Grants and Specialty Programs

Before we delve too deep, let’s address federal grants first. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA) website, federal grants are not awarded to fund new or enhance existing commercial businesses. So we can just avoid looking in that direction all together (unless, of course, your business is a non-profit or education institution whereby you could visit Grants.gov to search for grants appropriate in funding a program representing your organization’s mission). But be not dissuaded! The SBA website also has a search feature that allows you to enter criteria specific to your type of business as well as its geographic design and reach to find a list of grants (and loans) that you may be eligible for. Click here to begin your search!

In addition to grants, there are a number of specialty programs that cater to entrepreneurs both nationally and in New York State. The Small Business Division of Empire State Development has a listing of programs as well as a listing of alternative funding sources that you may be eligible for. Additionally, consider any trade associations or memberships that you may have. Are you a minority-owned business? Consider all facets of your business that makes it unique, and explore the possibility for programs and grants to help you start a small business in Westchester.

Loans and Venture Capital

Surely, you are aware that there are loan and investment programs that cater to the small businessperson. The SBA New Market Ventures Capital Program is an economic stimulus program that may serve to help you start a small business in Westchester. The SBA also hosts a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program with SBICs in New York that you may want to look into. The SBICs are licensed and regulated by the SBA.

As far as loans go, be sure to consider smaller and/or local banks for your small business loans. The possibility is stronger that they will be willing to lend to a local business to have a hand in building up the community. Additionally, the SBA has a number of loan programs that you might want to consider.

With the vast amount of funding resources available in today’s market, an entrepreneur has a greater chance to not only find the financial support needed to move forward and start a small business in Westchester, but to be positioned within a program and on a path that will allow for growth and gain.

Do you know if your office has a morale problem? Key signs include missed deadlines, minimal productivity, call-outs, negative attitudes, lack of attention to detail, lack of unity and team efforts, and so on. If these are traits that you are noticing within the workplace, then your business is suffering and you have a problem. Here are a few tips on how you can build that morale by providing motivation from the top and what you can do to capitalize on that boost of positivity flowing through your workspace to more effectively grow your business in Westchester!

Boost the Morale and Keep It There

Give and be available.

The giving does not always equate to money or perks (although that is also appreciated – never underestimate the power of a rewards program). Providing employees with care and attention, knowledge and information that provide growth opportunities, and compliments and accolades (where due) could result in a huge turnaround in the workplace perspective. Such will nurture the employee’s desire to work harder and do their best for a manager and company that actually cares about them.

Provide resources.

It is very easy for employees to become burned out if the proper resources to do their jobs are lacking or are not available. Consider software additions or updates to enhance the flow and speed of productivity; add a mini library that houses business specific, self-help, motivational and leisure literature to nurture ideas and broaden scope; enhance the office decorum to provide a comforting, motivating workplace; and last, but certainly not least (piggy-backing on the first bullet) – provide assistance to an employee whose workload is substantial. It’s likely that the reason this employee has so much work is because the work ethic and product displayed has proven them to be a valuable asset to your organization.

Food and fun.

Team gatherings and meetings with food and fun is always a morale booster. Plan to do this regularly.

How to Capitalize on Better Morale

Introduce a new business venture.

You have a staff that is revving to go! What a perfect opportunity to present that idea or product that you had in your back pocket for so long. They are eager to please their caring manager and want to perform at levels that will help you grow your business in Westchester.

Increase your marketing.

The staff is poised with resources and an encouraging work environment to take on an influx of customers.

Grow your business.

You’ve done it all. You’ve taken care of your employees which has allowed you to bring in more business with new services and products and more customers all around. Your revenue is steadily increasing. It’s time to grow your business in Westchester to accommodate all of that motivation and morale boosting that your managerial team has done. Kudos to you, your team, and your amazing work environment.

The do’s and don’ts of e-mail marketing.

How to create effective e mail campaign

strategies. Build your mailing list to include

people who are truly interested in your message.

How to write compelling subject lines and copy.

Understand “open-rates”, “bounce rates” click

thru rates”and other e-mail marketing

terminology. Develop targeted follow up

campaigns. Successfully integrate your E-mail

and social media marketing efforts.

Marketing on the Internet is a beginning understanding of search engine optimization, search engine marketing, and social media marketing. During this two hour class, we will discuss how to get started and what to consider as a strategy.

This is an ideal class for those who are considering or are just starting with online marketing as it is geared specifically to beginners.

Marketing on the Internet is presented by Jennifer Shaheen of The Technology Therapy Group.

The franchise business is basically a licensing system by which the owner (licensor or franchisor) of a product or service licenses others to market his product or service within a defined territory.

There is virtually no product or service that is not available to the consumer through a franchise business.

Get an introduction to the major social networks and how each one fits into business. Learn how to use social media for customer relationship management. Introduction to the leverage and value added to businesses that use social media. How to choose the right content to post, how to post and how to optimize the content for social and search. How to use social media as a marketing tool.

Understanding the business aspects of a lease. Most tenants and prospective tenants focus primarily on the rent. The rent is only one component of a lease. The following are some of the clauses that need to be negotiated prior to signing a lease:

When does the rent begin. The tenant needs time to renovate, arrange for gas and electric and should never begin before a certificate of occupancy (CO) is issued. The use clause should be very flexible to permit future needs. In addition to paying rent the tenant will be paying a portion of the increased costs that the landlord will incur over the years to operate the property. The base year needs to be established and no capital costs should be included. In the event of a fire or other casualty to the building which cannot be repaired in a short period of time the tenant needs the capability to terminate the lease without any penalty.
In addition to thee above there are other clauses that could have a significant impact on the total occupancy cost of the space.

What makes a good website? How can I afford to create a web presence for my business? During this 2 hour workshop Jennifer Shaheen – Technology Therapist® will provide the following:

• The items that make up an effective website
• Resources to do it yourself
• Questions to ask when hiring a firm
• An overview of how to create your web budget

Advertising and PR

The Advertising and PR workshop is designed to review the variety of ways a business can get its message across to potential customers, and also focuses on what that message should be. Each workshop is tailored to the people attending so as to make it most relevant.  Opportunity for networking is also provided.

Discussion Includes:

Personal Considerations including necessary skilss and experience, countless hours owner must devote, risks that must be assumed - both financial and personal.

Business Considerations including the products and/or services you plan to sell, marketing and competitive challenges, money needed for successful start-up and where it is coming form, various legal structure options to consider, and introduction to preparing essential elements of a business plan with emphasis on marketing and finance.

Note: the two hours provides for open discussion by participants.