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April 2014 SBA Region 4 News To Share Brought to you by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Region IV Office Cassius Butts Regional Administrator U.S. Small Business Administration Today is EARTH DAY 2014- LET'S MAKE IT COUNT! 4/22/14 Happy Earth Day 2014!  We like to think of every day as Earth Day at SBA and we remind small business owners the importance of thinking green continuously while we are out in the communities talking to different organizations and community leaders.  I have had the opportunity to work with the national organization Green For All on a couple of occasions in the Southeast Region as well as in Washington, D.C.  Green For All is led by Nikki Silvestri, Executive Director, out of Oakland, CA and I have also worked with member of their Board of Directors, Lamman Rucker, in Atlanta, Georgia as well as in our nation's capital.  Green For All helps keep small business owners and agencies and communities active in protecting our environment and engaging in sustainability not just on Earth Day, but every day. I have seen first-hand their commitment and dedication to the green effort.  Keep in mind you can reach out to organizations such as Green For All and many other organizations as well as the SBA who can assist you in keeping your small business green.  Please read the below blog article that was recently published by a colleague of mine here at SBA that I believe you will find interesting and please be sure to do something to celebrate Earth Day- not just today, but every day. Blog Article:  Helping Small Businesses Grow Through Green Efforts From Left to Right:  Dr. Rustin Lewis, Executive Director, College Summit, Lamman Rucker, Actor/Board Member of Green For All supporting Nikki Silvestri, and SBA Regional Administrator Cassius Butts at the Green for All Event, Washington, D.C. April 8, 2014. When it comes to financing, you probably already know that SBA doesn't lend money directly to small business owners and entrepreneurs, but has various programs to help get small business ventures financed through local lenders. But did you also know that the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program has been helping small business access capital for more than fifty years? What's the SBIC Program? READ MORE HERE.......... What's happening For Small Business in YOUR Area? Alabama District Office Tom Todt, SBA District Director On April 5, Lead Lender Relations Specialist L.D. Ralph served as a judge at the first Annual Tuskegee University and Concordia College Business Pitch held at the St. James Hotel in Selma, AL. The panel of judges determined suitability for financing based on the presentations. Sixteen entrants were judged. The winner was HBCU Fashion, a design house. Other entrants included several fashion designers, a topical pain relief manufacturer, a community garden food grower, luggage designer and an IT consultant. On April 7, Alabama Director Tom Todt presented a training session on ACA 101 at Childcare Resources, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) child care resource and referral agency based in Birmingham. CCR works to make quality child care available in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties by: 1) helping families locate child care, 2) training child care professionals, 3) providing parent education services and 4) offering child care financial assistance to low-income, working families. This was the second session on the Affordable Care Act provided to CCR members, all of whom operate childcare facilities, including faith-based, private and non-profit. On April 12, Public Information Officer David Ramp presented ACA 101 training at the Tuscaloosa Area Black Chamber of Commerce 1st Small Business Empowerment Conference. The attendees were made up of area minority-owned businesses who were informed on a variety of topics including achieving a profit in business, entrepreneurship and the Affordable Care Act. North Florida District Office Wilfredo J. Gonzalez, District Director The North Florida District Office hosted a training on April 2, 2014 on the General Supply Administration's (GSA) contracting opportunities. The training was provided by Linda Hosey, a recently retired representative of the  GSA. Ms. Hosey spoke to a group of approximately 35 people regarding topics such as general GSA Contracting opportunities, how to market a business to the GSA, e-tools used by the agency, and reverse auction opportunities. The training was facilitated by Tisa Clark, SBA Business Development Specialist.  Please contact the SBA North Florida District for upcoming similar trainings.  www.sba.gov/fl/north.   The SBA North Florida District Office is also partnering with resource partners throughout the district to bring training and mentoring opportunities to Encore Entrepreneurs (age 50 plus), as part of the National Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Month series. Events have been scheduled in Amelia Island, Daytona Beach, The Villages, and Ocala to help entrepreneurs over the age of 50 launch their second careers. A full list of activities scheduled for Encore Mentor Month for North Florida is located on the district website. Anyone interested in participating may also contact SBA's Annette Paulson, Economic Development Specialist at (904) 443-1900.  SBA Regional Administrator Cassius Butts and staff from both North and South District Offices will be participating in the upcoming Florida 8(a) Alliance Annual Conference May 27-28th in Orlando, Florida at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel. All Businesses are welcome to attend (8(a) , 8(M), HUBZone, Veteran Owned, WOSB, SDVOSB, Large Business). For more information, please visit www.florida8a.org. South Florida District Office Francisco "Pancho" Marrero, District Director  April has been a busy yet rewarding month for the SBA South Florida District Office (SFDO).  On Apr. 8, I traveled to Cocoa, Fla. where we renewed a two-year, Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) with the city during their monthly council meeting at City Hall.  Our first Emerging Leaders class kicked off on Apr. 15 at the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Florida International  University (FIU) School of Business Downtown Miami Campus, one of our sponsors for the inaugural course.  More Miami business owners registered for the course than in any other district Emerging Leaders class in the nation.  The first class of 15 business owners will graduate later this fall.  SFDO is working closely with the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce in hosting the headquarters initiative "The SBA and Yelp Present:  Success with Online Reviews Miami".  The free event will be held at the Coral Gables Art Cinema on May 2.  It's being held in conjunction with Miami's eMerge Americas, a week-long entrepreneur event with emphasis on technology and working with our Latin American countries.  Business owners interested in registering can sign up HERE. Finally, SFDO has begun a bi-weekly radio segment called "Let's Talk SBA." The segment airs the second and fourth Tuesday of each month on WZAB 880 AM "The Biz" during the 8-9 am drive time.  Hosted by Pete De La Torre and former SBA lender Sally Villalba, SFDO representatives discuss local events, initiatives and the full range of SBA programs.   SBA Regional Administrator Cassius Butts will be participating in the Department of Energy's 13th Annual Small Business Forum & Expo in Tampa June 10-12.  For more information, please visit http://smallbusinessconference.energy.gov . Georgia District Office Terri Denison, District Director In honor of Encore Entrepreneurship Month the Georgia District Office will host two SBA/AARP Events 1.  Exploring Entrepreneurship After 50 (Monday, April 21, 2014) Are you an Entrepreneur? Ever wondered if business ownership was right for you or if you have the personality traits to run a successful business or maybe if that fantastic idea you have could be the next million dollar sensation?  Join the SBA Georgia District Office, AARP, and the Georgia Small Business Development Center for a workshop on Exploring Entrepreneurship.  2.  Ask the Experts  (Tuesday, April 29, 2014) An SBA/AARP Teleconference for Encore Entrepreneurs SBA Georgia District Office and AARP have lined up a panel of experts especially for those 50 and over to field your questions about a wide range of interests to small business owners, including small business finance, management and operations, federal procurement, and small business certification programs.  Whether you are currently in business or just thinking about the possibilities, our small business specialists can help clarify popular misconceptions about business ownership and start up, help you again clarity on what it really takes to own and operate a business and advise you on the resources available to you as small business owner in Georgia. For more information please visit:  www.sba.gov/ga Kentucky District Office Ralph Ross, District Director SBA KY District Office Honors Top Small Businesses Mr. Tommy Ray Cornett, President and Founder of Bleed Blue Tattooing and Piercing, Inc. in Lexington, KY is the Kentucky's SBA 2014 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Kentucky District Office.  Mr. Cornett, a lifelong artist and U.S. Army veteran who honed his skills in college, opened Bleed Blue Tattoo & Piercing Inc. in Lexington, KY in 2008. The company's mission, in addition to providing superb tattoos and piercings, is to educate the public on the appropriate safety and technical standards that should be expected from the industry, perform at the highest professional level, and eliminate stereotypes surrounding the tattoo and body piercing professions. Bleed Blue is a professional business that is also serious about its community involvement and supports many worthy causes. SBA's Kentucky District Office also honors Small Business Advocates each year, including: ·  Mr. Jeffrey Elswick, VP and Chief Commercial Lender at Kentucky Farmers Bank in Ashland, as the 2014 Kentucky Financial Services Advocate of the Year; ·  Mr. Mark Hill, VP of Operations for Messer Construction in Lexington, as the 2014 Kentucky Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year; ·  Ms. Marisa Neal, President of MMN Consulting, LLC in Louisville, as the 2014 Kentucky Women Business Advocate of the Year, and ·  Dr. Sharon Kerrick, Founder of the VetStart Program at the University of Louisville, as the 2014 Kentucky Veteran's Small Business Advocate of the Year. All five of Kentucky winners will be honored locally at the "Kentucky Celebrates Small Businesses" event in Lexington this June. Stay tuned for event details by visiting www.sba.gov/ky. Mississippi District Office Janita Stewart, District Director SBA Mississippi 2014 Small Business Person of the Year & Small Business Champion Winners Bhupender "Bruce" Patel, Owner of Fusion Hospitality of Tupelo, MS has been named the SBA 2014 Mississippi Small Business Person of the Year by the SBA Mississippi District Office. SBA's Mississippi District Office also honors Small Business Champions each year.  Mississippi Small Business awardees include Marissa C. Simms, Owner of Royal Bleau Boutique, as the 2014 Young Entrepreneur; Regina Austin, Community Affairs Specialist with FDIC as the 2014 Financial Services Champion; Tania G. Bayne, Owner of Shanti Yoga and Counseling, LLC as the 2014 Women in Business Champion; Fred Boykin, Chairman of Military Veterans Association as the 2014 Veterans Business Champion.  SBA Mississippi Statewide 2014 Lenders Conference: The Mississippi SBA District Office will host the 2014 Statewide Lenders Conference in Biloxi, MS on May 22-23 at the IP Biloxi Hotel.  SBA Mississippi District Office will also honor the Top Lenders and Certified Development Companies for the FY 2013 lending year.  For more information, please visit www.sba.gov/MS. Attention! Small Business Owners: Are You Looking for Health Coverage for You and Your Employees? Register for an upcoming webinar to learn about One, Mississippi. Through One, Mississippi you can enroll and select an Insurance Plan that is right for your budget and meets your business needs.  Enrollment begins as early as May 1, 2014.Informational Sessions Via Webinar Thursday April 24, 2014 from 3:00—4:00 PM Or Friday April 25, 2014 from 11:00—12:00 Noon To register for one of these sessions, go to: www.onemississippi.com  and complete a Small Employer Information Session registration form. If you have any questions, please call:  1-855-9MS-SHOP (1-855-967-7467) North Carolina District Office Lynn Douthett, District Director SBA Microlender in North Carolina Receives $1 Million On Friday, April 4th 2014, Asheville-based Mountain BizWorks (MBW) was presented a $1 million dollar check from the U.S. Small Business Administration. MBW will use the loan to provide SBA microloans to small businesses in Western North Carolina. Since 2006, the organization has funded almost 160 businesses for close to $3 million in SBA microloans to more than 50 startups and over 100 existing businesses that created/retained about 650 jobs. "Mountain BizWorks has done a terrific job in meeting the financing needs of our small businesses here in Asheville and in the far-western counties of our state," said SBA North Carolina District Director Lynn Douthett. "That means job creation for the communities they serve, but also the opportunity for individual small business owners to realize their dreams of owning and running their own businesses." U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, visited Mountain BizWorks for the announcement. One of the speakers at the event was Meherwan Irani. He and his wife Molly own Chai Pani Indian Restaurant, in downtown Asheville. The pair received a $50,000 SBA microloan through MBW to expand into the lower level of the building and establish MG Road, the restaurant's cocktail lounge. The Microloan program provides small loans up to $50,000. Under this program, the SBA makes funds available to nonprofit intermediaries that, in turn, make the small loans directly to entrepreneurs. Proceeds can be used for typical business purposes such as working capital, or the purchase of furniture, fixtures, machinery, supplies, equipment, and inventory. For more information, go to www.sba.gov/microloans. Left to right:  SBA District Director Lynn Douthett, U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, Eileen McMinn, MBW board chair and Brian Griffin, MBW Chief of Finance. South Carolina District Office  Elliott Cooper, District Director Join the SBA South Carolina District Office Wednesday, May 7, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in downtown Columbia for South Carolina's biggest annual small business event--the Salute to Small Business. Featured events: Procurement Opportunity Matchmaker...Get one-on-one face time with buyers from over 30 big-name companies and agencies, including Boeing, Continental Tire, Palmetto Health and Joint Base Charleston. (9:00AM - 12:30PM) Exhibitor Showcase...Connect in a big way with a variety of businesses and resources. Find your next client or your next big deal. (8:00AM - 12:30PM) The Network Space...Network with participants and other attendees. Find potential suppliers, customers and partners. (8:00AM - 12:30PM) Small Business Awards Luncheon...Meet our state's top entrepreneurs and business advocates--the winners of the SBA's 2014 small business awards. (12:45PM - 2:45PM) Click here for the full Salute to Small Business event schedule. Registration: Register online via events.membersolutions.com. The online registration deadline is Wednesday, April 30. Registration is $25 for the morning events, which include the Procurement Opportunity Matchmaker, Exhibitor Showcase and Network Space. After April 30, registration goes up to $50. Registration is $60 for the Small Business Awards Luncheon. For additional registration information, contact event coordinator Marie Stiles at 803-604-9141. For more information about the Salute to Small Business, contact Anna Huntley at anna.huntley@sba.gov. Tennessee District Office Walter Perry, District Director The Tennessee District was very active in promoting the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment deadline of March 31st with eight events conducted statewide, including four radio appearances by District Director Walter Perry and Economic Development Specialist/PIO David Tiller who appeared on radio station WJBE-FM in Knoxville and, in Nashville at WFSK-FM radio at Fisk University and on SiriusXM Satellite Radio through American Baptist College.   SBA's International Trade programs and initiatives were also high on the agenda with SBA participating in an Export Boot Camp with the Tennessee Small Business Development Center at Tennessee State University and export training at the Chattanooga State SBDC.  The Emerging Leaders Class of 2014 kick off was held April 9th in Memphis, with a full class of fifteen small business owners committing to thirteen weeks of training that enables them to develop a growth plan specific to their business.   Encore Entrepreneurship Month in April is highlighted by two radio appearances promoting the program on WFSK Radio by David Tiller while Economic Development Specialist Jacqueline Merritt will be conducting an Encore Entrepreneurship workshop, "Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask About Starting a Business," to be held April 28 at the Cleveland State Community College Tennessee Small Business Development Center.  Another Encore Entrepreneurship event is scheduled for April 29th at the National Council on Aging in Nashville.   Lisa Denson of the District's Lender Relations staff presented at the April 17 lender's conference hosted by South Central Tennessee Business Development Corporation focusing on SBA's 504 loan program attended by over 75 lenders.  In Government Contracting, the District Office will also be participating in the Tennessee Valley Authority's Annual Supplier Diversity Outreach Summit in Chattanooga on April 30th. For more information on any of the above events, please visit the Tennessee District Office website www.sba.gov/TN. Connect with us for news and resources CALENDAR OF  EVENTS SBA OFFICE OF ADVOCACY- WHAT'S NEW? Find your Current State Economic Profile CLICK HERE Find Out The Latest in SBA Lending HERE Region IV Office 233 Peachtree St. NE Suite 1800 Atlanta, GA 30303 Email: region_4@sba.gov http://www.sba.gov Region IV Office Directory Cassius Butts, Regional Administrator Mark Berson, Regional Advocate Phone: 404-331-3081     Email: mark.berson@sba.gov Matthew Mitchell, Regional Office Manager Phone: 404-331-4999   Email: matthew.mitchell@sba.gov Lola Kress, Regional Communications Director Phone: 404-331-2798     Email: lola.kress@sba.gov     SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Your Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Help STAY CONNECTED: All SBA programs and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis | Reasonable accommodations will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance  This email was sent to sjr3gb659yw41fx.jjjzz@blogger.com by Small Business Administration (SBA) · 409 3rd St, SW · Washington DC 20416 · 1-800-827-5722

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. March 2014 SBA Region 4 News To Share Brought to you by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Region IV Office Cassius Butts Regional Administrator U.S. Small Business Administration Self-Employed Deadline March 31st- Don't Miss Out! As the Regional Administrator for the Southeast Region of the Small Business Administration, my goal is to make sure small businesses across the Southeast have the information they need about the Affordable Care Act to make informed decisions that are best for their businesses.  With new Health Insurance Marketplaces (also referred to as Exchanges) open, self-employed business owners have more options than ever to find affordable health care coverage.  Self-employed individuals and other consumers can purchase private insurance coverage from a range of options and depending on income and residency, potentially qualify for additional subsidies like Medicaid or tax credits. Coming up, there are some important dates self-employed business owners need to know if they want to sign up for coverage for this year. For self-employed small business owners, open enrollment for 2014 coverage ends March 31, 2014.  The exception is if you have a qualifying life event that provides you with a special enrollment period such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, or loss of a job. The next Open Enrollment period is proposed to begin on November 15, 2014 for health insurance coverage that begins January 1, 2015. You can apply for Medicaid or CHIP at any time of the year. Why enroll? First, increased access to quality, affordable health care will make it easier for potential entrepreneurs to go out on their own instead of staying at larger firms simply because of "job lock" or the lack of access to affordable insurance outside of their current employment.  Additionally, small business owners have historically paid as much as 18% more for health care coverage than larger companies.  The Affordable Care Act helps level the playing field, slows cost growth, and with consumer protections like insurance rate reviews and a ban on denying coverage for preexisting conditions in place, provides greater certainty that small business owners can access the coverage they need, when they need it.  If you don't have health coverage in 2014, you may have to pay a penalty. You don't have to pay the penalty if you enroll in a plan by March 31, 2014. To find an insurance plan that meets your needs today, check out the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) insurance finder tool.  By answering just a few simple questions, you'll be able to locate health insurance plans in your state and explore whether there are local facilities in your area that provide free or reduced-cost health care.  To browse coverage options, assess potential subsidies, and purchase your plan online through the individual marketplace, simply go to www.healthcare.gov For more information about other provisions affecting self-employed business owners under the Affordable Care Act, go to sba.gov/healthcare. SBA's National Ombudsman Looks to Save Small Businesses Money and Hardships Across the Southeast Regional Administrator Cassius Butts and Brian Castro, Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Enforcement Fairness and National Ombudsman, recently heard directly from small business owners in the central Florida area.  At a series of regulatory fairness roundtables last month in Orlando and Daytona Beach, small business owners reported on problems they confront as a result of federal regulations that can be unclear in terms of what is required to comply and when they apply.  Others entrepreneurs raised issues around delays in being paid on government contracts and perceived unfairness in audits and investigations by regulators.  In Orlando on February 12, the first roundtable was held at the Winter Meeting of the National 8(a) Association, which has been a strong partner with the Office of the National Ombudsman on regulatory fairness issues and outreach.  The Metropolitan Orlando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted the next roundtable on February 13, followed by a visit and roundtable at Bethune-Cookman University, a strategic partner of the SBA in Daytona Beach.  The support of SBA's Regional and District teams, in particular District Director Wilfredo Gonzalez and Area manager Ed Ramos, was key to the success of each of these roundtables.  Following the roundtables, regulatory issues identified by attendees are raised with the relevant agency, which undertakes a high level fairness review of the issue reported.  Brian and his team then work with the small business owner and agency partners to ensure that small businesses are treated equitably and regulated in a balanced, proportionate manner. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/ombudsman or call the Ombudsman's Regulatory Fairness Helpline at 888-REG-FAIR (888-734-3247) If you have a regulatory comment involving a federal agency that you wish to report on behalf of a small business, a small government entity (population 50,000 or less) or a small nonprofit organization, visit www.sba.gov/ombudsman/comment What's happening For Small Business in YOUR Area? Alabama District Office Tom Todt, SBA District Director District Director Tom Todt and District International Trade Officer Brent McMahan attended the 2014 Governor's Trade Excellence Awards Ceremony on March 5, at the State Capitol. The ceremony was part of the Export Alabama Alliance Luncheon. The Alabama District Office is a member of the Export Alabama Alliance along with the Alabama International Trade Center, a member of the Alabama Small Business Development Center Network. The award program, coordinated by the Alabama Department of Commerce and the Export Alabama Alliance, includes small, medium, and large businesses, as well as new-to-export companies from every region of the state. Companies selected are from the manufacturing, service and agribusiness sectors. In 2013, $19.3 billion in Alabama-made products and services were shipped to 200 countries. Eight Alabama exporting companies were recognized by Governor Robert Bentley for excellence in international trade. Also, Several Alabama 8(a) firms recently took advantage of 7(j) training opportunities at the District Office. The training, presented by Quality Compliance & Management, Inc. included Marketing & Capture Management, Technical Proposal Writing, and Cost Proposal Writing.  The training was designed to assist small companies in sharpening their business development acumen and increasing their win ratio for federal contracts. The training was provided free-of-cost to the 8(a) participant companies. For future opportunities, please contact the SBA Alabama District Office www.sba.gov/AL. North Florida District Office Wilfredo J. Gonzalez, District Director The North Florida District Office signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) on March 20, 2014. FAMU is a Historically Black University that has been committed to academic excellence and civic engagement in the Tallahassee community since 1887. Interim University President Dr. Larry Thompson signed the SAM with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SAM will signify a joint effort by the University and SBA to promote small business through education and community outreach. The signed SAM will allow both entities to work closer together to ensure small minority business interests are adequately addressed in the area. South Florida District Office Francisco "Pancho" Marrero, District Director South Florida District office signed three new strategic alliances this past month. The first SAM was signed Feb. 27 with the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County.  Assistant District Director Marketing and Outreach Area 2 Vince Lopresti signed the alliance with chamber president Terry Burroughs.  A second SAM was signed March 7, with the Minority Business Development Agency(MBDA) Center Miami during the 3rd Annual Business Woman's Conference.  Assistant District Director Marketing and Outreach Area 1 Althea Harris signed the alliance with Executive Director MBDA Marie Gill. The third SAM was signed March 19, with Hialeah Chamber of Commerce & Industries (HCCI) during their monthly luncheon.  District Director Francisco "Pancho" Marrero signed the agreement with HCCI President Daniel Hernandez. The district is wrapping up its recruiting campaign for Miami's inaugural Emerging Leaders Class.  With one week remaining, more than 50 small business owners have registered.  Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County President Terry Burroughs shakes hands with SBA South Florida Assistant District Director Marketing and Outreach Area 2 Vince Lopresti following the SAM signing ceremony.  The SAM will remain in effect for two years. Georgia District Office Terri Denison, District Director ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration is teaming up with Yelp to present a free, in-person event to help Georgia small business owners engage with online reviewers and manage their online reputation.  The event will take place on Thursday, April 3rd from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kennesaw State University SBDC, KSU Center – Room 400, 3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw GA 30144.  (Phone: 770.423.6450)  The 90 minute event will include:  An overview of how small businesses can join the conversations that are happening about their businesses online Panel discussion featuring best practices for getting started with online review sites with perspectives from business owners and reviewers Tips on how to handle critical feedback and respond to reviews Ways to generate more buzz by creating exciting promotions and monitoring customer leads. Informal networking with light refreshments For more information about the SBA and Yelp partnership, visit:  www.sba.gov/onlinereviews.  WHAT:   "Success With Online    Reviews" WHEN:   Thursday, April 3rd from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. WHERE:  Kennesaw State University SBDC, KSU Center – Suite 500,  3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw GA 30144. (Phone: 770.423.6450) HOW:  Register Here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sba-and-yelp-present-success-with-online-reviews-atlanta-tickets-10959826135 Kentucky District Office Ralph Ross, District Director The Women's Business Center of Kentucky held a 2-day event on March 13 – 14 in Louisville, KY.  Over 75 attended a Networking Reception on Thursday, March 13 in the evening. On Friday, March 14, SBA Kentucky District Office Director Ralph Ross welcomed almost 300 attendees to a breakfast and networking event, followed by a series of business workshops, a power luncheon and a diversity and inclusion Event and Business Expo with about 80 exhibitors from government agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit institutions and private sector businesses, many of which seek certified women-owned businesses qualified to fulfill contracts. Keynote speakers included Alice Houston, community leader and President and CEO of Houston-Johnson, Inc., which was the Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council "Supplier of the Year" and is a supplier of technology-based logistics and materials management services to the automotive, consumer products and technology industries; Patricia Burke, President of Office Environment Company, a leading provider of workspace solutions, including office furniture and office products, for more than a century; and Dawne Gee, WAVE TV News Anchor and Host of WAVE Country with Dawne Gee.  Mississippi District Office Janita Stewart, District Director Region IV's HBCU Initiative As part of the continuing efforts in SBA Region IV to engage historically black colleges and universities in entrepreneurship education and outreach, Regional Administrator Cassius Butts along with Mississippi District Director Janita Stewart and Deputy District Director Gary Reed, will participate in a Strategic Alliance Memorandum signing ceremony on Wednesday, March 26th with Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, MS.  College President Valmadge Towner, along with community and economic development officials within the counties served by the college will be present for this event.    A Focus on Youth Entrepreneurship SBA Mississippi will participate in the "SEP Symposium III – "My Future, Today" hosted by the University of Southern Mississippi (USM).  The Southern Entrepreneurship Program is part of a series focusing on entrepreneurship education to students.  A highlight of these events is the business plan competition amongst the student participants.  These events will be held on Tuesday, March 25th at Holmes Community College in Ridgeland, MS and on Wednesday, March 26th at the USM campus in Hattiesburg. Mississippi Congressional Update SBA Mississippi will host an information session for staff members of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation.  In addition to SBA staff providing pertinent updates, SBA resource partners including the SBDC and Women's Business Center have been invited to participate and update information from SCORE will be shared.  Federal agencies invited to participate include HUD, IRS, USDA FSA, USDA Rural Development and GSA.  The session will take place on Wednesday, April 9th.   Left to Right: Dr. Rolonda Brown, Enrollment/eLearning Specialist of Coahoma Community College; Dr. Valmadge Towner, CEO/President of Coahoma Community College;  SBA District Director Janita Stewart, Regional Administrator Cassius Butts, Gary Reed, SBA Deputy District Director North Carolina District Office Lynn Douthett, District Director SBA North Carolina District Director Ms. Lynn L. Douthett presented Dr. Melissa DeRosier, founder and CEO of Cary-based 3C Institute with a special Award of Excellence for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship. The firm develops specialized technologies for health, including intelligent games, dynamic e-training platforms, and software systems to support quality healthcare practices. DeRosier received almost $25 million in Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grants and contracts awarded by agencies including the U.S. Department of Education,   National Institutes for Health and the Centers for Disease Control. The SBIR program provides funding to explore feasibility of an innovative idea or technology, expand research and development and ultimately bring the innovation to the marketplace for commercialization. In 2011, 3C received a Tibbetts Award, given to exemplary firms that have received SBIR funding. Dr. DeRosier, a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, started the company in 2001. 3C Institute now has a staff of 75 full-time employees and continues to grow.  SBA North Carolina District Director Ms. Lynn L. Douthett presented Dr. Melissa DeRosier, founder and CEO of Cary-based 3C Institute with a special Award of Excellence for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship South Carolina District Office Elliott Cooper, District Director Regulatory Fairness Forum for Small Business Monday, April 21, 2014 | Charleston, SC A forum for small business owners to discuss federal regulations, compliance audits, regulatory fines, and enforcement actions impacting small businesses. The SBA presents this Regulatory Fairness Forum to facilitate a dialogue on federal regulatory issues impacting small businesses and to highlight the range of resources available to small business owners from the SBA and the Office of the National Ombudsman. WHO: SBA National Ombudsman Brian Castro will host a conversation with Charleston area small business owners, and other representatives of the small business community. WHAT: The National Ombudsman holds Regulatory Fairness hearings and forums across the country to give small business owners a means to comment on unfair enforcement actions, government audits, and excessive fines or regulations. The Ombudsman directs specific issues raised by participants to the appropriate Federal agency for a high-level fairness review, and works across government to address those concerns, reduce regulatory burdens, and help small businesses grow. WHERE: Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce 4500 Leeds Avenue, Suite 100 - Boardroom North Charleston, SC 29405 WHEN: Monday, April 21, 2014 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. All members of the small business community, trade organizations, chambers of commerce, and media are invited to attend. Those wishing to report a federal regulatory concern confidentially will have the opportunity to do so privately at the forum. There is no cost to attend. Should you have any questions, please contact José Méndez in the Office of the National Ombudsman at (888) 734-3247, or Mary Graham at (843) 805-3043. For more information, visit sba.gov/ombudsman. Tennessee District Office Walter Perry, District Director  Many activities are being held during March in the Tennessee District reaching small business owners across the Volunteer State. A highly successful event took place on March 12 with 300 attending the City of Memphis Government Procurement Vendor Fair as a part of the White House Strong Cities – Strong Communities initiative.   A presentation was offered on the campus of Lemoyne Owen College by District Director Walter Perry and Gloria Armstead on how to participate in the 8(a) Business Development and Historically Underutilized Business Zone procurement programs.    In the Affordable Care Act area, staff members Keri Wolfe and Jacqueline Merritt are conducting ACA outreach events in both Knoxville and Chattanooga.  Both Perry and David Tiller have appeared on radio shows to inform small business owners on the upcoming ACA Open Enrollment Deadline of March 31st.   These radio appearances include "The Money Show" on WFSK, an HBCU radio station on the campus of Fisk University in Nashville, and on SiriusXM Satellite Radio with American Baptist College, another HBCU institution in Nashville.   In Government Contracting, Kena Dixon conducted a Government Contracting Workshop at the District Office on March 12th attended by 23 firms inclusive of current 8(a) companies and those interested in becoming an 8(a) firm.  As Veterans Business Development Officer, Tiller presented a two day Boots-to-Business event at Millington Naval Support Activity near Memphis on March 18th and 19th, and visited the local National Guard Armory in the area to advance SBA programs available to military service members. Connect with us for news and resources CALENDAR OF  EVENTS SBA OFFICE OF ADVOCACY- WHAT'S NEW? 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