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small business news you need to know
MAY 2009


The Greater Richmond Chamber, Small Business Development Center and our Workforce Development partners are proud to present this e-newsletter. It is designed to keep our members and clients informed about important news, events, and programming that support the small, entrepreneurial business community.

If there topics pertaining to running a small business that you would like to learn more about, please contact Mike Leonard at (804) 783-9369.

in this issue:
  • SPOTLIGHT: Employer All Star Awards
  • LEARN: small business news
  • ATTEND: small business events

  • LEARN: small business news


    Momentum Resources
    The old adage “doing more with less” takes on a whole new meaning these days. But even if we can do it all, should we do it all? Learn more

    Madison (Ave) & Main (Street) USA Meet at the Crossroads of Success in Virginia The SBA presents the success story of Madison+Main. Learn more

    Killer Play - Helping Your Business Get Ahead of the Game
    A new Chamber initiative intended to help small business owners discover the strategies that will take their businesses to the next level. Submit your company for this special opportunity! Learn more

    State-level extensions of mini-COBRA coverage
    Families USA has published a special report outlining recent state-level extensions of mini-COBRA coverage. In the past couple of months, several states have taken action to make sure state residents who lose their jobs in small businesses can get the health coverage assistance offered them under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the economic stimulus legislation signed into law in February. Learn more

    Small Business Legal Questions
    Kelly Spors answers questions about LLCs, gauging ideas and company names with input from Billy Ellyson, Richmond small business attorney. Learn more

    International Business Valet Program
    What if your company could increase its international sales by 44% during a two-year period and then grow by another 44% in the years that followed? The VALET Program is an innovative program that was launched in January 2002 to assist companies throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia as they expand their business with international export trade. Learn more

    Unleashing Your Intrapreneur
    Innovation is nothing new, but "intrapreneurship" is a growing phenomenon. It means starting up a product or venture using an organization's resources. Companies that foster innovation produce engaged employees and a competitive edge. Learn more from Digital Innovations Group

    The Economy, Best Excuse in the World
    Find out what lessons are to be learned from the economy. Learn more

    Stimulus Act Updates
    There’s been a lot interest surrounding the recent passing of the stimulus package (aka American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009), and there are a number of small businesses wondering how it will ultimately affect their bottom line. The following provisions are likely to be of most importance to all small business owners. Learn more

    What to do if your Startup is Failing
    Learn more from Business Week

    Tax Preparation: A New Career Option for Displaced Employees
    A new career in income tax preparation could be a safety net for some employees who have lost their jobs due to the economic recession. Many of those being laid off are older employees who may not be able to find another comparable full-time job, but are not ready to retire. Learn more from The Income Tax School

    America’s Most Productive Companies 2009
    Understand the factors that drive employee productivity within an organization in this report from Profiles International. Learn more

    Three Ways We Can Improve Our Business
    Learn more form B&B Consulting Services, Inc.


    ATTEND: small business events

     

    Introduction to Importing
    June 3, 2009, 5:30 pm
    SunTrust, 919 East Main Street, Richmond

    Enterprising Women of Excellence Luncheon
    June 9, 2009, 11am
    Jefferson Hotel, 101 West Franklin Street, Richmond

    Metropolitan Business League Brown Bag Lunch Series
    May 14-June 11, 2009
    The series consists of five informal mid-day sessions that highlight personal health, marketing, sustainability, customer service and finances relative to your business.

    Driving Business Success
    11:30am - 1:30pm | Various locations
    Cost: $20

    Internet Marketing
    June 15, 2009
    Hanover Department of Economic Development | register

    Quickbooks 2
    June 16, 2009
    Henrico Economic Development Authority | register

    e-Myth
    June 22, 2009
    Chesterfield Department of Economic Development | register

    attend more

     

    SPOTLIGHT: Employer All Star Awards

    The winners of the Eleventh Annual Employer All Star Awards were announced May 6th at an awards breakfast at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

    The Awards, hosted by the Richmond Human Resource Management Association and the Greater Richmond Chamber, recognize Richmond-area employers that are truly dedicated to their employees and have programs in place to demonstrate their commitment.

    “One of the Employer All Star Awards original goals was to support the regional workforce development efforts by highlighting the 3 E’s (employment, education, and economic development) necessary to build a world-class workforce,” said Bill Auchmoody, 2007 Chairman of the Employer All Star Awards. “Today, we still highlight the 3 E’s as we use the awards to recognize the best practices of many of our area employers. These practices are shared with other business and organizations throughout our region and it is through this collaboration that all Richmond area employers and employees gain strength. Richmonders can take pride in knowing that our region is recognized worldwide for its outstanding workforce and employment practices.”
    > view all winners

    quick links

    SBDC Online

    CoPilot

    Business Intelligence Report - May 09

    GRWorkforce.com

    Online Toolkit for Small Business

    timesdispatch.com

    visit us

    Join our mailing list!
    for more information: mike.leonard@grcc.com