New York SBDC Research Network

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has updated its free Voluntary Disclosure Program pamphlet (Publication 200) . The program, highly successful since its launch in 2008, has a simple goal: To help individuals and businesses with state tax debts from prior year filings meet their tax obligations. The pamphlet tells you who is eligible and how to start the application process online .

The SBDC Think Tank has been working with Bob Fangmeyer, Deputy Director of the Baldrige organization, and Dr. Kevin McCormack to complete a research study focusing on small business success. To date over 250 small businesses have completed the questionnaire. Dr. McCormack has published a preliminary report on the Small Business Breakthrough Project website. Small business owners: The Breakthrough Project is a SBDC sponsored national initiative that provides free resources to small business owners. In preparation for fuller analysis, the Think Tank is attempting one last push to encourage you to complete the survey questionnaire. The survey is only 20 questions, it is anonymous, and it takes only a few minutes to complete. Please help us by completing the survey now. The results will be shared with as they become available.

Small businesses and often young firms seek novel sources for their financing needs, which includes home equity and other sources. View this Small Business Fact Sheet in its entirety. Should you need further information, please feel free to contact Victoria Williams at (202) 205-6533 or advocacy@sba.gov.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 AT 1:00 PM EST In November and December, more than 4 million businesses will receive forms for the 2012 Economic Census, the U.S. Government’s official five-year measure of American business and the economy. Response is required by law, and statistics that result will inform important business decisions and guide the development of effective public policy. Businesses in your area are going to have questions, and they may look to organizations like yours for answers. To prepare you, the Census Bureau is offering a special webinar on Thursday, October 11 at 1:00 PM EST. In just one hour, you’ll learn all about the Economic Census so you can help local businesses understand the value of Census data and prepare to respond. Complete information is available at business.census.gov , including industry statistics, videos and resources to help you reach out to your area. This site features story ideas and communications you can use through February 2013 when Economic

Small businesses continue to show signs of growth. Business births, self-employment, and proprietor’s income are rising, while business deaths and bankruptcies are declining. View this Small Business Fact Sheet in its entirety.

From Manta.com "When’s the last time you Google’d your own business? Set time aside today to search for your business name on Google. Review which websites are listing your business information, keep track of those online listings and update them when your company information changes. Consistency and accuracy are key to being found online by customers!" But try checking on different computers. Google will often give you the results it thinks you want.

The U.S. Small Business Administration and AARP will team up Tuesday, October 2 to host the first National Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Day. The event is targeted at entrepreneurs over the age of 50 to match these “encore entrepreneurs” with successful business owners and community leaders for advice and assistance. To find a local event near you go to www.sba.gov/mentorday . National Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Day is part of a larger effort by SBA and AARP to promote entrepreneurship among individuals ages 50 and older. It will consist of events across the country that will match encore entrepreneurs with mentors who have small business experience. Events will include speed mentoring allowing mentors and entrepreneurs to share information for five minute sessions and mentor lunches for entrepreneurs to learn from successful business owners. The events also will help connect encore entrepreneurs with mentors from SBA’s network of Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business