New York SBDC Research Network

Following last weeks' topic, this blog will also be dedicated to the Economic Stimulus Package and how the monies will impact small businesses. Below are the links to multiple articles that discuss the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and Small Businesses. Press Release: SBA Applauds Stimulus Bill, Planning Underway For Broadest, Quickest Small Business Impact - This release highlights the SBA's key initiatives that have been impacted by ARRA, including a 90% loan guarantee, deferred payment business sabilization loans, and more. The 2009 American Recovery and Reintestment Act Tax Provisions for Individuals, Businesses, and Other Key Items of Interest - A summary of the major tax provisions that were included in the act, about halfway down the page is a section titled "Tax Provisions Affecting Businesses". BBB Explains Stimulus Package Benefits for Small-Business Owners - A summary provided by the Eastern North Carolina BBB that highlights sev...

As if small business owners didn't have enough to worry about already, along comes this article that proclaims cyberthieves are targeting them more and more. Small businesses that choose to collect and store on their own credit card data for online sales are the specific target. It cites studies that show how small business owners lack the time and human resources to implement antivirus software, or utilize encryption software, or develop a cybersecurity plan in general. The article suggests not to give up online retail as a business strategy, but rather to rely on third-party vendors to collect and protect credit card information. To me, that sounds like both sound advice, as well as a time-saver.

There are already a number of financial incentives for homeowners and small businesses looking to install energy efficient systems. As I blogged about last week, the Recovery Act looks to enhance and add to the existing programs. To locate financial incentives by state, check out the Database for State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency . Incentives are listed for Federal and State programs, including lists specifically for homeowners. If you’re seriously looking to install a photovoltaic system, NYSERDA offers a Solar Electric ( PV ) System Costs and Savings Calculator . You enter your zip code, your monthly electrical bill, and the size of the system you’d like to install. It will estimate installation costs, and add up the tax credits you could expect to receive. To keep up with how the Recovery Act will affect energy savings programs, sign up for NYSERDA's Economic Stimulus Updates LISTSERV .

On Wednesday, March 18, I attended a Federal Stimlus Package Town Hall Forum at the Lally building of the College of St. Rose in Albany, NY, one of a series of events put together by Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith and the New York State Senate; the local state senator, Neil Breslin, was the masters of ceremonies. I was surprised to find at 5:50 p.m. plenty of empty seats because I had heard that the first two events were standing room only; evidently, some folks knew that the program was going to start late. Soon enough, though, the room was packed. The head table had a half dozen agency heads or representatives, which made me think this was the only speaker; that would not prove to be true, as the total number of speakers exceeded a dozen and a half. First, Michael King narrated informaion along with this PowerPoint presentation . I was looking for the small businesss aspects. First to pop out at me was on page 17, which deals with labor, specifically the Workforce Investment A...

Many thanks to the people at the Farmingdale SBDC, who passed on information earlier today that free access is available online to the New York State Contract Reporter, "your official source for New York State contracting opportunities". Access is being given to all the SBDCs around the state, as well as to businesses with fewer than 10 employees. The Farmingdale office received an email from a woman affiliated with the NYSCR. Here's the text: "I am pleased to inform you that today, Governor Paterson in conjuction with our Commissioner Marisa Lago, announced that all NYS SBDC centers will be entitled to free access to the NYSCR as well as to NYS businesses that employ 10 or fewer persons . Please log onto the site at: http://www.nyscr.org/ and take out a free trial subscription. ( Click on the "30 Day Trial" link under the heading "Public Links" ). You will need to accept the terms, complete the form and submit to the NYSCR system. You will r...

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is a 400+ page document that in my opinion would require multiple PhD’s and numerous years to fully understand as an individual. Over the next few months, we at the Research Network will be working on providing our staff and clients, as well as other readers of this blog, with information pertaining to the Stimulus Package (as it is more commonly referred to). While at times this will include government released documents that are difficult to read and extremely long, more often we will try to provide pared down information, especially relating to New York State. Below are a few links to get started. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 New York American Recovery and Reinvestment Handbook From the New York State Senate: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – The Federal Stimulus impact of New York State From the Business and Labor Coalition of New York (BALCONEY): Bulletin on the Impact of the 2009 Stimulus ...

We are asked with some regularity for information to assist small businesses trying to choose a good location for their business. The tools we typically use are the Demographics Now product which offer a numebr of reports and a pre-set packet they call the Business Location Summary Report which consists of: Business Demographic Snapshot Charts Executive Demographic Average Household Net Worth Median Household Income We may also include data and maps from the Deaprtment of Transportation's Traffic Data Viewer ( www.nysdot.gov/tdv ) for a traffic study for the county in question. There are also other sources for checklists and general guidance for choosing a location from some popular bsuiness information sites including one that will allow you to look up prices for commerical property by zip code. SBA Small Business Planner Pick a Location This guide lays out the various new business owners face with a main one being where to locate. Nolo.com Choosing a Successful Location for Your...