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Online Tutorial on Refining Idea Concept
Here’s a jewel of information for the average inventor. Planet Eureka!, operated by Merwyn Research, Inc., provides free on-line tutorials for getting your invention noticed and to the market. The FREE Merwyn Business Translation Workshop includes nine videos and a downloadable workbook that walks you through the process of translating your idea into a simple description. You can then use your workbook to pitch your idea to others or use the fee-based services provided through the Merwyn Business Simulation Research and post your idea on their searchable website. Caution – simulation research is not cheap!
Planet Eureka! is also a searchable website where you can look-up other innovations or seek manufacturers that may be looking for your type of product. Planet Eureka! is supported by the USA National Innovation Marketplace, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the Kauffman Foundation and others.
For more information about Nebraska’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, contact Dave Wright, dave.wright@nebraska.gov
Japanese wind turbine technology generating research at the University of Nebraska Kearney
MAY 18, 2010 (KEARNEY, NEB.)—Shungo Saito, senior sales manager for the North American operation of NIKKO Company, a Tokyo, Japan-based wind turbine manufacturer, today unveiled the NIKKO 1kW turbine as part of a joint relationship with the University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK). The NIKKO/UNK project now enables physics students and faculty at UNK to conduct research projects involving the collection of data on wind speeds and energy generation. Read more
Here come the U-Boomers!
As I was scanning the Internet today, I came across an interesting article about U-boomers. Like most of us, I had heard about the infamous baby boomers, but U-boomers? Now, that is something new. According to David Court and Diana Farrell of McKinsey and Company, an international marketing research firm, U-boomers are the next big opportunity for consumer companies. Read more
SBA Offers Tools to Help Exporters Succeed
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U. S. Small Business Administration is offering new, free tools for new and established small business exporters to help them grow and succeed in international trade. Small businesses will now have access to six-part podcast series, an introduction to exporting Youtube video and an online training course.
“Exporting is a critical strategy for helping small businesses grow and create jobs,” said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. “We’re working every day to help small businesses break into exporting, reach more international markets and be more competitive in the global economy.”
The podcast series topics cover: Growing Your Business Through Exporting; Developing an
Export Strategy; Preparing for Global Markets; Conducting Market Research; SBA Exporting Loan Program; and a Small Business Exporting Success Story.
The introduction to exporting video is available at the SBA YouTube Channel and the free, online exporting course
“Take Your Business Global,” is available under the SBA’s Business Management training website.
In addition to the new online tools, SBA Resource Partners – Small Business Development Centers, Womens Business Centers and SCORE – are available to assist small businesses in every U.S. State and Territory who are interested in exporting. These resource partners can help entrepreneurs identify potential export markets, facilitate export transactions, develop linkages between United States small business and pre-screened foreign buyers, advise on participation in international trade shows, assist in obtaining export financing and in facilitating the development or reorientation of marketing and production strategies. In addition to counseling resources in every state and territory there are export specialists available at the 8 SBDC International Trade Export Assistance Centers and SCORE online international trade advisors. To find your local counseling resources please visit www.sba.gov.
Source: Release Number: 10-22
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news
Food Establishment Permits
As we gear up for summer picnics and events, remember to obtain or renew your food handler’s permit early. Permits can be obtained through the Douglas, Lancaster and Hall County Health Departments or through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s 14 statewide Environmental Health Specialists. Contact information for your area Specialist is available through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Inspector Map. Depending on location, there will be city and state applications and fees, payable at the time of the inspection. Permits are to be renewed each year by August 1 and are available on the NDA’s renewal website, which will be activated on July 1, 2010.
General Permit Guidelines
All food establishments will be inspected at least once every six months, or according to a risk-based inspection process. Restaurants that prepare-cool-reheat potentially hazardous foods will be inspected more frequently. Establishments that sell only pre-packaged foods will, on average, be inspected less frequently.
Additional inspections may be required:
- Pre-inspection for New/Remodeled Food Establishments – Builders must submit copies of the plans for review and approval prior to building. Building plans and actual facility are checked for kitchen design, handwashing and warewashing facilities, restrooms, plumbing, and other physical aspects of the establishment.
- Complaint Inspection – All complaints received by NDA are investigated.
- Follow-up Violation Inspection – Conducted if violations are found during a routine or complaint inspection that require additional correction. If “critical violations” are found during any inspection, the Environmental Health Specialist will issue a compliance date that may range from immediately to a day or more.
- Foodborne Illness Investigation – Conducted if a foodborne illness is actually confirmed through medical or laboratory testing.
Besides the food establishment permit, other types of food permits include:
- Temporary Food Establishment: selling foods for immediate consumption.
- Itinerant Food Vendor: Selling foods prepackaged at a permitted facility, including fresh or frozen meat and poultry.
- Mobile Food Unit: selling prepackaged items and foods requiring limited preparation in a vehicle-mounted food facility.
- Pushcart: selling prepackaged items in a non self-propelled unit.
Requirements for Food Establishment Operations are listed with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Lancaster County/City Health Department. Click for a copy of the Nebraska Food Code.
Besides permits for the facilities, you will also need permits for individual food handlers, now available online through the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health.
Grant Funds Available for Agricultural Producers and Cooperatives
WASHINGTON, May 13, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is accepting grant applications to assist small, socially disadvantaged agricultural producers and cooperatives in rural areas. Read more
Nebraska Business Development Center Overview
NBDC is a hidden treasure to many Nebraska business owners according to Odee Ingersoll, Director of the Nebraska Business Development Center at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. NBDC is a one-stop shop for new, expanding and exiting business owners. Most services are free and include services such as loan packaging, premium market research, and business planning. Fee-based premium services include business valuations, manufacturing efficiency, and exit strategies. Read more
Exit Planning – Purchasing Options
Are you looking to sell or buy a business? Even though the buyer may not have the 20% down payment, there are options available to get the deal done. Odee Ingersoll, Director of the Nebraska Business Development Center at the University of Nebraska at Kearney details an exit planning strategy that allows buyers to get into the business. Valuation experts look at the value of the business and the cash flow it produces. They also conduct an appraisal to determine the fair market value of the business. The objective is to get the buyer a 30 – 40% ownership in the company quickly. Ownership is then discounted and used as leverage to finance the remaining amount of the business. 2 of 3 exit planning videos. (http://www.nbdcunk.com)View Video
Exit Planning – Selling Strategies
Prepare for the end game and get the most out of your business investment. Odee Ingersoll, Director of the Nebraska Business Development Center at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, encourages business owners to prepare their exit strategy. This will increase their business value, help them find potential buyers and make a quicker sell. About three years out, owners need to develop internal processes that show potential buyers and lenders the value of the business. The goal is to strategically sell the business at the highest value rather than letting the general market determine the value of the business. 1 of 3 videos. (http://www.nbdcunk.com)View Video
Are You a Want or Need Business
Peter Fink, owner of Certified Transmission in Omaha, NE, emphasizes that providing value and customization is critical for a business’ ability to compete. People are looking for something different in the marketplace…unique products or customized, personal services. Peter defines value as to how long it will last, not necessarily how much it costs today. Decide what kind of product you have…a want product or a need product. A transmission is a need product. People only buy transmissions when they need replacements, not because they want one. Make sure you thoroughly understand your customer base. Your makret success will depend on correctly identifying the motivations and needs of the customer. (http://www.certifiedtransmission.com)View Video
