New York SBDC Research Network

Most people start a business with one key objective in mind – making a profit. Yet some companies seek out not only to profit but also to provide a tangible benefit to society and the environment. These companies, depending upon a few specific criteria, are classified as Benefit Corporations or Certified B Corporations. Confused by the difference between the two? Didn’t even realize there was a difference? You’re not alone – it’s one of the most confusing aspects of a recent movement for companies focused on giving back. Benefit Corporations and Certified B Corporations have a lot in common, but there are a few key differences.  Benefit Corps To date, 31 states (including New York)  as well as Washington, D.C. have passed laws creating a new type of corporation – the Benefit Corporation (often referred to as “Benefit Corp”).  Benefit Corporation status involves a separate process available to companies in every state. These companies pledge to think about people and the planet

Starting your own business may sound like an undertaking of epic proportions. The truth is, it’s not. Yes, you’re going to have to work hard, and commit to working on it at all hours of the day, but actually getting set up is simply down to making sure you’ve “checked all the boxes,” which is exactly what this business startup checklist aims to help you do. 1. Find a good business idea A good business idea isn’t just one that turns a profit. It’s one that’s a good fit for you personally, for your target market, and for your location. You’re going to be in business for the long haul, so you really should pick something you can live and breathe. Identify your strengths and weaknesses Conduct a SWOT analysis on yourself Come up with a business idea that caters to your strengths Define what success looks like for you Do your research: What are popular businesses today? Read more at bplans

First impressions. They’re worth so much. In franchising, the first impression you get when you start to look at a specific franchise opportunity, dictates how far you’ll go with your investigation.  These days, it’s  the franchise company website * that is often where people who are looking at franchises get theirs. According to website conversion expert  Peep Laja *, website visitors form their first impression in about 50 milliseconds. That’s not a lot of time. And, once you do get interested in a franchise opportunity, franchisors have to keep you interested. They do this in a number of ways. And, your impression of how they do it is crucial. Ways To Keep You Interested

the Technology Transfer Days program is coming to the Brooklyn SBDC. If you are developing technology that may have military applications, check out the information about this event. This is an opportunity for people to speak directly with folks from the Department of Defense and get funding. Deadline for registration is 18 September. Participants must participate in a technology that pertains to the Communities of Interest (COI) that is listed below. • Autonomy • Advanced Electronics • Biomedical • Command, Control, Comms, Computers & Intelligence • Cybersecurity • Data to Decisions • Electronic Warfare • Energy & Power Technologies • Engineered Resilient Systems • Human Systems • Materials & Manufacturing • Space For more information, go to Technology Transfer Days.org . Contact: info@technologytransferdays.org or 646-543-2009

Recover From the Most Likely Disaster: Power Outage Wednesday, September 16, 2015 | 2:00 to 2:30 PM ET    Nearly 70% of businesses in the United States will lose power sometime in the next 12 months. Most businesses are unprepared to withstand such an event, and recover from it quickly. During this webinar we’ll discuss strategies to mitigate this threat and best practices for a swift and efficient recovery.     >>Register Webinar | Q&A Session with Small Business Mentors: Get Your Questions Answered  Tuesday, September 15, 2015 |  2:00 PM ET Do you have questions about the best way to market your new or existing small business? Join the Small Business Administration (SBA) and AARP during a free hour-long webinar on September 15 to learn about:  Developing your business idea and plan  Securing financing  Marketing  Getting a mentor, and more!  >>  Register now    Webinar | How Small Businesses Can Leverage the Sma

The use of the following words and phrases are restricted or prohibited by statute* in the name of a Business Corporation (“BC”), Not-for Profit Corporation (“N-PC”), Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) and/or Limited Partnership (“LP”): academy cooperative institute preschool acceptance cooperation insurance redevelopment "America Espirito Sport Fraternite" council investment savings annuity doctor kindergarten school arboretum education labor secondary assurance elementary lawyer state police attorney endowment library state trooper bank exchange loan surety benefit fidelity mortgage tenant relocation blind finance museum title board of trade guaranty nursery school trust casualty handicapped Olympiad underwriter chamber of commerce historical Olympic union "Citius Altius Fortius" historical society Pan-American United Nations college history Paralympiad university community renewal incorporated Paralympic urban development conservatory indemnity

Do you feel stuck in your business? Have you hit a plateau and you can’t seem to turn things around? Then check out Carmen Sognonvi's interview with Brian Young, founder of Home Painters Toronto. Brian overcame 15 straight years of decline in his business to triple his revenues in the last three years. And what did it take for that to happen? Getting punched in the face by a customer. More from Carmen Sognovi .