Special Event for Women Veterans
Program & Conference

When:
Independent Online Study:  35 days
3 day Conference: Orlando, FL March 1-3, 2012

Cost: $75

Join Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship’s (V-WISE)  training program for female veterans of all service eras and branches with a passion for and interest in either starting a new small business or growing an existing one. The training program is designed specifically by Syracuse University with the Office of Veterans Business Development, U.S. Small Business Administration to encourage and support female veterans interested in pursuing careers as small business owners and entrepreneurs. 

V-WISE Three-phase Program

• Phase 1: What’s first? A 35-day online, self-study course focuses on the basic skills of entrepreneurship and the language of business.
• Phase 2: Three-day conference where participants are exposed to accomplished entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship educators from across the United States.  This segment includes two tracks or training: a growth track, tailored to those participants already in business, and a startup track focused on potential future entrepreneurs.  Courses include business planning, marketing, accounting/finance, operations/production, human resources and work life balance.  (The online course segment is a prerequisite to conference training.).
• Phase 3: Ongoing support and mentorship delivered online and through a robust, comprehensive network of mentors and partners.

Registration:

Admission is on a rolling basis so early application is highly recommended.  Participants are responsible for a one-time $75 registration fee and their transportation to and from the on-site conference.  All hotel and conference fees are covered through the support of the Small Business Administration.

If you are a female veteran, active-duty female transitioning within 24-months, spouse or female partner of a veteran who is running or growing a small business, or if you are interested in starting a new small business, then V-WISE is your answer!

Apply here:  http://www.whitman.syr.edu/VWISEApplication2/

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From the beginning, Tricycle Studios has had a specialty in medical device and diagnostics, biotech and pharmaceutical marketing. By 2007, the company had grown to 11 employees to meet the demands of their growing global client base; however, by 2008, revenues were falling. The founders returned to the SBDC at USF for survival assistance due to the recession.

The consultation we received from Jim Parrish at the SBDC at USF was priceless. If not for his expertise and recommendations, we wouldn’t be here today.

According to Tona, “the consultation we received from Jim Parrish at the SBDC at USF was priceless. If not for his expertise and recommendations, we wouldn’t be here today. He helped us through making tough decisions, focusing our efforts on the medical industry, and provided us the tools to not only survive, but also grow. Beginning in 2008, we met with Jim quarterly to discuss our progress. Since then, we have had a 30 percent increase in sales. We’ve also reached 15 employees.”

Today, Tricycle Studios continues to work with the SBDC at USF to grow and expand as a marketing communications agency by taking advantage of the center’s Growth Acceleration services. These services will assist them with positioning their company to achieve its growth objective of 30 percent per year for the next five years.

According to Growth Acceleration Services Coordinator and SBDC Certified Business Analyst Jim Parrish, “The SBDC at USF is performing a detailed business health assessment and a financial analysis of Tricycle Studios in order to assess its growth potential. Then, the SBDC at USF will work with them to develop and implement strategies to position the company to achieve its growth objectives.”

See if you quality for no-cost growth Acceleration consulting.

Before looking at the considerations, you need to know that every lender and/or investor has specific requirements for an applicant to meet. You’ll have the highest degree of success by pursuing financing from sources whose requirements you best meet. It is important that you fully understand the requirements of the particular lender before proceeding. Common financing requirements include: personal credit requirements, specific financial ratio tests, personal capital injections, ability to repay and possible collateral requirements.

Top 5 financing considerations:

1. Choosing between financing methods:

• Repayment terms
• Total cost
• Requirements of the lender or investor

2. Most Common Options

• Debt financing is basically borrowing money with the obligation of repaying the lender.
• Equity or investment financing may or may not require cash repayment, but does include surrendering a percentage of the business to the investor. This percentage, very often, can exceed 50% and includes the expectation for you to buy this back at a premium price. You must be prepared for this type of investor to possibly assert a great deal of influence on managerial and strategic decisions.
• Selling shares of stock to finance a business has its own set of vital considerations, including the possibility of losing managerial control in the future and falling victim to a takeover from a larger company.

3. Length of arrangement:

• Long term loans can build up a significant amount of interest.
• Shorter term loans will require larger periodic payments.
• Consider the frequency and payment amount – can you meet it?
• How is principal and interest allocated? The higher the allocation of funds to principal, the lower the total long-term cost of the loan will be.

4. Associated Costs: Add up all the costs with each financing method. Do this before making a decision to ensure you OK with the final cost. The most common costs for loans include interest rates, origination fees, closing costs and possible brokers’ fees.

5. Prepay obligations: Perhaps you’d like the ability to prepay your loan obligation prior to its final date. It is common for debt financing loans to allow prepayment, but you need to know if there are penalties. Try negotiating to eliminate, or at least, reduce these penalties to a minimum. One major advantage of a SBA guaranteed loan is that there aren’t prepayment penalties involved in loans that don’t exceed 15 years. By considering this allows you to seek longer repayment terms, which can greatly lower the required payment.

Still have questions? Consider attending the SBDC’s comprehensive Financing in Today’s Economy course. You can also make a no-cost, consulting appointment with one of our finance experts (although, we do recommend you take the course first so you can prepare targeted questions).

It just so happens that something like this does exist. Below you’ll find your SBDC accountant’s list of most important tax dates and tips to remember for 2012.

If you’d like the entire line up, you can download the IRS’ official desktop 12 month Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed.  It is filled with useful information on general business taxes, IRS and SSA customer assistance, electronic filing and paying options, retirement plans, business publications and forms, and common tax filing dates. Not into desktop downloads? Subscribe to it through Outlook.

Must Know Tax Dates 2012 to save your business $$

January 17: Deposit payroll tax for Dec 2011 if the monthly deposit rule applies.

January 20: Florida sales Tax due – $50 late fee

January 31:

• Furnish Form W-2 to employees who worked for you during 2011.
• File payroll reporting tax forms 940, 941, 943, 944 and/or 945 if you did not deposit all taxes when due.

February 15: Furnish Forms 1099-B, 1099-S and certain Forms 1099-MISC to recipients.

February 20:  Florida sales Tax due – $50 late fee

March 15

• Corporations: File Form 1120 for 2011 calendar year and pay any tax due. For automatic 6-month extension, file Form 7004 and deposit estimated tax.
• S Corporations: File Form 1120S for 2011 calendar year and pay any tax due. Furnish a copy of Sch. K-1 to each shareholder. File Form 2553 to elect S Corporation status beginning with calendar year 2012.

March 20:  Florida sales Tax due – $50 late fee

April 17:

• Corporations: Deposit the first installment of your estimated tax for 2012.
•  Employers: Deposit payroll tax for Mar. if the monthly deposit rule applies.
• Individuals: File 2011 Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ. For automatic 6-month extension file Form 4868 and deposit estimated tax. Pay the first installment of 2012 estimated tax.

NOTE: Filing Form 4868 only extends filing paperwork.  Taxes are still due.  Payment later than April 17th will result in penalties and interest.

• Partnerships: File 2011 Form 1065 and furnish a copy of Sch. K-1 to each partner.

April 20:  Florida sales Tax due – $50 late fee

April 30

• File Form 941 for the first quarter of 2012.
• Deposit FUTA tax owed through March if more than $500.
• Florida  LLC renewal due late fee is $ 400

June 15: Individuals: Pay the second installment of estimated tax for 2012.

June 20:  Florida sales Tax due – $50 late fee

July 31

• File 2011 Form 5500 or 5500-EZ.
• Deposit FUTA owed through June if more than $500.
• File Form 941 for the second quarter of 2012.

July 20:  Florida sales Tax due – $50 late fee

August 20:  Florida sales Tax due – $50 late fee

September 17

• Individuals: Pay the third installment of your estimated tax for 2012.
• Corporations: File calendar year 2011 Form 1120 or 1120S if you timely requested a 6-month extension.

September 20:  Florida sales Tax due – $50 late fee

October 15: Individuals: File 2011 Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ if you timely requested a 6-month extension.

October 31: File Form 941 for the third quarter of 2012. Deposit FUTA owed through Sep if more than $500.

October 20:  Florida sales Tax due – $50 late fee

November: Visit your CPA to assess your businesses tax situation (too late if you wait until next year)

November 20:  Florida sales Tax due – $50 late fee

December: Prepare budget for 2013 (or 2014-2015)

December 20:  Florida sales Tax due – $50 late fee

What are the most common resolutions?  Our research shows the top New Year’s resolutions include:

• Learning something new
• Getting organized
• Getting in shape
• Getting out of debt
• Spending more time with family or enjoying life
• Stop smoking

Learning something new

SBDC provides numerous classes every month to help you learn something new about owning and running a new business.  We also have classes to support you in growing your existing business. In 2012, we are adding several new classes like Ignite Your Online Marketing: A Guide to 4 Essential Google Tools and Financial Intelligence: Understanding and Analyzing Financial Statements.  We are also implementing technology to allow clients at our satellite offices to attend classes via the web.  There is always something new to learn when it comes to managing a business.  SBDC is here to help you learn in 2012.  Sign up for one of the SBDC’s low cost classes now: http://www.sbdctampabay.com/training

Getting organized

“Business don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.”  Getting organized is at the core of planning.  Do you need to create a budget for 2012?  Is it time to update or create a business plan?  Does your marketing need a boost with the help of a marketing plan?  Are you thinking about taking your business global, but don’t know where to start?  Could doing business with the government (state, local or federal) improve your profits? SBDC’s consultants are experienced and ready to assist you with your plans for marketing, finances, financing, global trading, government contracting and more.  Call our consultant coordinators (813-905-5800) to be matched with the best consultant to support your needs.

Getting in shape

Losing the fat, unneeded expenditures eating up your profit, is a challenging resolution.  SBDC consultants can help you review your business with a fine toothed comb and find the areas to cut.  We have two CPAs on our staff to assist you in locating opportunities to cut taxes.  Now is the time to plan for a smaller tax bill in 2013.  We can also help you build the muscles necessary to support a strong healthy business.  Once we help your business get in shape, we are here to help you stay in shape.

Getting out of debt

A stronger, healthier, organized business will have the funds necessary to reduce business debt.  Maybe you need to reorganize or restructure your debt before you are in a position to reduce it.  SBDC financing specialists will give you a good assessment of your best options.

Spending more time with family and friends or enjoying life

Do you run your business or does your business run you?  If you have been letting your business run you, changing the tide  may be your 2012 resolution.  At the SBDC, we believe the best way to enjoy life and time with family and friends is to have a smoothly run business. We will consult with you to set up the plans and systems to reach your goals and create a balanced life.

Stop smoking

Okay, so we can’t help you with this one.  But our office is a smoke free zone and we will encourage you all we can.

Don’t let the economic challenges of 2012 stop you from making or keeping your business New Year’s resolutions.  The SBDC has what you need to make them happen.  Call us today for an appointment or go online and register for a class.  Get the year started in the right direction with assistance from the SBDC.

Let’s Start With Branding

Does your company have a branded logo or tag line?

Is the brand consistent and creating a continuous image of the company?

Is the branded information the same on ALL MATERIALS?

• Website
• Brochures
• Business cards
• Letterhead
• Invoices
• How everyone answers the telephone.
• Email signature block

Website

Does your home page of your website provide the WOW factors of your company offerings to keep the potential customer wanting more information and finally making a purchasing decision?

Does your website show your links to the social media methods the company utilizes?

Social Media and Networking

Many social media and networking sites are now offering company or business pages.  Take a look at them to see  if they fit.  If they do, why not try this method.

This is just the start of how to keep your image in front of potential and existing customers.  Now is the time to get started reviewing your marketing materials but do not stop there.  Plan a regular review schedule of all marketing materials to present the company’s best image.

1. Your product
2. Your competition
3. The customer

The beginning of the sale has nothing to do with any of these.  The sale begins with your attitude.  If you had all of the knowledge above but your attitude is not at the top of your game when you begin, your chance for a successful sales call is very limited.  Better you should by a lottery ticket.

Attitude is all about how you feel about you.  Do you believe in you?  If you don’t believe in yourself how can you expect anyone else to believe in you?  When you care about yourself, you’ll find that you care about others and when your customer feels that you care about them, they’ll begin to trust you.

Sales locations

A positive attitude breeds enthusiasm and that’s what helps to make you memorable.  I’m sure you have been to a restaurant where the server was bubbly, enthusiastic and caring but made a few mistakes.   You probably left feeling that it was a good experience.  Why?  Because the waiter had a great attitude.

On the other side, have you been to a restaurant that had great food and service but the server had a bad attitude?  What effect did that have on the whole experience?   Probably not good.  While both experiences are similar, attitude made the difference.

Your attitude sets the stage for how the customer perceives you, your company and your product.  It determines if they will believe you.  It will determine if you are going to be welcome again and you need to be welcome again to get repeat sales.

Attitude is where the sale begins.

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3-PART – FLORIDA EXPORT SERIES

#1 INTRO TO INTERNATIONAL TRADE
#2 DEALING WITH YOUR EXPORT MARKET
#3 EXPORT DOCUMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE
Register today at www.SBDCtampabay.com
Dates:  Modules run Feb. 2, 9 and 16 from 1-4 p.m.
Price:  $95, includes 3 modules, 3 textbooks and valuable handouts. * Individual modules not available
Location: Small Business Development Center at USF Tampa Port Authority Building

AUTOMATED EXPORT SYSTEM (AES) COMPLIANCE SEMINAR & AESPcLINK TRAINING

When: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 (SEMINAR) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and/or
Thursday, January 19, 2012 (AESPcLink WORKSHOP) from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida
Price: $249.00 per person (includes continental breakfast, breaks, and lunch).
AESPcLink Worhop Price: $75.00 per person.
Registration: http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1021285
Contact: 410-627-6293 or karen@m-palm.com

INTERNATIONAL TOWN HALL MEETING

When: February 1, 2012, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: The University of Tampa, Vaughn Center, 9th floor, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606
Price: $10
To register, please visit: conta.cc/edcithm

María Clara Yepes, Certified Business Analyst
Small Business Development Center
University of South Florida
1101 Channelside Drive, Suite 210
Tampa, FL 33602
t 813.905.5800/Fax 813.905.5801
myepes@usf.edu • www.sbdctampabay.com

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