Sunday, July 7, 2013

Affordable Care Act Workshop

You’re probably hearing a lot these days about the Affordable Care Act, healthcare costs, and the impact on small businesses.  And you probably have more questions than answers at this point. 

Find out what healthcare reform means to you and your company at a FREE workshop hosted by the NE SBDC-Greater Sacramento/Sierra and the Small Business Majority:  Tuesday, July 16, 2013 from 7:30 am to 9:00 am, at 1410 Ethan Way, Room 150, Sacramento.

The featured speaker is Mr. David Chase, California Director of the Small Business Majority.  Topics include:

* Small business tax credits – who’s eligible for them and how to obtain them,
* State Health Insurance Exchange,
* Employer Responsibilities,
* Cost Containment,
* Small Employer Wellness Program,
* Tools and Resources for small businesses interested in learning about the law. 

Seating is limited and pre-registration is required.  Click here for more info:

Monday, July 1, 2013

What Are the Top Five Disaster Risks to Small Businesses?

Two major challenges small business owners face after disasters are sales losses and a diminished customer base.  In a recent survey of 7,500 small and medium sized businesses done by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), 62% said losing profits and clients was their biggest post-disaster challenge.  

Assessing your company's risks is one of the first steps in creating an effective business continuity plan.  Join Agility Recovery and the U.S. Small Business Administration on Tuesday, July 9 for an online discussion on how to protect your business before a disaster strikes.    

SBA has partnered with Agility to offer business continuity strategies at its "PrepareMyBusiness" website.  Visit www.preparemybusiness.org to access past webinars and preparedness tips. 

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

WHAT:          "The Top 5 Risks for Business Disasters in America" - A presentation followed by a question and answer session.

WHEN:          online, Tuesday, July 9, 2013, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. EDT

HOW:            Space is limited. Register at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/934008056

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Hangout with Google+ during National Small Biz Week

As part of National Small Business Week, June 17-21, the U.S. Small Business Administration will host a series of Google+ Hangouts featuring an exciting lineup of social media companies, mentorship organizations and distinguished experts.

All Google+ Hangouts will start at 4 p.m. EDT and can be watched live at:

Small business owners can tweet questions for the panelists using the hashtag #SBW2013.  No prior registration is required to watch.

Topics and panelists include:
Monday, June 17: Getting Started with Social Media - 4 p.m. EDT
Panelists from Twitter, Google, Constant Contact, and W20 Group will hang out.
Bill Murphy Jr., author and columnist for Inc.com will moderate.

Tuesday, June 18: Managing Your Business's Online Reputation - 4 p.m. EDT
Panelists from Yelp, LinkedIn, OpenSky, Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp., Google and Manta will hang out.  Rieva Lesonsky, CEO of GrowBiz Media will moderate.

Wednesday, June 19: How a Mentor Can Help Your Business - 4 p.m. EDT
Panelists from the SBA's Office of Entrepreneurial Development, Small Business Development Centers, and Women's Business Centers will hang out. Fran Tarkenton, NFL legend and entrepreneur will moderate.

Thursday, June 20:  How to Get a Business Loan - 4 p.m. EDT
Panelists from Wells Fargo, SCORE, SBA's Office of Capital Access, and SBA loan recipient Ninkasi Brewing Company will hang out. Calvin Goings, SBA's Region 10 Administrator, will moderate.

Free IRS Webinars for Small Biz Owners on June 18 & June 20

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

This year, National Small Business Week begins on June 17.  In recognition of National Small Business Week, the Internal Revenue Service is holding two free national webinars for small business owners covering the following topics:
  • Tuesday, June 18 at 11am PDT:  Small Business Owners: Get All the Tax Benefits You Deserve
    • Learn about business expense deductions
    • What is a business depreciation deduction
    • Find out which business tax credits are available for your business
    • Get the latest facts about the American Taxpayer Relief Act
    • What are the qualifications for the Earned Income Credit
    • Broadcast will include a live Q&A session
    • Register at: http://www.visualwebcaster.com/IRS/94208/reg.asp?id=94208 
       
  • Thursday, June 20 at 11am PDT:  Avoiding the Top Tax Mistakes that Small Businesses Make
    • Tips to avoid common mistakes with your business taxes
    • Good recordkeeping strategies
    • What is reportable income
    • How to carefully choose a tax preparer
    • Helpful Tax Information Resources
    • Broadcast will include a live Q&A session
    • Register at: http://www.visualwebcaster.com/IRS/94230/reg.asp?id=94230

Friday, May 31, 2013

Our Business Directory is Hot Off the Presses!

It's here and it's FREE!  

Our 2013-2014 Business Directory is now available, featuring shops, restaurants, and service providers from three Sacramento business districts:  Florin Road, Oak Park, and Stockton Boulevard.

Copies are available from our office, as well as the Oak Park Business Association, the Stockton Boulevard Partnership, and participating merchants in each district.  Be sure to use the enclosed Boulevard Advantage Card for special savings when you shop and dine at local establishments.

You can also view an online version of the directory at http://en.calameo.com/books/002472136c860393faa2d.