Regardless of your definition of success, there are, oddly enough, a great number of common characteristics that are shared by successful businesspeople. You can place a check beside each characteristic that you feel that you possess. This way, you can see how you stack up. Even if you don’t have all of these characteristics, don’t fret. Most can be learned with practice and by developing a winning attitude, especially if you set goals and apply yourself, through strategic planning, to reach those goals in incremental and measurable stages.
Crowdfunding for the cream of the early-stage crop….
When former investors launched New York City-based SeedInvest in February, they handpicked the companies they wanted to include. The idea was to make it easier for startups to stand out from the crowd and give accredited investors the highest caliber of companies from which to choose.
Think entrepreneurship requires putting your personal life on hold working 75, 100 or 120 hours a week? Think again. We spoke to serial ‘treps who have learned to prioritize life outside of work, and they are not just happier and healthier – they have got successful businesses, too. Follow their strategies to find your own blissful balance.
How Do I Build a Business That Will Last For Decades? Ask the Money Guy…… With very few exceptions, the answer to this question is the same for any small business, whether it’s looking to cash out in 50 months or 50 years. And it’s not really about cost; it’s about the structure of the business.
Living in a world of overnight success stories like Instagram and Facebook has led many of today’s new entrepreneurs to expect too much without putting in the work. While we all dream of that billion-dollar business idea, the sad reality is that those monumental overnight successes rarely (and I mean very rarely!) happen.
Entrepreneurs need to ditch the “instant gratification” mindset and realize that success takes time and work. Before you commit to starting a new business, it’s important to realize that it’s a long and bumpy road, but the treasure at the end is worth the stress.
Frustrated by the lack of access to startup capital, three serial entrepreneurs lobbied Congress to legalize crowdfund investing—and won. The JOBS Act, passed last year, allows small businesses to raise up to $1 million through equity- and debt-based crowdfunding platforms. Now the trio remains committed to the cause, advising the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, working with the U.S. State Department and the World Bank and educating audiences worldwide about the power of the crowd. Here’s a look at a brave new startup financing model and the passionate voices behind it.
The Spark Growth summit brings together entrepreneurs, technologists and economic development officials to showcase Bradenton, spark a conversation on the technology start-up climate in Florida and Bradenton and assess how to improve. The conference is also designed to spark the idea that Bradenton is a great place to operate a high-tech business. Fast Company magazine, ranked the Sunshine State No. 1 for innovation in its May issue, helping raise its reputation. The four-day summit attracted serial entrepreneurs like Christine Urban who also works as a business analyst for the Small Business Development Center at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.
FLYING COLORS
An art school uses an online lending matchmaker to find capital.
When the economy tanked around 2008, enrollment in Olya Losina’s fledgling art school began to wane. Marketing the San Diego-based Losina Art Center to a new crop of students required cash the painter and her husband/business partner, Bill Beatty, didn’t have. So in late 2011 they created a profile on Lendio, a free online service that matches small businesses with lenders. Within minutes, they had a customized list of half a dozen potential lenders offering the five-figure, short-term financing they were seeking. Within days, they received the cash they needed.
The Small Business Development Center at Florida A&M University organized a lender information forum on Tuesday, April 2nd. The event was co-sponsored with The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce who provided meeting space. Two representatives from the Jacksonville based North Florida District Office of the Small Business Administration provided valuable information on current programs to area lenders. Bank representatives from First Commerce Credit Union, Prime Meridian Bank, Centennial Bank, and ProBank attended the informational session.
Roslind Bryant, Lender Relations Specialist from the SBA, discussed updates and changes to the application procedure for SBA loans. She also offered valuable tips for successful loan processing. Ms. Bryant provided answers to questions posed in the open forum format, and encouraged lenders to continue conversations with her. If you are an area lender, feel free to contact the Small Business Administration’s office in Jacksonville to get your questions answered or learn how you can become an SBA lending partner.
Business Opportunity Specialist, Thaddeus Hammond, highlighted key points of the 8(a) SBA Certification Program. This program offers guidance and technical assistance over a period of nine years to qualified businesses. It enables small businesses to have an extra edge when competing for government contracts. After the 8(a) business is well established, it offers support in how diversify revenue streams, a key component in a sustainable business. He requested lenders help in disseminating information to qualifying businesses. Please contact Mr. Hammond for additional information.
For more information contact:
Small Business Administration
North Florida District Office
[Phone]:904-443-1900
Website https://www.sba.gov/fl/north/
Office Email: [email protected]
2013 Technology Commercialization Grant Program
The Leon County Research and Development Authority announces its Technology Commercialization Grant program for 2013. The grant is
designed to support the development of innovative technology into commercial products or services. By providing up to $15,000 per grant, the Leon County Research and Development Authority will support local technology research and development efforts, while fostering economic development in the community. Grant funds are available to entrepreneurs and individuals from local businesses, universities and research labs on a competitive award basis. Grant recipients will also each receive a scholarship to the Entrepreneurial Excellence Program conducted by the Economic Development Council of Tallahassee/Leon County. Last years winners, Specialized Crystal Processing and BioFront Technologies, were each awarded $15,000!
Orientation meeting: February 18, 2013
Application Deadline: March 18, 2013
Finalists Announced: April 15, 2013
Elevator Pitch Night: May, 2013 (Date, Time and Place, TBD)
(Dates Subject to Change)
About Leon County R&D Authority/Innovation Park
The Leon County Research and Development Authority is a Florida Dependent Special District that acts as a valued community partner and a key driver of vibrant technology- and innovation-based economic development. The Leon County R&D Authority’s mission is to work in partnership with Tallahassee Community College (TCC), Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Florida State University (FSU) to promote world-class research and development and to foster economic development. The Leon County R&D Authority oversees the 208-acre Innovation Park campus located in Tallahassee, Florida, and may create additional research and development parks in the future.
For more information and to download application, click on the link below
