Business News and Resources Update: Over $300,000 in Headwaters Funds Available For Economic Development Projects
Over $300,000 in Headwaters Funds Available For Economic Development Projects
EUREKA, CA—Over $300,000 in Headwaters Grant and Mini-Grant Funds are available for the remainder of this fiscal year for project proposals that improve the economy of Humboldt County. Mini-Grant applications are accepted on an on-going basis, while the Headwaters Grant Fund application deadline is October 3, 2011.
The Headwaters Grant Fund supports projects that specifically benefit base or industry clusters that inject money into the Humboldt County economy through export sales or contribute to the region’s competitive advantage.
Last fiscal year, the Headwaters Grant Fund awarded nearly $250,000 to seven projects including: providing internet access to the Hoopa Tribe, developing and promoting the Humboldt Made brand for local products, building a restroom facility at the Orick Rodeo Grounds, and innovation and entrepreneurship training for local businesses.
Earlier this fiscal year, $200,000 was awarded to the Harbor District’s Aquaculture Expansion Project, which will increase the amount of pre-permitted acreage for oyster production and create more than 30 local, good-paying jobs.
Mini-Grant awards are typically around $1,000 and support projects and events that spur economic development. Annual fund allocation was recently doubled to $20,000 to offer more flexibility in responding quickly to community needs. The application process is simple, with applicants usually receiving a decision within a few days.
“Mini-grants from the Headwaters Fund add substantially to the life of our communities in Humboldt County. They have made various great things possible, from Junior Achievement programs for middle school kids, to the SBDC’s Technology Bootcamp, to Plan It Green’s Building Green Communities Conference. I believe the bang for the buck on the mini-grant dollars is outstanding,” said Michael Kraft, executive director, North Coast Small Business Development Center.
The amount available for all grants is based on interest earnings from the Headwaters Fund principal account. Local non-profits and government entities are encouraged to apply. Private businesses with a project idea may partner with a non-profit or governmental agency.
Established in 2003, the mission of the Headwaters Fund is to improve the local economy by funding project proposals that support economic development. Further details and application forms are online at www.theheadwatersfund.org. Interested parties for either program may contact Headwaters Fund Coordinator, Dawn Elsbree, at 707-476-4805 or delsbree@co.humboldt.ca.us.
NASE's Succeed Scholarship Program
Helps You Pay for Training, Business Seminars and Conferences
Are you thinking about taking a business-related seminar or training class this year? Or maybe continuing your education with courses at a local or online college or university to help expand your skills to be a better entrepreneur? The NASE can help!
Through the NASE’s new Succeed Scholarship™ program, association members will be able to apply for scholarships of up to $4,000 to pursue continuing education or training. Scholarships can be used toward university or college courses, training courses for business licensing and certification, or participation in conferences and seminars that will encourage and support business survival and growth.
The NASE is planning to award multiple Succeed Scholarships annually. Applications for Succeed Scholarships are available on the NASE’s website. Submission of all required application materials must be made by June 1, 2011, in order to be considered for a scholarship award in 2011.
Since 1981, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) has offered tools and resources to help America’s smallest businesses thrive. The NASE is continuing that legacy in its 30th year by launching this new scholarship program to assist our members in obtaining the knowledge they need to succeed.
To learn more about the NASE’s new Succeed Scholarship™ program, please visit the scholarship section on the NASE’s website.
Visit us at NASE.org to take advantage of all the exciting benefits the NASE offers to our members.
Free Government Contracting Courses and Seminars throughout Northern California, March-May 2011
In these FREE training seminars presented by The Federal Technology Center, small businesses will learn techniques to tap into the profitable federal, state, and local government markets. The instructors have more than 200 years of combined experience in government contracting and are familiar with the latest contracting laws and regulations.For questions, call The Federal Technology Center (The FTC) at 866.382.7822 toll-free.
Course Locations and Schedule
Hospitality & Workplace Skills Training, Feb. 22-25, Eureka, CA
College of the Redwoods is hosting their Hospitality & Workplace Skills training again on February 22-25 at the CR Eureka Downtown Instructional Site. Free lunch is provided to those attending both morning and afternoon classes. Our classes are taught by our local community members such as:- Avalon’s owner Beverley Wolfeteaching Prep Cook, Cash Handling, Bartender, Food Server 1, Food Server: Wine & Spirits and Dishwasher.
- CR Hospitality, Restaurant & Culinary Arts department faculty Tony Piazzateaching Hospitality, and Teamwork/Communication.
- CR Hospitality, Restaurant & Culinary Arts department faculty Leigh Blakemoreteaching ServSafe Food Handler’s Training and Certification
- CR Hospitality, Restaurant & Culinary Arts department coordinator DonnaMoxonteaching Front Desk and Housekeeping.
- Humboldt County Office of Education’s Humboldt Regional Occupation Program Instructor Kelly Porterteaching Interview & Job Search, and Resume Writing.
- Humboldt County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Executive Director Tony Smithersteaching Ambassador.
Training Schedule
College of the Redwoods Press Release
SUBJECT: One Page Form for Health Care Tax Credit for Small Businesses
December 2, 2010
Dear Small Business Owner,
As I’ve traveled the country this year, I have heard from many of you who are looking forward to the new tax credits, health insurance exchanges, and other tools that will help you provide health insurance coverage to your employees as a result of the Affordable Care Act.
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 equivalent employees with average annual wages below $50,000) who have been hit hardest by premium increases in recent years. Today, I’m pleased to announce that the Administration is releasing a one-page form and instructions (available at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=231928,00.html?portlet=7) on how to claim this credit for the 2010 tax year. In addition, new guidance released today answers questions that many of you have asked related to: your current contribution arrangements, eligibility for certain religious institutions, and participation by multiemployer health and welfare plans. In each case, the Administration has worked to ensure that a broad range of small businesses can qualify.
These credits are available for tax years 2010 through 2013 and for any two years after that. Through 2013, the maximum tax credit is 35 percent of premiums paid by small employers and 25 percent for eligible tax-exempt organizations. Beginning in 2014, those levels increase to 50 percent and 35 percent, respectively. Importantly, these credits are just one of many benefits in the Affordable Care Act. Most notably, in 2014, firms with up to 100 workers will be able to pool their buying power and reduce their administrative costs by purchasing coverage through a health insurance exchange.
Finally, the new law strengthens America’s entrepreneurial spirit, overall. For example, it outlaws discrimination against those with pre-existing conditions, giving more Americans the ability to break out of “job lock” and start their own companies. The new law also prohibits insurance companies from dramatically increasing premiums for a small business just because one worker gets sick.
Overall, the Affordable Care Act is a critical tool that will help millions of small business owners provide health insurance to people who you often consider to be members of your extended family – your employees. As a nation, we owe you nothing less as you work to grow, create jobs, and lead us toward full economic recovery.
Warm regards,
Karen Mills
SBA Administrator
The 2011 Employer Guides are now available online:
California Employer’s Guide(DE 44) www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de44.pdf
Household Employer’s Guide(DE 8829) www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de8829.pdf
These reference materials provide 2011 updates, information about regulations, and more.
Large federal grants available to local, high-tech business start-ups - October 2010
EUREKA, CA--- Small businesses receive more than $2 billion in federal grants and contracts each year through two competitive programs that target small companies developing leading-edge technologies that are of interest to federal agencies. These programs can fund over $1 million in seed capital for companies developing innovative technologies with commercial potential.
The Small Business Development Center will hold a seminar on Wednesday, October 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center in Eureka to teach small, high-tech business owners about the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
SBIR and STTR projects harness the innovative talents of small businesses, while allowing them to retain the intellectual property rights to technologies they develop under these programs, and market them commercially. There are 11 federal agencies that fund SBIR grants for early-stage R&D projects at small technology companies.
The seminar will be led by Roger S. Cohen, Principal of Cohen International, a government contracting consultant and international business development firm. Cohen coaches entrepreneurs through the SBIR/STTR proposal development process and helps write, review and critique draft proposals to increase success rates.
“Roger can help you dramatically increase your odds for the first round of funding. This is a highly competitive program specifically designed to fund research and development activities that private sector investors may label ‘too early’ or ‘too risky.’ Only ten percent of proposals receive awards, but you can learn how to increase your chances of success with Roger’s help.” said Michael Kraft, executive director of the North Coast SmallBusiness Development Center.
Private consultations with Cohen will be available on Thursday, October 21 to seminar participants. For more information about the presenter visit www.rogercohen.com/sbir.
During the seminar, Dr. Ken Owens, CEO of Cognisense Labs in Eureka, will share his experience as a phase one recipient of the STTR. Owens received STTR funding for a prototype he is currently developing for the Sun Valley Group. He credits Cohen with helping him navigate through the detailed proposal process that led to his funding.
The cost is ten dollars and includes the seminar, continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments.
Register online at: www.northcoastsbdc.org or call 707-445-9720.
To learn more about these programs visit www.SBIR.gov or www.sba.gov.
IRS.gov offers Tax Information Publications - July 2010
The IRS has recently announced that they are taking orders for their 2011 Tax Calendar. To see the publication they have available go to
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=101169,00.html by clicking this link or copying and pasting this URL into your web browser.
SBA News - June 2010
Google, SBA launch online training partnership to boost small businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration and Google have announced a new partnership and unveiled "Tools for Online Success," an array of online resources and training designed to help small business owners harness technology to grow their businesses.
The "Tools for Online Success" website (www.google.com/help/sba) features tutorials, video testimonials, and tips from savvy small business people who have leveraged the web to become more efficient, more cost-effective, and more successful.
"The SBA is pleased to partner with Google to put these important tools in the hands of small businesses across the country," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. "As the web evolves and consumers adapt accordingly, we know that more customers are finding traditional 'Main Street' businesses online. With these tools for online success, we can ensure these small businesses reach new markets and customers so they can continue to create jobs."
"One-fifth of searches on Google are related to location, which shows that people are looking to the Internet to make decisions about where to go and what to do in their daily lives," said John Hanke, Google's vice president of product management. "We want to connect our users with the businesses that provide the goods and services they need, but the first step is for those businesses to have an online presence. We're excited to team up with the SBA to make that process easier for business owners across the country."
