web Chat by: John A. Lizotte
  September 27, 2010, 10:45
  WASHINGTON – The SBA’s monthly web chat will highlight advice and information on how small businesses can effectively manage cash flow. Participants can…
- The Impact of Regulatory Costs on Small Firms by: John A. Lizotte
  September 21, 2010, 09:16
  WASHINGTON, D.C. – Small businesses still face a disproportionate burden when it comes to costs of federal regulations, compared to larger firms according to…
- Attention Central Ohio: Small Business Roundtable Announced by: John A. Lizotte
  September 20, 2010, 16:27
  The Small Business Roundtable, an informal discussion about starting a new business in Ohio, is a FREE event that will cover the topics you need to know to…
- SBA Announces Grants for 'Innovative Economies' Clusters by: John A. Lizotte
  September 20, 2010, 15:09
  WASHIINGTON – SBA Administrator Karen Mills announced today the U.S. Small Business Administration’s support for 10 regional economic development and job…
- Free SCORE Webinar: 7 Ways to Maximize Your Profits by: John A. Lizotte
  September 20, 2010, 10:23
  SCORE continues to offer great (and free!) online training opportunities. They are announcing their latest free webinar: 7 Ways to Maximize Your Profits.
- Is it a business, or just a hobby? by: Rachel Mendell
  September 20, 2010, 08:00
  Is it a business or just a hobby? There is a simple way to answer this question – with a question. Are you making any money? If the answer is yes, meaning…
- Free SCORE Webinar: How to Motivate Your Employees by: John A. Lizotte
  September 15, 2010, 09:15
  SCORE is offering another free webinar: How to Motivate Your Employees - Unlock the secrets of how extraordinary leaders motivate. About this webinar: Join…
- Bill to Aid Small Businesses Passes Senate Hurdle by: John A. Lizotte
  September 15, 2010, 08:58
  WASHINGTON—The Senate sprinted ahead Tuesday with a bill Democrats say will help small businesses, including a controversial billion fund designed to…
- The Role of Small Business in Economic Development of the US: From the End of the Korean War (1953) to the Present by: John A. Lizotte
  September 13, 2010, 07:57
  A working paper, The Role of Small Business in Economic Development of the United States: From the End of the Korean War (1953) to the Present, authored by…
- Go to the Fair by: Rachel Mendell
  September 12, 2010, 21:15
  Go to the Fair – This is one place small business should be. You may not make it a habit to go to the county fair, or community festivals like the Oktoberfes…
- The New Frontier - Better than the old Verizon by: John A. Lizotte
  September 10, 2010, 09:26
  In July 2010, Frontier Communications took over 26 States of Verizon territory. This is good news for all of us! Frontier came in with the usual blah blah…
- Global Entrepreneurship and the United States by: John A. Lizotte
  September 9, 2010, 09:01
  How does the United States compare to other nations in the field of entrepreneurship? A paper released today by the Office of Advocacy titled Global Entrepreneu…
- SCORE Webinar: How to Really Start Your Own Business by: John A. Lizotte
  September 8, 2010, 09:44
  SCORE announces new webinar: How To Really Start Your Own Business Event information: Date/Time: Tuesday, September 14th Noon Eastern Fee: No Charge Sign…
- SBA High-impact Entrepreneurship Outlook: Finance and Innovation Create Jobs by: John A. Lizotte
  September 7, 2010, 16:42
  Mark your calendar and come prepared to participate with the SBA’s Office of Advocacy October 14 on Capitol Hill for a symposium on how and what kinds of…
- Protect Your eBooks with PDF Stamper by: John A. Lizotte
  September 7, 2010, 16:27
  If you’re a writer, or you’re selling information products like eBooks on your website, then you might want to read this article. I’ve often thought…
- Working moms and scheduling by: Rachel Mendell
  September 6, 2010, 08:38
  I’m too old for stress and life is too short for drama. Moms can use time management to avoid both. The secret to getting things done is setting priorities…
- SBA Urges Public to Plan for Disasters During National Preparedness Month by: John A. Lizotte
  September 1, 2010, 11:09
  WASHINGTON – In conjunction with the five-year anniversary of the devastating Gulf Coast storms of 2005, the U.S. Small Businesses Administration is…
- Washington Firm Named National Minority Small Business of the Year at MED Week 2010 Conference by: John A. Lizotte
  August 29, 2010, 11:45
  WASHINGTON – Patrick L. Hughes, owner and managing member of Hughes Group, LLC, of Lakewood, Wash., was named national Minority Small Business Person of the…
- Small Businesses Won a Record .8 billion in federal contracts in FY 2009 by: John A. Lizotte
  August 29, 2010, 11:41
  WASHINGTON – Small businesses won a record .8 billion in federal prime contracts in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 (Oct. 1, 2008-Sept. 30, 2009), an increase of…
- SBA Offers Export Matchmaking Event September 20 by: John A. Lizotte
  August 29, 2010, 11:37
  WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Small Business Administration will hold an Export Matchmaker Trade Fair & Conference at the Westin Hotel in Jersey City, N.J., on…
- Got Invention? How to Get Started & Succeed by: John A. Lizotte
  August 24, 2010, 17:41
  What better way to observe National Inventors Month than by chatting with Brian Fried, author of You and Your Big Ideas! and host of Got Invention Radio. Brian…
- Women Winning Contracts: Learn How To Effectively Compete For Contracts by: John A. Lizotte
  August 24, 2010, 17:33
  The Government is the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services. There is no better time to learn the methods to earn your share of contracts. This…
- Some Lessons on How to do Business by: John A. Lizotte
  August 19, 2010, 11:57
  I had a couple things happen to me this week. Some bad, some good. In retrospect, they all gave me one of my "Doink Moments". They are good reminders to me…
- Webinar on SBA Disaster Recovery Assistance For Business Owners by: John A. Lizotte
  August 19, 2010, 10:18
  WASHINGTON – How do you apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan? What are the loan limits? Can the SBA disaster loan help with those…
- 10 Small Businesses vie for National Minority Small Business Person of the Year by: John A. Lizotte
  August 19, 2010, 08:29
  WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration will host a mentor-protégé small business matchmaking session Aug. 23 just prior to the 28th annual…
- EPA to Reconsider Final Rule on Stormwater Discharges for Construction Sites by: John A. Lizotte
  August 18, 2010, 11:17
  WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today the Office of Advocacy applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to reexamine its final rule for stormwater…
- Cleveland SBA: August Newsletter Available by: John A. Lizotte
  August 16, 2010, 12:05
  Highlights of the Cleveland SBA August 2010 Newsletter are: 1. Loan Report, 2. Small Business Workshops Held Around SBA Cleveland, 3. SBA Cleveland…
- Gender and Establishment Dynamics, 2002-2006 by: John A. Lizotte
  August 12, 2010, 17:55
  Gender and Establishment Dynamics, 2002-2006: This report examines the gender characteristics and business dynamics of establishments that were in operation…
- SBA, Russian Ministry Join Forces to Strengthen Economic Ties and Support SMEs in Both Countries by: John A. Lizotte
  August 10, 2010, 11:25
  WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation have agreed to work together to…
- Interview: Shoeboxed.com’s Mike Tooley by: John A. Lizotte
  August 9, 2010, 07:20
  Mike Tooley from Shoeboxed.com was kind enough to let me interview him recently. For those of you that aren’t familiar with them yet, Shoeboxed.com is the…
- 7 Business Goals for Beginners by: Rachel Mendell
  August 9, 2010, 07:08
  Seven Business Goals for Beginners 1. Know everybody. The writing job at the newspaper was great for meeting people. If I didn’t meet 5-10 new people every…
- SBA Expands Outreach to Small Business Owners, Establishes Alliance with CompTIA to Increase Small Business Awareness by: John A. Lizotte
  August 6, 2010, 07:35
  WASHINGTON, D.C. – An agreement that will strengthen outreach efforts and expand small business development opportunities for small businesses in the…
- Self–Employment: A Career View by: John A. Lizotte
  August 6, 2010, 06:53
  New study finds early exposure to self employment raises the chance of self employment in later career
- August Web Chat: Tips and Advice on Health Care Tax Credits Provided for Small Business Owners by: John A. Lizotte
  August 5, 2010, 11:53
  WASHINGTON – The SBA’s Web Chat will highlight small business health care, with a focus on how the Affordable Care Act will benefit small business owners…
- Time Management Musings by: Rachel Mendell
  August 2, 2010, 07:37
  Time has once again gotten away from me. This usually happens when huge projects and catastrophes reign for a time. There’s nothing we can do to change what…
- Professional Business Impression on a Budget by: John A. Lizotte
  July 30, 2010, 09:30
  Lately, I’ve talked to several people who have just lost their job and are trying to break into the copywriting business. Money is tight. All of them…
- Revamped SBA.gov will deliver essential information and services to small business owners by: John A. Lizotte
  July 29, 2010, 13:49
  WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that a complete redesign of its website, SBA.gov, will launch this fall. The new…
- How do you handle it when freelance work gets slow? by: John A. Lizotte
  July 29, 2010, 09:16
  Every self-employed professional has experienced times when work gets slow. Often, these times immediately follow a large project or projects that took all…
- Make a Change Goal by: Rachel Mendell
  July 27, 2010, 08:03
  Visualize, make a change goal and be at peace or How to deal with change, and lots of it The new boss is coming in today but has already given me assignments…
- Review: Free Accounting with Outright.com by: John A. Lizotte
  July 26, 2010, 10:51
  Small business owners should be taking advantage of all the free services offered to help them grow their business without impacting their expenditures. I…
- SBA Webinar Provides Tips on Testing Your Business Recovery Plan by: John A. Lizotte
  July 22, 2010, 11:49
  WASHINGTON – Once you’ve developed a business continuity plan, it’s a good idea to make sure it works. A successful dry run will reassure your…
- Biz & Kids by: Rachel Mendell
  July 19, 2010, 02:25
  Balance or Survival I just polished off one of those frustrating weeks working moms dread. My daughter was moving out of the house and needed my help on…
- SBA Offers New Podcasts to Help Small Businesses Break into the Global Market by: John A. Lizotte
  July 16, 2010, 10:51
  WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U. S. Small Business Administration is now offering a new set of three export-oriented podcasts offering valuable information on…
- Target Marketing 101 by: John A. Lizotte
  July 14, 2010, 07:00
  It's important to remember that the focus of marketing is people. Many businesses focus on their product or profit. This also leads them into the mistake…
- Marketing Basics: How to get started by: John A. Lizotte
  July 13, 2010, 11:58
  In order for your business to succeed, you must continuously attract and retain a growing base of satisfied customers. This is usually accomplished through…
- How to do a Competitive Analysis by: John A. Lizotte
  July 12, 2010, 06:18
  Today’s business world is a highly competitive, volatile environment, so it is important to understand the competition. Understanding the competition will…
- Getting into the Newspaper by: Rachel Mendell
  July 9, 2010, 19:48
  Yes, it’s true, the newspaper industry has taken a big hit. But you can still work with the paper and now is a great time to check it out. The newspaper is…
- Getting the Newspaper's Attention by: Rachel Mendell
  July 7, 2010, 09:55
  The newspaper is in a state of change, but the media is still a good place to get your name out there. There are two ways you can view the newspaper in respect…
- SBA’s Patriot Express Loan Initiative Delivers Nearly 0 Million to 6,000 Vets and Military Community by: John A. Lizotte
  July 1, 2010, 11:55
  SBA NEWS RELEASE Press Office SBA’s Patriot Express Loan Initiative Delivers Nearly 0 Million to 6,000 Vets and Military Community Release Date: July 1,…
- Bank Credit, Trade Credit or No Credit: Evidence from the Surveys of Small Business Finances by: John A. Lizotte
  June 30, 2010, 13:49
  Office of Advocacy, Small Business Administration The research study, "Bank Credit, Trade Credit or No Credit: Evidence from the Surveys of Small Business…
- Research Contracting Opportunities – Office of Advocacy by: John A. Lizotte
  June 30, 2010, 10:38
  The Office of Advocacy’s mission includes providing research documenting the status of small businesses and the impact of important trends on them. Areas of…
- Contest: Win a Free Press Release. How did your business pay it forward? by: John A. Lizotte
  June 29, 2010, 14:33
  This contest is short and sweet. Tell me how your business truly helped someone without expecting anything in return. Post your answer here. I'll pick…
- SCORE Webinar: How to Really Start Your Own Business by: John A. Lizotte
  June 29, 2010, 08:45
  SCORE announces new webinar: How To Really Start Your Own Business Event information: Date/Time: Tuesday, July 13th Noon Eastern Fee: No Charge Sign Up…
- Grow Your Business With These Free Services Part 1 by: John A. Lizotte
  June 27, 2010, 13:03
  Small business owners should be taking advantage of all the free services offered to help them grow their business without impacting their expenditures. I…
- New First Mortgage Loan Poolers Will Jump-Start Secondary Market For SBA 504 Loans, Make Credit More Available by: John A. Lizotte
  June 24, 2010, 12:14
  SBA NEWS RELEASE Press Office *************** New First Mortgage Loan Poolers Will Jump-Start Secondary Market For SBA 504 Loans, Make Credit More Available ***…
- Have We Given Up Our Freedom? by: John A. Lizotte
  June 23, 2010, 13:00
  When asked, most freelance professionals and other small business owners will say that flexibility and the freedom to set their own hours was a very big part…
- How did you start your business? by: John A. Lizotte
  June 23, 2010, 10:51
  There are two schools of thought when it comes to starting a brand new business. One model says find what you like to do, then build a business around it. The…
- Marie Johns Confirmed As SBA Deputy Administrator by: John A. Lizotte
  June 22, 2010, 11:34
  SBA NEWS RELEASE Press Office *************** Marie Johns Confirmed As SBA Deputy Administrator *************** Release Date: June 22, 2010 Contact: Hayley…
Category: Online Business (16)
- How to Create a Professional Site for Your Business and get Google Love by: John A. Lizotte
  March 6, 2013, 10:40
  I know that I know what I'm talking about here, but you may not be so sure. In case you'd like to know, just 5 days after my latest site went live, it ranked…
- LaunchHouse seeking tech startups for LaunchHouse Accelerator program by: John A. Lizotte
  March 4, 2013, 13:05
  Lean business accelerator to invest in 10 tech startups Shaker Heights, OH – February 25, 2013 – Shaker LaunchHouse, a lean business accelerator based…
- Advocacy Applauds IRS Simplification of Home Office Deduction by: John A. Lizotte
  January 17, 2013, 09:32
  WASHINGTON, D.C. –The SBA Office of Advocacy applauds yesterday’s decision by the Internal Revenue Service to offer a simplified version of the home office…
- Warning for Small Businesses: Don't Open E-mail Falsely Claiming to be From FTC by: John A. Lizotte
  January 17, 2013, 09:27
  Warning from the team at USA.gov: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning small businesses that an e-mail with a subject line "NOTIFICATION OF…
- Price is part of your brand. Why lower your brand? by: John A. Lizotte
  December 15, 2012, 17:15
  This article comes to us from Pamela Trow-Johnson, CEO of 501 DRIVE, Strategic Driven Design, and owner of artpassionsdesign.etsy.com. There is some great…
- Get Tips on Using Social Media for Disaster Recovery by: John A. Lizotte
  March 2, 2012, 08:29
  Crisis Communications Strategies offered during Free SBA/Agility Webinar WASHINGTON – When a deadly tornado destroyed nearly 8,000 homes and businesses in…
- Using Opensource Software for E-Commerce at www.OhWowThatsCool.com by: John A. Lizotte
  February 16, 2012, 16:21
  I've always advocated starting new business ventures with as little investment at risk as possible. It makes sense to let the business pay for itself. I've…
- Do you need a website to market your small business? by: John A. Lizotte
  January 19, 2012, 14:24
  Are you thinking about starting your online business in 2012, or adding an online presence or webstore to your existing business? As my way of saying thank…
- Profit by making holiday shopping easier for your customers by: John A. Lizotte
  December 7, 2011, 11:06
  (I originally published this article in the Galion Inquirer on Dec. 7, 2011) Now that the holiday shopping season is upon us, I thought it might be a good…
- Fight eBook Piracy with PDF Stamper by: John A. Lizotte
  March 16, 2011, 09:26
  If you're a writer, or you're selling information products like eBooks on your website, then you might want to read this article. I've often thought about…
- Creating My First WordPress Website by: Noel Lizotte
  January 23, 2011, 13:43
  Admin's Note: My wife just put up her very first WordPress website, and she wanted to share her experiences. You can check it out at www.ApronFreeCooking.com…
- Discounted Web Hosting with DreamHost by: John A. Lizotte
  December 20, 2010, 09:01
  Looking for webhosting? I've worked with DreamHost to set up a couple of discounts for you. Take your choice of a free extra domain name registration, a free…
- Theme Malware Anatomy by: John A. Lizotte
  December 11, 2010, 12:20
  Jeff Chandler posted this write-up about the danger of using free WordPress themes downloaded from the net. I'm posting a short excerpt and embedding the…
- WordPress Affiliate Platform Plugin by: John A. Lizotte
  December 1, 2010, 00:04
  If you sell any type of products, services or memberships from your website, then you might want to consider using the power of affiliate marketing to get…
- Starting and Growing an Online Business: An Entrepreneur’s Checklist by: John A. Lizotte
  November 18, 2010, 06:09
  Of course, an online business is merely a vehicle for the product or service you are selling. So starting a Web-based business – and making it a success –…
- New Rules for Collecting Sales Tax Over the Internet by: John A. Lizotte
  November 14, 2010, 02:52
  Several states are now requiring sales tax collection for online businesses that use affiliate marketers. Whether you use affiliates, or are an affiliate…
Category: Photography (23)
- Weekly Photo Tip Series on www.LizotteStudios.com by: John A. Lizotte
  April 22, 2013, 11:47
  (Admin Note: You can follow this weekly series on the blog pages of www.LizotteStudios.com. You can find this first weekly tip here) I've been getting a lot…
- How to Create a Professional Site for Your Business and get Google Love by: John A. Lizotte
  March 6, 2013, 10:40
  I know that I know what I'm talking about here, but you may not be so sure. In case you'd like to know, just 5 days after my latest site went live, it ranked…
- Free Light Painting Classes - Learn how to Light Paint by: John A. Lizotte
  January 21, 2013, 15:32
  Beautiful blue and red orb. Would you like to learn first-hand how to paint with light? I offer free classes at libraries, schools or other institutions…
- New Lighthouse Pictures by: John A. Lizotte
  January 10, 2013, 11:53
  I spent some time on Presque Isle in Erie, PA this past week and was able to get a few good pictures of the lighthouses, houseboats and shoreline while I was…
- More Light Painting Orbs, Double Orbs, and Circles by: John A. Lizotte
  December 30, 2012, 21:36
  Playing around with a new light painting tool I'm currently developing. Took these pictures in my livingroom. The diameter of the outer blue orb is 6.5 feet. I…
- How to make a simple dome tool for light painting by: John A. Lizotte
  December 20, 2012, 15:17
  Domes. They're beautiful. Would you like to know how they're made, and how you can make your own easily? All you need is a simple dome tool. This…
- New Light Painting Tool Test Pictures by: John A. Lizotte
  December 12, 2012, 18:54
  I'm in the process of developing a new light painting tool. It's capable of doing domes, orbs, spheres, tunnels, and a few other things...all from one…
- Light Painting Doodles by: John A. Lizotte
  December 12, 2012, 18:47
  My wife and used our Lite Writer Minis to make these photos. Noel Squiggles Light painted flower …
- Light Painting - Dome by: John A. Lizotte
  December 8, 2012, 17:19
  Now if only I could figure out how to trap our Evil Kitty in this plasma dome... A Light Painted dome aka Evil Kitty Cage
- Useful Light Painting Tools and Gear by: John A. Lizotte
  December 8, 2012, 13:16
  (This article was taken in it's entirety from the Light Painting FAQ at www.OhWowThatsCool.com. You can also see the tools we've created by looking at our…
- Light Painting FAQ by: John A. Lizotte
  December 8, 2012, 13:15
  (This article was taken in it's entirety from the Light Painting FAQ at www.OhWowThatsCool.com. You can also see the tools we've created by looking at our…
- Introduction to Light Painting by: John A. Lizotte
  December 8, 2012, 13:15
  (This article was taken in it's entirety from the Light Painting FAQ at www.OhWowThatsCool.com. You can also see the tools we've created by looking at our…
- Light Painting - Pyromania by: John A. Lizotte
  December 3, 2012, 20:24
  If you're going to play with fire, you might as well look cool doing it...
- Locating LX 200 Motor Controller Chips - Help Needed by: John A. Lizotte
  November 19, 2012, 19:57
  I went out tonight to try to get some shots of Jupiter through my telescope to share with my readers here. The good news is that Jupiter is up high, early and…
- Firestorm Redux - Almost there by: John A. Lizotte
  November 17, 2012, 21:18
  So, if you've been reading some of my photography posts (see Making an Orb and Firestorm), you know I'm trying to get a picture of my wife surrounded by a…
- Ring of Fire by: John A. Lizotte
  November 17, 2012, 17:10
  30 second exposure, f10 I've been playing with a type of photography called "Painting with Light". Painting with light (sometimes called Light Graffiti)…
- Painting with light - Firestorm by: John A. Lizotte
  November 6, 2012, 19:36
  20 second exposure at f/10 The first night that my wife and I ever tried painting with light. "Painting with light" is long exposure night photography with…
- Painting with light - first attempt to make an orb by: John A. Lizotte
  November 6, 2012, 19:30
  20 sec exposure at f/10 My very first attempt at making an orb. I found some old sparklers that my kids had left in the basement. My wife suggested we try…
- Garden Spider by: John A. Lizotte
  October 31, 2012, 11:16
  I took this picture for only one reason: this spider was HUGE!!!!!! Although you can't see it in the picture, she was in the process of laying her eggs.…
- Web catches leaf by: John A. Lizotte
  October 31, 2012, 11:07
  1/200th sec, f/14, 45mm macro lens This colorful falling leaf was caught in a spider's web and backlit by the sun. I took this shot for the colors, but…
- Colorful flower by: John A. Lizotte
  October 31, 2012, 11:04
  1/160th sec, f/8, 55mm lens in macro mode I love this picture for it's color! There's a single drop of evaporating dew on one of the top-right petals. I…
- Rolling water by: John A. Lizotte
  October 31, 2012, 10:50
  1/8th second, f/9, 55mm lens. The colors in this picture are originally what caught my eye. I intentionally used a slower shutter speed so I could divide…
- Lonely leaf by: John A. Lizotte
  October 31, 2012, 10:37
  There was nothing technically challenging about this photo. I just liked the mood it created for me. The lonely leaf. Sometimes we all feel alone or like…
Category: Taxes (23)
- Important Federal Tax Dates for June 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  May 10, 2013, 19:23
  Wed 5 Deposit payroll tax for payments on May 29-31 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 7 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jun 1-4 if…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for May 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  April 10, 2013, 19:21
  Wed 1 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Apr 24-26 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 3 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Apr 27-30…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for April 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  March 10, 2013, 19:19
  Mon 1 Electronically file Forms W-2, W-2G, 1098, 1099, and 8027. Mon 1 File Form 2290 and pay the tax for vehicles first used in February. M…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for March 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  February 10, 2013, 19:17
  Fri 1 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Feb 23-26 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 1 Farmers and Fisherman: File Form 1040 and pay…
- Advocacy Applauds IRS Simplification of Home Office Deduction by: John A. Lizotte
  January 17, 2013, 09:32
  WASHINGTON, D.C. –The SBA Office of Advocacy applauds yesterday’s decision by the Internal Revenue Service to offer a simplified version of the home office…
- Ohio Tax Due Dates for 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  January 14, 2013, 13:13
  Tax Type Form Due Corporate Franchise FT 1120 E/ER/EX 1st Est Payment: 1/31/13 2nd Est. Payment: 3/31/13 …
- Important Federal Tax Dates for February 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  January 10, 2013, 19:15
  Fri 1 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jan 26-29 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Wed 6 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jan 30 -…
- Ohio returning Million in tax overpayments to businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  December 20, 2012, 15:42
  New Policy Will Automatically Tell Businesses When They Are Eligible For A Refund COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John R. Kasich joined Ohio Department of Taxation…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for January 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  December 17, 2012, 19:11
  Thu 3 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Dec 26-28 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 4 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Dec 29 -…
- 2013 standard mileage rates up 1 cent per mile by: John A. Lizotte
  November 22, 2012, 09:11
  Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, the standard mileage rates will be: 56.5 cents per mile for business miles 24 cents per mile for medical or moving purposes 14…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for December 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  November 20, 2012, 10:20
  Wed 5 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Nov 28-30 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 7 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Dec 1-4 if…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for November 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  October 20, 2012, 10:19
  Fri 2 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Oct 27-30 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Wed 7 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Oct 31 -…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for October 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  September 20, 2012, 10:17
  Mon 1 File Form 730 and pay tax on wagers accepted during August. Mon 1 File Form 2290 and pay the tax for vehicles first used during August. …
- Important Federal Tax Dates for September 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  August 20, 2012, 10:15
  Thu 6 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Aug 29-31 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 7 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Sep 1-4 if…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for August 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  July 20, 2012, 10:14
  Wed 1 File 2011 Form 5500 or 5500-EZ. Wed 1 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jul 25-27 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 3 De…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for June 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  May 20, 2012, 10:11
  Fri 1 Deposit payroll tax for payments on May 26-29 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Wed 6 Deposit payroll tax for payments on May 30 -…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for May 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  April 20, 2012, 10:10
  Wed 2 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Apr 25-27 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 4 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Apr 28 -…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for April 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  March 20, 2012, 10:08
  Mon 2 Electronically file Forms W-2, W-2G, 1098, 1099, and 8027. Wed 4 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Mar 28-30 if the semiweekly deposit…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for March 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  February 20, 2012, 10:06
  Thu 1 Farmers and Fisherman: File 2011Form 1040 and pay any tax due. However, you have until Apr 17 to file if you paid your 2011 estimated tax…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for February 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  January 20, 2012, 10:03
  Wed 1 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jan 25-27 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Fri 3 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jan 28-31…
- Ohio Sales Tax Due January 23, 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  January 6, 2012, 11:26
  Just a reminder to those folks filing Ohio State Sales Tax: Filing of returns with the Ohio Department of Taxation is due by January 23, 2012. The good…
- 2012 IRS Standard Mileage Rates by: John A. Lizotte
  December 15, 2011, 10:34
  Source: N-2012-01 (A-2011-40); IR 2011 116 (IR-2010-119) 2012 Cents/Mile Rate Type 2011 Cents/Mile 55.5 Business Miles Driven* 51.0…
- Important Federal Tax Dates for January 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  December 11, 2011, 10:02
  Fri 6 Deposit payroll tax for payments on Jan 1-3 if the semiweekly deposit rule applies. Tue 10 Employers: Employees are required to report to…
Category: SBA News (43)
- Order Your Free 2013 Consumer Action Handbook by: John A. Lizotte
  May 9, 2013, 09:35
  (This comes from USA.gov) The Consumer Action Handbook is your go-to guide for practical information to help you plan a purchase, know your consumer rights,…
- SCORE eNews April 2013 by: John A. Lizotte
  April 8, 2013, 11:08
  Winning at the Numbers Game Visit score.org this month for FREE tools, resources and webinars on accounting and finance for your business. Visit…
- 50 Years or Older? Want to Start Your Own Business? by: John A. Lizotte
  April 8, 2013, 11:02
  The Toledo Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Month Workshop is designed for you! April 29th, with Free Counseling Available on April 30th to Workshop Participants C…
- SBA and AARP Host Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Month in April with Events around the Country by: John A. Lizotte
  April 1, 2013, 20:48
  Highlights effort between SBA and AARP to promote entrepreneurship among individuals ages 50 and older. WASHINGTON -The U.S. Small Business Administration and…
- 03/27/2013 SBIR Webinar on Commercialization and Taking your Company to the Next Level by: John A. Lizotte
  March 23, 2013, 10:01
  Join SBA and Ash Fontana from AngelList on Wednesday, March 27 at 2PM - 3PM EST for a webinar to discuss commercialization opportunities. We have heard…
- SBA Announces 2013 National Small Business Week by: John A. Lizotte
  March 23, 2013, 09:57
  Week-long, cross-country events to feature tools & ideas to start or grow your business; National Small Business Person of the Year at D.C. Event WASHINGTO…
- SBA Launches Affordable Care Act Web Page & Blog by: John A. Lizotte
  January 28, 2013, 12:36
  WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today launched a new web page and blog dedicated to educating small business owners about the…
- SBA Presidential Innovation Fellows Launch Online Contracting System by: John A. Lizotte
  January 18, 2013, 12:58
  A Limited Number of Low-Dollar Contracts Now Available Through New Online Marketplace WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration, in conjunction…
- SBA Announces Changes to Contracting Program for Women-Owned Small Businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  January 18, 2013, 12:56
  WASHINGTON – Women-owned small businesses will have greater access to federal contracting opportunities as a result of changes included in the National…
- Advocacy Applauds IRS Simplification of Home Office Deduction by: John A. Lizotte
  January 17, 2013, 09:32
  WASHINGTON, D.C. –The SBA Office of Advocacy applauds yesterday’s decision by the Internal Revenue Service to offer a simplified version of the home office…
- SBA Adds ‘Exporter of the Year’ Award to National Small Business Week Awards by: John A. Lizotte
  January 8, 2013, 13:28
  Extends Nominations Deadline for All Awards to Jan. 31, 2013 WASHINGTON – A new award has been added by the U.S. Small Business Administration in celebration…
- Final, Proposed Size Standard Increases for Several Sectors Published in Federal Register by: John A. Lizotte
  December 10, 2012, 11:01
  SBA Increases Size Standards for Information and Admin Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services Industries SBA also Proposes Revisions to Size…
- Top 10 Mistakes for Businesses To Avoid When Dealing With a Crisis by: John A. Lizotte
  December 4, 2012, 13:03
  WASHINGTON – What are the biggest and most common mistakes business owners make when facing down a disaster event? It could be flooding caused by a big…
- Small Business Saturday by: John A. Lizotte
  November 22, 2012, 09:14
  SBA ENCOURAGES AMERICANS TO SUPPORT THEIR LOCAL ECONOMIES BY SHOPPING SMALL ON NOVEMBER 24 WASHINGTON – November 24 is Small Business Saturday, a day set…
- SBA’s November Web Chat Will Offer “How-To” Tips for Small Business Owners by: John A. Lizotte
  November 15, 2012, 10:47
  First of Two Web Chats is Monday, November 19, at 1 p.m. ET WASHINGTON – The start of the holiday season also signals the end of another year. Small…
- SBA Helps Veterans Start, Grow and Expand Small Businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  November 9, 2012, 12:54
  WASHINGTON – As the nation marks Veterans Day 2012, the U.S. Small Business Administration continues to build on its successful programs for America’s…
- 6 Steps to Assess Your Small Business’ Readiness to Export by: John A. Lizotte
  November 4, 2012, 08:36
  by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator, SBA.gov (Original article here) Between 2009 and 2011, U.S. exports grew by 40 percent and the federal government is…
- SBA Announces a New Partnership to Connect Small Businesses with Corporate Supply Chains by: John A. Lizotte
  March 22, 2012, 15:31
  WASHINGTON – A new private-public collaboration will help small businesses strengthen their revenue streams by gaining access to more than 0 billion in…
- SBA Hosts 14-City Matchmaker Conferences for Federal Contract Opportunities by: John A. Lizotte
  March 21, 2012, 19:50
  WASHINGTON--The U.S. Small Business Administration will host the fourth of its free Mentor-Protégé Matchmaking Conference series in Los Angeles, Calif., on…
- SBA’s March Web Chat Offers Tips and Advice for Women-Owned Small Businesses by: John A. Lizotte
  March 15, 2012, 07:22
  WASHINGTON – In recognition of National Women’s History Month, SBA’s March web chat will feature an open forum on Women’s Business Ownership. The…
- State Small Business Week Winners Will Head for Washington in May by: John A. Lizotte
  March 14, 2012, 09:31
  SBA Honors Nation’s Top Small Businesses Winners Will Gather in Washington during National Small Business Week WASHINGTON – Small Business Person of the…
- SBA Licenses First Nationwide Impact Investment Fund by: John A. Lizotte
  March 8, 2012, 11:51
  SJF Ventures III, LP Will Invest in Cleantech and Positive Impact Businesses Across the Country WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration today…
- Get Tips on Using Social Media for Disaster Recovery by: John A. Lizotte
  March 2, 2012, 08:29
  Crisis Communications Strategies offered during Free SBA/Agility Webinar WASHINGTON – When a deadly tornado destroyed nearly 8,000 homes and businesses in…
- SBA Finalizes One Size Definition Change, Proposes Another by: John A. Lizotte
  February 27, 2012, 11:06
  SBA Increases Size Standards in Transportation and Warehousing Sector, Proposes Increases for Health Care and Social Assistance Sector WASHINGTON – The…
- SBA Webinar Series Marks National Entrepreneurship Week, Feb. 18-25 by: John A. Lizotte
  February 17, 2012, 14:19
  WHAT: The U.S. Small Business Administration will host a series of webinars in recognition of the sixth annual National Entrepreneurship Week. The emphasis…
- SBA Live Web Chat Will Focus on How to Start a New Business by: John A. Lizotte
  February 6, 2012, 11:25
  Advice and Tips on Starting a Business Offered In SBA’s February Web Chat Thursday, February 16, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., ET WASHINGTON –…
- National Small Business Week Event Set for May by: John A. Lizotte
  February 2, 2012, 14:11
  SBA to Honor Small Businesses at National Small Business Week May 20-22 in Washington, D.C. Event Features Awards, Forums and the Naming of National Small…
- SBA/Agility Offer Webinar on Small Business Crisis Communications by: John A. Lizotte
  February 1, 2012, 10:59
  Are you Ready to be an Effective Communicator during a Crisis? Get Tips on Disaster Planning During Free SBA/Agility Webinar WASHINGTON – Because…
- SBA Launches e200/Emerging Leaders Initiative in 27 Cities by: John A. Lizotte
  January 31, 2012, 12:04
  Entrepreneur Training Initiative Sparks Small Business Growth, Job Creation WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration kicked off its 2012…
- Apps for Entrepreneurs Challenge Winners Announced by SBA by: John A. Lizotte
  January 27, 2012, 12:04
  by Sean Greene, SBA Official Recently, the SBA asked how we could use apps to put customized tools directly in the hands of entrepreneurs and small business…
- 2011 Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories by: John A. Lizotte
  January 26, 2012, 12:06
  The economic condition of small businesses in the United States is captured in the Small Business Profiles. The profile shows that small businesses are key…
- Making Government Work Better for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners by: John A. Lizotte
  January 19, 2012, 12:49
  by Karen Mills, SBA Official Today was an important day for America's small businesses. President Obama asked Congress for the authority to reorganize and…
- SBA Program Helps to Bridge the Small Business Gap by: John A. Lizotte
  January 17, 2012, 13:11
  WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration’s national network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) plays an essential role in the…
- Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program Request For Comments by: John A. Lizotte
  January 12, 2012, 15:31
  Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program Interim final rule; request for comments. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is requesting…
- New Online Course Introduced for Native American Small Business Owners by: John A. Lizotte
  January 6, 2012, 14:58
  WASHINGTON – Native American entrepreneurs have a new tool to help determine if they’re ready for business ownership and to help them get started. Native…
- SBA/Agility Webinar on Business Continuity Lessons Learned in 2011's Natural Disasters by: John A. Lizotte
  January 6, 2012, 09:58
  What Did We Learn From 2011’s Natural Disasters? Disaster Planning Tips Discussed During Free Webinar Hosted by SBA and Agility Recovery Solutions WASHI…
- .5-Billion Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program for Small R&D Firms Extended 6 Years by: John A. Lizotte
  January 5, 2012, 15:32
  by Karen Mills, SBA Official Last week, President Obama signed a bill reauthorizing the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business…
- SBA Seeks Small Business Nominees for SBIR/STTR R&D Programs by: John A. Lizotte
  December 27, 2011, 15:22
  SBA Accepting Nominations for Small Business Innovation Research Awards 2012 SBIR Tibbetts Awards and SBIR Hall of Fame Awards to be presented in April WA…
- SBA Names Winners in Small Business Mobile Apps Challenge by: John A. Lizotte
  December 20, 2011, 09:50
  SBA-backed Competition Yields Cash Prizes for Winners, Seven New Tools WASHINGTON – A new electronic application that quickly and efficiently finds loans,…
- SCORE Live Webinar: The Easy Business Plan by: John A. Lizotte
  December 7, 2011, 10:39
  The Easy Business Plan, Featuring Richard Hall, SCORE Mentor and Author A FREE, LIVE Webinar Presented by SCORE Thursday, 12/15 at 1pm ET/ 10am…
- SBA-Agility Webinar on Small Business Disaster Preparedness by: John A. Lizotte
  December 7, 2011, 01:48
  Are Your Leadership Skills Enough to Lead Your Company Through a Crisis? Get Tips During Free Webinar Hosted by SBA and Agility Recovery Solutions WASHI…
- SBA’s Web Chat to Focus on Tax Essentials For Small Business Owners by: John A. Lizotte
  December 7, 2011, 00:31
  Thursday, December 15, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., EST WASHINGTON – With the end of the 2011 tax year right around the corner, small business owners can help…
- SBA’s Disaster Assistance Lending Marks Billion Milestone by: John A. Lizotte
  November 30, 2011, 11:06
  Since 1953 the SBA has approved more than 1.9 million loans to U.S. Residents and Businesses WASHINGTON – Emergency lending by the U.S. Small Business…
Category: Misc (5)
- Order Your Free 2013 Consumer Action Handbook by: John A. Lizotte
  May 9, 2013, 09:35
  (This comes from USA.gov) The Consumer Action Handbook is your go-to guide for practical information to help you plan a purchase, know your consumer rights,…
- Hatching Praying Mantis Eggs by: John A. Lizotte
  April 24, 2013, 14:11
  My latest diversion...hatching a Praying Mantis eggsack. I've always been fascinated by the Mantis. Now I'm going to have the chance to try to raise them…
- Free Light Painting Classes - Learn how to Light Paint by: John A. Lizotte
  January 21, 2013, 15:32
  Beautiful blue and red orb. Would you like to learn first-hand how to paint with light? I offer free classes at libraries, schools or other institutions…
- Warning for Small Businesses: Don't Open E-mail Falsely Claiming to be From FTC by: John A. Lizotte
  January 17, 2013, 09:27
  Warning from the team at USA.gov: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning small businesses that an e-mail with a subject line "NOTIFICATION OF…
- The real reason the Mayan Calendar stops at 2012 by: John A. Lizotte
  December 20, 2012, 14:54
  No description found for this item.
Category: Robotics (5)
- Added a Kinect. My robot now exceeds the MARK Reference Platform standard by: John A. Lizotte
  April 12, 2013, 09:36
  I scored bigtime yesterday! I got a working Xbox Kinect sensor (minus the power supply, which I didn't need anyway) for just ! After cutting up and…
- My Wheelchair Robot Becomes a Teleoperated ROV by: John A. Lizotte
  April 9, 2013, 16:50
  It's been a couple of weeks since I posted anything about Anna, my wheelchair robot I'm using for Smart Chair Technology research. I've been busy with family…
- Testing Servo Mounted Ultrasonic Sensors by: John A. Lizotte
  March 26, 2013, 17:15
  Just a quick video clip for you. I put a HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor and a servo inside an enclosure. This was testing it on my desk before I install it on…
- Work safely when building your wheelchair robot by: John A. Lizotte
  March 24, 2013, 15:22
  I've talked to a couple of people this week that were using wheelchairs or wheelchair motors to build their robots. There's two safety and one mechanical/electr…
- Introducing AnnaBot, my robotic wheelchair by: John A. Lizotte
  March 20, 2013, 09:18
  Anna I need to do some research on Smart Wheelchair technology, and what better way to do it than on an actual wheelchair? Well, the better way was…