Archive for the ‘EDGAR for LqP Newsletters’ Category
EDGAR: Pathways to Prosperity – April 2012
April 19th, 2012
There is a very interesting report out from the Harvard Graduate School of Education relating to Vocational Education called the “Pathways to Prosperity Project” which has affirmed my personal beliefs about vocational education on many levels. Here’s some of what they had to say:
“27% of people with post-secondary licenses or certificates (credentials short of an associate’s degree) earn more than the average bachelor’s degree recipient.”
“Demand for middle-skilled professionals is exploding in healthcare, adding over half a million jobs during the latest recession. These are openings for registered nurses and health technologists that require an associate’s degree which are expected to grow by more than one million by 2018.”
“There will be a huge number of job openings in “blue collar” fields like construction, manufacturing and natural resources; estimated to be nearly 8 million job openings, with 2.7 million requiring a post-secondary credential.”
There were at least three great articles in the AGURBAN weekly newsletter in March on this topic and I found them all fascinating. You can check them out at www.agracel.com and then clicking on the AGURBAN Icon at the bottom.
Some of the great feedback the AGURBAN received on these articles included the following comments from readers:
“Too many young people are taking out student loans for useless degrees instead of gaining skills in high paying careers like plumbing, electrical and carpentry” Niall & Kristie Campbell – Effingham, IL
“I spoke with a head hunter/recruiter about all of the jobs that required vocational training . . . She said it was the parents in many cases who did not want their kids to go this route. Thought a college degree was better, as a well-paying vocational job would be beneath their parent’s dignity.” Dave Schilling
“The basic premise (for Pathways to Prosperity) is that we need to realize that a 4-year college degree is not the only path to success. Most jobs in the next two decades will not need a 4-year degree. Many will need post-secondary training or certifications, and nearly all will need a high school degree. But there is a huge mismatch between the skills needed for current and future jobs and the talent pool we have.” Robin Poole Scheu – Middlebury, VT
I couldn’t agree more! Why don’t we help our kids find their passion and their talents so they can channel their energies into a field where they will not only find success, but satisfaction? When will we stop making our youth feel that they are “less successful” if they do not pursue a four year “professional” degree? What can we do to help our students find their entrepreneurial spirit so they can blaze their own path into the next decades?
The world needs many skill sets, some are learned in books, some are learned by training, some are learned by mentoring, and some are learned by experience. Every job is important to the balance of our lifestyles and the world around us. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone was doing what they “love” and “loving” what they do?
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EDGAR: MYTH BUSTER: Small Business Grants
March 1st, 2012
“Matthew Lesko” the man on TV with the question marks all over his suit talking about all of the money available to you is BUNK! Sorry, but here is the reality – there is no FREE money.
If there was free money to start a business wouldn’t everybody be doing it? YES!
Here is an article from Attorney Aaron Hall posted on the www.minnesotasmallbusiness.com website in December 2010 – it does a great job of explaining.
The Minnesota government and federal government do not provide grants for starting and expanding a business.
While there are government grants for specific purposes, these grants are funded by your tax dollars and therefore require very stringent compliance and reporting measures to ensure the money is well spent. As you can imagine, government grants are not given away indiscriminately.
Grants from the federal government are only available to non-commercial organizations, such as non-profits and educational institutions in areas such as medicine, education, scientific research and technology development. The federal government also provides grants to state and local governments to assist them with economic development.
Some business grants are available through state and local programs, non-profit organizations and other groups. For example, some states provide grants for expanding child care centers; creating energy efficient technology; and developing marketing campaigns for tourism. These grants are not necessarily free money, and usually require the recipient to match funds or combine the grant with other forms of financing such as a loan. The amount of the grant money available varies with each business and each grantor.
If you are not one of these specialized businesses, both federal and state government agencies provide financial assistance programs that help small business owners obtain low-interest loans and venture capital funding from commercial lenders.
Now it is not my intention to discourage your dreams or quash your ideas – but to help you see the reality of starting and owning your own business. There are many resources available and we want to help you with each step in the process. Call today and schedule a time to visit about your vision for your future. We are available to meet when it is convenient for you! And that I can guarantee is FREE!
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EDGAR: Happy New Year!
January 5th, 2012
Happy New Year! New Ideas, New Plans
As 2012 begins, it is inevitable that we start thinking about our priorities and our dreams. Things we want to do, things we should have done, or maybe even a chance for a major life change – like buying a business!
Business ownership is a major life change for most everyone and if you are interested in this type of venture there are a few tips that you need to know before you start the purchase process.
- Be willing to ask for help! In today’s economy lending institutions will not lend money without a strong business plan and solid business financials. The best way to get this pulled together is to work with an economic development organization.
- Be patient. Transitioning a business or starting a business requires a lot of work on your part. For a project to be successful you must be willing to take a long hard look at your personal and professional life. You must be realistic about how much money, time, and effort it really takes to run a business and be your own boss.
- Build strong relationships.
a. Share your thoughts and ideas with your local economic development professional. Confidentiality is imperative to their work so you can share all of your concerns and dreams with them. They want to ensure that your business venture is successful and they are willing to help at any time.
b. You will need to develop a strong bond of trust with the existing business owner. This means complete confidentiality. They need to know you are not going to share private business information with your friends and family. You need to know that they are not going to discuss your plans until the project is finalized and loan documents are prepared. Two-way confidentiality is a must!
c. Have an informal conversation with your favorite banker about your plans. They have an invaluable insight into the local business environment. If you don’t have a strong connection with a local financial institution, start one. Letters of recommendation from your previous loan officer or financial manager can be helpful. - Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. Most important question: Why is the business owner selling? There are many red flags to look for – but if they are willing to share detailed information and answer your questions you are on the right track.
- Things you need to know, documents you need to see and questions to ask:
a. Review certified business financial documents for the last three years. This should include income statements, cash flow, and balance sheets.
b. Review company tax returns submitted to the IRS.
c. Review company debts; including real estate, notes payable, accounts payable, equipment leases, etc.
d. Will the owner help with the transition?
e. Are the employees aware of the potential sale? If not, why?
f. What is the staff turnover rate? If staff are not staying long term, why?
g. How would you rate the customer service of this business? How loyal are the customers and why?
h. What type of relationship does the business have with its vendors?
i. Is the work environment in every area somewhere that you would be willing to work in every day? Are there any work hazards that you see?
j. What is the actual condition of the fixed assets that come with the business? Things like office equipment, machinery, vehicles, etc. all need eventual replacement. Buildings and other structures need maintenance, repair and cleaning.
Are you a business owner considering the sale of your business? Are you willing to share this information with a prospective buyer?
There is a lot more that needs to be included in this type of process and the Lac qui Parle County Economic Development Authority is here to help you from start to finish. There is no charge for our services. Everything is completely CONFIDENTIAL. We will help you complete this process at your own pace.
Creating and maintaining successful businesses in Lac qui Parle County is our mission. No project is too small. Call us today!
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EDGAR: Holiday Marketing Tips for Businesses
November 9th, 2011
Pamela Lehmann, Executive Director
Below are some tips to share with our local businesses before the holiday season begins. These tips come from Scott Taddiken at the Washburn Small Business Development Center in Kansas.
- Don’t overlook any potential markets. Gifts are huge, but decorations, candy and food, flowers (poinsettias and others), greeting cards and postage, etc. are also big. These categories make up to 25% of Christmas spending!
- Black Friday is big, but it isn’t everything. Traffic is extremely high on the day following Thanksgiving and some say up to 25% of shoppers will start at 5 a.m. However, Black Friday isn’t always the biggest spending day – for brick and mortar businesses, the last two weekends prior to Christmas may be the biggest.Many people are looking for good deals and a place to have fun. Black Friday is something fun to do with family and friends. While many people get out to shop on Black Friday, stores must have a plan to bring them back in to buy.
- People are shopping online. Online purchases tend to increase as the season progresses (people have checked out store specials and done comparison shopping).Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are often good online – people shop in stores over the weekend and then shop online at the beginning of the week. This means that retailers must close the sale on the weekend while shoppers are in their stores.
- Spending the week after Christmas and into January continues to increase! Find a way to bring these shoppers back into your stores. Hand out “good for ___% off your next purchase” coupons to holiday shoppers. Offer surprises with future purchases and make sure to promote your after Christmas and January sales.
- When they are buying from you, be sure to “Bundle ‘em up”! Create gift packages (corporate gifts, related products, etc.). Remember people are four times more likely to buy something they can touch, so have items available. Ask your vendors for displays or use displays that suggest a product’s use or someone else’s enjoyment in receiving a product.
- Gift Cards. Did you know that 56% of people spend more than is on the card? So make sure all shoppers know you offer gift cards as a great gift idea. Another benefit of gift cards is that they expose new people to your business – great advertising! And remember, some gift cards never get used.
Above all be positive, cheery and enjoy the season – Your customers will notice!
Local Residents – Remember to BUY LOCAL!
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