New York SBDC Research Network

My washing machine died around the holidays. Thanks to my procrastination and the laundromat around the corning, I managed to go hold out on buying a new one until this Saturday. Good timing, Amelia! Buying a new energy efficient machine this weekend made me eligible for New York's Great Appliance Swap Out , New York's energy-efficient appliance rebate program. If you're thinking about buying an ENERGY STAR refrigerator, freezer or washer there's still time to apply for the rebate. The program runs until February 21st, and according to the website, there's still more than $12,000,000 in remaining funds. If you're planning to recycle your older model, you could get $105 for a refrigerator, $75 for a freezer or $100 for a washer. If you need a refrigerator, washer and dishwasher you can get a bundled package and save $555.

It has been a few weeks since I've stimulated you with stimulating information about the stimulus, so today is your lucky day. Of course, there is so much new information coming out everyday from the SBA, local and national business publications, and government websites that it would be impossible for me to keep you constantly updated. The information below is what I believe is most valuable to you, the business owner or advisor. As always, please feel free to comment with links to information you would like to share on the stimulus and small businesses. Q&A: New SBA Administrator Karen Mills on the Stimulus Small Business Administration - America's Recovery Capital Loan Program Stimulus gives SBA Loans a Boost Sign Up for Updates from the New York State Recovery Website Interest Groups, Legislators Call for Transparency on Stimulus Money

Lately, I've had frequent occasion to use the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) to search for financial and tax incentives related to energy efficiency and renewable energy. This site from the North Carolina Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, provides a "comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency." It has been updated to reflect incentives in the Recovery Act, and I feel pretty confident in their coverage. There's also a page of links with the major renewable energy, green building, & government sites, and a library of "green" energy policy papers, reports and presentations.

Last week I blogged about Small Businesses and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This week I would like to blog about ARRA and how it will effect New York State. NYS will be recieving at least $600 million dollars for labor-related relief. Below are links to articles and websites that explain how this money will be allocated, what New Yorkers can do to recieve assistance, and where to get more information. New York State Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 NY Leaders Detail Stimulus Spending In New York, Stimulus Project Planning Under Way Stimulus Funds Offer Relief to City and State Stimulus Money Wipes Out $1.3B in NY Taxes New York Survey Shows Only 27% of Small Business Owners Approve of New $787B Stimulus Bill

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

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’re all gearing up to help small businesses in New York understand and gain most advantage from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act . We’ll try to keep up-to-date with the details both here in the blog and on the NYS SBDC home page . Specifically wondering what the Recovery Act has to offer green businesses? “ Stimulus Package Has Green for Clean Energy ” from Entrepreneur.com discusses how the Recovery Act will offer tax incentives, bonds, grants and loan guarantees that may be particularly helpful to clean energy companies. Cash grants in particular will help individuals or businesses install solar energy systems – good news for installation and related firms. Don’t forget that small businesses can save money right now by lowering their energy usage. NYS SBDC, NYSERDA, NYBDC and others have teamed up to offer a new energy savings program- get more details here .