NxBizSuccess

Social Entreprenership at its Best – TOMS

Marilyn — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:53:47 +0000

I was filled with excitement as I started my day out early. I slipped on my TOMS shoes, and smiled at the thought of getting to hear one of my favorite entrepreneurs share his story at the Greater Omaha’s Young Professional Summit. I was thrilled when I learned I had been given the opportunity from Partnerships for Innovation to attend this event at the Qwest Center. Three hours later, after my eastward journey, I arrived at the event and was amazed by the large crowd attending the Summit. This event was incredibly organized with breakout sessions that delivered valuable messages, information, and resources to the participants. However, my favorite part of the day was lunch, and not because of the meal, although it was very good. It was because of the key note speaker, Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS Shoes, Blake Mycoski.

I have been a fan of TOMS Shoes and the unique story of creator and entrepreneur, Blake Mycoski for several years. As a student myself, I have written papers on his venture. As an instructor, I teach my students about this inspiring mission and one-for-one business model that, I believe, will continue to have an impact on the business world as well as the social responsibility of entrepreneurs.

I was pleased to be sitting only one table away from Blake Mycoski during lunch. It was very hard to contain myself and not to jump out of my seat and tell him about how excited I was to meet him, what a fan I am, and how motivating his story is to me and many others. I wanted to tell him how proud I am to wear my TOMS Shoes and to share the story with others about how he has given over 400,000 pairs of shoes to children in need, because of his brilliant one-for-one concept. But instead, I decided to patiently wait until he addressed the entire group.

Blake Mycoski took the stage in his casual attire, including his camouflage TOM Shoes and greeted the crowd of 1200 young professionals. He told the story of TOMS Shoes that began with a trip to Argentina, when accidentally learning about the detrimental results of poverty including the lack of shoes for children, his wheels began turning in response to the need, and within forty-eight hours developed TOMS Shoes; a profitable business where a person could buy a pair of shoes today and give a pair of shoes tomorrow to a child in need.

Not only is Mycoski a business savvy person, but he is a very intriguing story teller. He entertained the audience with memorable events that occurred in his start-up journey and shared three important lessons that can be applied to any business. First, he recommended that entrepreneurs consider sustainability and how the non-profit component to a business can contribute to a lasting mission. Next, explained that sometimes the best ideas come from a spontaneous response to a need and people should pay attention to their initial reactions to situations. Last, he stressed the amazing partnerships and highly-qualified employees that can be attracted to a business that tells the truth in its story. He shared the collaborative efforts he had with AT&T. He told the audience, “Giving not only feels good, but it is good for your business.”

Mycoskie also got personal as he shared the moment that changed his life forever. He said that it wasn’t when the idea struck him, it wasn’t when the fashion industry picked up on it and celebrities were wearing TOMS Shoes. The pivotal moment was when he took his parents and sixteen other friends and interns to Argentina for the first shoe drop, and the team hand-placed 10,000 pairs of shoes on the feet of children who otherwise would not have shoes; many of which could not attend school for this very reason. Watching his mother carefully tend to these children as she interacted with them during this process was an experience that he said he will never forget.

Blake offered the audience the chance to win a “design your own” shoe party by sending a text message to TOMS Shoes, the true sign that in addition to being a philanthropist he is a true-blooded marketer and businessman. Mycoskie then took several questions from the audience before ending his presentation. He left the group inspired, but yet humbled. His non-conventional approach is endearing but also reminds us all about the power of entrepreneurship and to think creatively when it comes to solving problems. One last thought that he left with the audience before bringing them to their feet for a standing ovation was, “Make your mission bigger than making profits.”

If you attended the Young Professionals’ Conference last week, give us your feedback on the success of the conference.

Thanks to Guest Blogger: Lisa Tschauner, Central Community College, Entrepreneurship Coordinator and Business Instructor. Contact Lisa at ltschauner@cccneb.edu

Webinars Offer Online Advice

Marilyn — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:40:04 +0000

Congratulations, you now have a web site. The only problem, it’s not generating the traffic you want, nor the sales you need. What is the best option for you? Is it SEO, SEM or keywords and tag lines?

To help muddle through the murky waters, eXtension.org has developed a series of free webinars on e-commerce solutions. The next webinar will be held Thursday, March 11th at 1:00 p.m. (CDT) or 12 noon (MDT). Jay Jenkins, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska will present Get Found! This session will help you learn how clearly written and properly implemented web pages are found.

All webinars are one hour long. Free and open to everyone. The Web meeting room opens 10 minutes before the start time. Go to connect.extension.iastate.edu/ecop to view. Pre-recorded webinars are also available at ETC Archives. Topics include: Google Analytics, web usability testing, maximizing pay-per-click campaigns, Web 2.0 tools, and Internet Marketing.

Visit the NxBizSuccess e-commerce videos for more information about SEO and Internet blog marketing. We’d also love to hear how you increased your online sales. Sign in as a NBS member and write your suggestions in the comment box.

Until next week,

Marilyn.

Marilyn Schlake, Associate Director, NebraskaEDGE & NxBizSuccess.com, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Cooperative Grants – Due March 19th

Marilyn — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:35:51 +0000

2010 Initial and Advanced Assistance Grants Applications are now available! The UNL-Nebraska Cooperative Development Center (NCDC)is providing mini funding grants to new and existing cooperatively owned businesses to complete the critical stages in business development and expansion. It is often critical to have professional services when beginning or expanding a business venture and the NCDC is equipped to provide grants to cooperatives and groups who are in need of assistance in obtaining legal services, accounting, consulting, and other development services.

Two Types of Grants Available

Initial Assistance Grants are available to unincorporated cooperative groups or steering committees and can be awarded for amounts up to $2,000. The grant is designed for groups or steering committees, and others who are exploring a business idea and will conduct exploratory research.

Advanced Development Grants are available to incorporated cooperatively owned businesses (LLCs, Cooperatives, etc.) and can be awarded for amounts up to $3,500. The grant is designed for groups who are ready to hire professional services (i.e. legal/ financial) or develop marketing materials.

2010 Timeline

Call for Proposals: February 5, 2010
Applications Due: March 19, 2010 by 4:00pm Central Time
Expected Awards Made: April 9, 2010
Grant Activities Completed no later than September 30, 2010
Final Reports submitted to NCDC by October 29, 2010
Approximately six months to complete grant.

NO EXTENSIONS

These are competitive grants. Funding is limited so not all grants will be funded. Grant applications will be reviewed by Nebraska Cooperative Development Advisory Board members.

For an application, visit the NCDC website. Questions can be addressed to Jim Crandall, jcrandall3@unl.edu and Elaine Cranford, ecranford2@unl.edu

Tonia Franklin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:10:29 +0000

A team of highly skilled individuals that work on website, logo, graphic design, audio and video recordings. Related posts:Market Research Tool Related posts:

Market Research Tool

“RURAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES” PROGRAMS THAT PREPARE YOUTH FOR 21ST CENTURY

Tonia Franklin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:40:12 +0000

Kearney, Neb., February 12, 2010-USDA Rural Development, USDA Farm Service Agency and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) will present “Rural Funding Opportunities” on Tuesday, February 23rd at the Ramada Convention Center in Kearney, Nebraska from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. This MarketPlace pre-session will focus on programs currently underway through NCTA in Curtis, Nebraska that help prepare students for the demands of the 21st Century. Rural Development and Farm Service Agency provided financial assistance and partnership support towards this effort.

The 100-Beef Cow Ownership Advantage Program offers students a chance to start building cash flow and collateral. Students are prepared to be farm and ranch owners instead of perpetual hired hands as they are helped to graduate with a 100-cow herd of their own. The same approach, building net worth and business knowledge, is applied to crop production through the 100-Acre Program. The Business Builder Program advocates small town business ownership as it brings students together with small businesses in need of successors.

Information on other Rural Development and Farm Service Agency programs will be available. A full MarketPlace agenda is located at http://www.cfra.org/marketplace/agenda-nebraska . Registration information can be found at http://www.cfra.org/marketplace/registration . The Fourth Annual Nebraska MarketPlace is your opportunity to learn new skills, network with service providers and other entrepreneurs and discover what works for your small business and community.

Contact Deborah Drbal (402) 437-5558, Deborah.drbal@ne.usda.gov for further information.

National Entrepreneurship Week, February 20-27

Marilyn — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:43:02 +0000

Next week is National Entrepreneurship Week, the one week out of the year where we celebrate the contributions small business owners make to our economy. These contributions are especially vital in Nebraska. The US Census Bureau shows that in 2006 Nebraska had 36,512 businesses with 20 or fewer employees. When coupled with the 117,336 non-employer firms, it becomes obvious that small business ownership is a way of life in Nebraska. So let’s celebrate this accomplishment.

Plan to attend one or more of different small business activities that will be held in various locations across Nebraska. See the complete list of activities under the Events Calendar. Some activities do require registration and payment prior to the workshop or conference.

Central Community College, Entrepreneurship Center Open House & student-led activities
Southeast Community College, Entrepreneurship Center, Week long events, business consultations & expo
Mid-Plains Community College, REEsults Coaching Power 480 and Quick Books, North Platte
Western Nebraska Commuity College, Entrepreneurship Seminar
Minority Entrepreneurship Forum, Omaha Chamber Event, Durham Museum, Omaha
4th Annual MarketPlace, pre-conference sessions on Tuesday, main sessions all day Wednesday. Kearney. Registration and fees required.
2010 Make it Happen Student Quick Pitch Competition, hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Memorial Stadium Club, Lincoln
University of Nebraska, 4th Annual Summit on Entrepreneurship will be held in Lincoln on Friday, February 26th. This is a free conference but registration is required.
Creighton University, Social Impact Forum
2010 Columbus Home & Business Show, Ag Park, Columbus

Comment back and let me know if you are planning to attend any of the activities. Tonia and I will be presenting NxBizSuccess during a session at MarketPlace. We’ll also have a booth there so come and visit.

Hope to see you next week,

Marilyn Schlake, Associate Director NebraskaEDGE & NxBizSuccess, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Heritage Nebraska Unveils New Website for Main Street and Preservation

Tonia Franklin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:15:07 +0000

Heritage Nebraska unveiled its new website combining information about the Nebraska Main Street Program and the Nebraska statewide preservation organization. The website, created by Idea Bank Marketing of Hastings, is accessible through two addresses: www.nebraskamainstreet.org or www.heritagenebraska.org

USDA Rural Development Awards Funding For Business Development

Tonia Franklin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:12:46 +0000

Lincoln, NE., January 22, 2010 – The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced the awarding of in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) dollars of $125,000 to the Greater Wahoo Development Foundation and $200,000 to the Nebraska Venture Capital Forum dba Invest Nebraska Corporation that will promote business development.

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars will impact the rural economy of Nebraska through the creation and expansion of businesses. More jobs created and saved is great news for Nebraska,” said Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul, USDA Rural Development.

Greater Wahoo Development Foundation of Wahoo, Neb. will use the ARRA grant joined by $127,400 from other sources to establish a revolving loan fund that potentially will create or save 14 jobs. Businesses wishing to locate or expand in a five mile area of Wahoo would be eligible for funding. The purpose of the revolving loan fund is to give financial assistance to new and expanding businesses within the community and area. Assistance would be in the form of low-interest loans to those businesses deemed important to the economic growth of the city. In all cases, the criteria for any loans would be job creation or saved jobs as a result of the project. Benefits of the grant funds include increased employment, improved community services and economic growth.

Nebraska Venture Capital Forum dba Invest Nebraska Corporation of Lincoln, Neb. will utilize the ARRA grant leveraged with their own funds of $50,001 to establish a revolving loan fund to assist businesses in 35 counties of Nebraska that are established through the business plan competitions held by Invest Nebraska. This project has the potential to create 20 jobs. Through the creation of a revolving loan fund, Invest Nebraska is seeking to improve the quality of life in rural areas by helping new start-up projects that create job opportunities for rural residents; that import new dollars into the local community; that further the use of advanced telecommunications services and computer networks to export products outside the local community; and that improve the economic development potential of rural areas.

For further information, contact Deborah Drbal at (402) 437-5558 or Deborah.drbal@ne.usda.gov. Visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ne/.

SBA Nebraska Loan Dollars Up For First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2010

Tonia Franklin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:11:14 +0000

News Release: U.S. Small Business Administration Contact: Michael Foutch (402) 221-7211

(OMAHA) – In the wake of a slowly recovering national economy and tight business credit, small businesses in Nebraska can still find funding when it comes to government-backed loans through lending institutions.

The Nebraska District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) experienced a significant increase in its guaranteed loan dollar activity through the first quarter of its 2010 fiscal year. As of December 31, 2009, loan dollar amounts in Nebraska shot up 97 percent over the same time last year to slightly more than $47 million for SBA-backed loans. The overall number of loans in the state saw a 41 percent increase; in Congressional District I alone, the number of loans increased 177 percent during SBA’s first quarter. The average dollar amount per loan in Nebraska rose nearly 40 percent. By comparison, nationwide, average dollar amount per SBA-backed loan increased 13 percent.

Seventy percent of SBA loans in Nebraska during the first quarter went to existing small businesses.

More importantly, as a direct result of SBA guaranteed small business financing throughout the state, 496 jobs are being created in the state for the first quarter.

“Nebraska small businesses continue to see opportunity and to invest for the future. The size of the loans and consistent volume indicate the overall strength of the state’s economy, and that small businesses that need financing are getting it,” said Leon Milobar, District Director of SBA’s Nebraska District Office.

In economic downturns, SBA guaranteed loans typically become more attractive because the SBA provides lenders with some cushion for their risks. Lenders can provide SBA guaranteed loans for all business needs but typically turn to SBA for new businesses or businesses with less than adequate collateral, lower credit scores and smaller equity injections typically required for conventional loans.

For more information about SBA’s loan programs and services, please call 402-221-4691 or visit our website at www.sba.gov/ne

Enabling a Virtual Office

Tonia Franklin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:54:38 +0000

By Randy BargerPublished: October 1, 2009
Posted in: 2009 Fall, Technology, Expand Omaha Magazine

In today’s economy, companies want to cut costs while maintaining current productivity levels with possibly fewer employees. That’s a tall task, but new technologies are allowing companies to create virtual, online working environments that are secure and easy to use while providing better performance and functionality than a traditional computing environment.

In a traditional computing environment, all employees physically come to an office to work on computers purchased, configured and managed by the company“s IT staff.

This computer management is a huge undertaking that“s necessary to keep data safe and computers running smoothly. Personalization and flexibility are sacrificed for security and performance.

The alternative is to deliver computing desktops and applications online to any computer – anywhere, anytime – that remain physically separate from an end user“s computer, transforming it into just an access point or terminal.

For more of this article, please visit http://www.expandomaha.com/2009/10/enabling-a-virtual-office/