New York SBDC Research Network

One of the most common methods of business valuation is using valuation multiples. What are Valuation Multiples A factor wherein a value or price serves as the numerator and financial, operating or physical data of the company being valued serve as the denominator. What is Valuation using Multiples Valuation using multiples or relative valuation is a method of estimating the value of an asset by comparing it to the values assessed by the market for similar or comparable assets. The process consists of: identifying comparable assets (the peer group) and obtaining market values for these assets. converting these market values into standardized values relative to a key statistic, since the absolute prices cannot be compared. This process of standardizing creates valuation multiples. applying the valuation multiple to the key statistic of the asset being valued, controlling for any differences between asset and the peer group that might affect the multiple. Valuation u

Young aspiring business owners are invited to learn the basics on how to turn good ideas into profitable ventures at the live Twitter chat on Feb. 19 hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (@SBAgov). Tameka Montgomery from SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development and Bridget Weston Pollack from SBA’s resource partner SCORE will share tips on developing a business plan, ways to get startup financing, and how to overcome those initial hurdles entrepreneurs face when starting out. The event will be held during National Entrepreneurship Week, Feb. 15-22 (#sbaEweek).

Small businesses that suffered economic losses when the owner or a key employee was called up to active duty are eligible to apply for a low interest loan of up to $2 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Small businesses can apply for a Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL) any time from the date of notice of expected call-up and ending one year after the date of discharge or release. The program was created to enable eligible small businesses to pay operating expenses it could have covered if the owner or key employee hadn't been called to active duty. "The absence of just one employee whose expertise is critical to the success of the company can pose significant challenges for a small business," said SBA Acting Administrator Jeanne Hulit.

Why has LinkedIn become such an instrumental networking tool for businesses and potential employees? Employers are using social networks to find potential employees because that’s where they spend the majority of their time. With the outstanding number of people interacting on social media websites every day, employers are searching for potential employees in the all the right places. LinkedIn has become is a professional networking site that helps individuals connect and stay in contact with employers and coworkers no matter if they move or make changes in their career. It was launched on May 5, 2003 and has more than 200 million users in over 200 countries. LinkedIn is now being used as an effective source to assess potential employee’s professionalism, personality, level of intelligence, or, in many cases, lack thereof. A huge advantage of LinkedIn is that employers can view the professionals with which the candidate currently connects. Most recently, business connections seem t

The disability community comprises nearly one-fifth of the American population and constitutes an untapped consumer market worth over $220 billion in discretionary spending. Further enlarging this market are families, friends, communities, employers, and service providers of people with disabilities. Like other niche markets, the disability community responds positively to companies whose marketing approaches are empowering and address their needs and interests. NOD offers consultations and training for businesses and marketers who wish to tap into this increasingly powerful consumer sector. More from The National Organization on Disability . Many companies ignore this growing demographic in their promotional events or ad campaigns, often because they’re worried they’ll do it wrong and offend someone in the process. That’s a mistake, Nadine Vogel says, as people with disabilities – and especially parents of special-needs kids – would appreciate the attention. Vogel, who has two s

Well, the Affordable Care Act has now been up and running for the last month.  So what are the news sources saying?  What are the people saying?  What advice is out there?  Here are a few examples, once again, with a disclaimer that popular news stories are not always accurate and up-to-date, and should always be taken with a grain of salt. In Obamacare, Go For Bronze Health Plans -- Buying Platinum Is Often A Waste Of Money Obamacare and your financial future Dear Young People: Please Sign Up for Health Insurance Obamacare: Uninsured Americans still staying away so far Obamacare deadbeats: Some don't pay up Obamacare open enrollment: Here's everything you need to know Obamacare 2.0: More regulation

Khalid Abouelhouda said he knew little about running a business before opening Pita Kebob, a Mediterranean restaurant and catering company, almost a year ago... “Initially I didn’t know where to turn,” he said. But then the Ruskin resident discovered the Small Business Development Center at Hillsborough County, which operates out of rented space in the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce. “They helped me from day one,” Abouelhouda continued. “And they’ve been with me all the way.” That’s exactly what the SBDC is for, said Lynn Schultz, onsite business consultant and special projects coordinator for South Shore. “He walked into the office one day, and then based on our consultation, feedback and six months of workshops he attended, successfully started his business.” “I benefited from every single one of them,” Abouelhouda said of the workshops. “They were all free, even the consultation.” The SBDC provides free, confidential advice to entreprenuers who want to start or expand a smal