http://www.missouribusiness.net/images/logo_sbtdc_ptac.png 96142 http://www.missouribusiness.net/new_rss.asp http://www.missouribusiness.net/new_rss.asp Updates to the MissouriBusiness.net website, including news, resources, tools, training and other assistance for entrepreneurs and for those who want to start or grow a business. http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0412.asp#springfield Training developed to teach small businesses how to save money through no-cost, low-cost improvements and also how to make smart energy decisions. Workshop will cover all of the opportunities for affordable energy investments, such as utility rebates, tax incentives and low-interest loans. Register at: https://ws.missouristate.edu/sbdc/seminar.asp?seminarID=84 Fri, May 4, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/docs/social_media.asp Tips about using Facebook, Twitter and other social media for business marketing. Thur, April 19, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/eac/docs/20_small_biz_save_energy.asp Read all 20 tips on how businesses can save money through energy and environment. Thur, April 19, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0412.asp#kc Program for anyone interested in starting or growing a small business: Westin Crown Center, One East Pershing Road. Event is free; breakfast is included. Thur, April 19, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/docs/midamerica_trade.asp The Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) is a federal program that provides funding and assistance to American manufacturers and some service firms that have been affected by changes in international markets, offshoring and other threats to competitiveness. TAAF's goal is to help firms compete with other global suppliers by strengthening their financial stability. Tue, April 17, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/finspeed.asp Moberly is the right place to set up shop for high-performance auto parts maker. Tue, April 17, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0412.asp The April issue of the MissouriBusiness.net newsletter is online now. Includes a success stories, tips for business marketing through social media, green opportunities for business energy savings, Trade Adjustment Assistance Center moves to Blue Springs, IRS webinar, many training opportunities around the state. Tue, April 17, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/docs/hiring_veterans.asp In addition to the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, the many benefits for hiring vets. Thur, March 29, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/docs/tip_cash_flow.asp Five strategies to help when customers are slow to pay and suppliers are quick to collect. Tue, March 20, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/jmark.asp Despite the economic downturn, Springfield business JMARK Business Solutions has doubled its workforce and expanded to two new locations with assistance from the MSU SBTDC. Tue, March 20, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0312.asp#green_training Missouri Environmental Assistance Center's training page offers a wealth of learning opportunities Tue, March 20, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0312.asp#irs Revised Payroll Tax form now available to employers Tue, March 20, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/patric2012.asp Alan Patric McClure started Patric Chocolate in 2006 with help from the MU Small Business and Technology Development Center. The business made a quarter million dollars in sales in 2011. Tue, February 21, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0212.asp#irs_tools If you're a small business owner or a self-employed individual who needs answers to tax questions or tax tools to help you run your business, check out the IRS's Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center. Tue, February 21, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0212.asp#irs_vets The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 provides an expanded Work Opportunity Tax Credit to businesses that hire eligible unemployed veterans and also makes the credit available to certain tax-exempt organizations. Tue, February 21, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/docs/resolve_customer_complaints.asp No matter which type of business you own, there will be times when things go wrong and your customers complain. How can you successfully deal with customer complaints? Tue, February 21, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/eac/docs/save_money_p2_interns.asp Missouri businesses can save money and improve environmental impact by hiring a pollution prevention intern during the summer. In just four summers, the Pollution Prevention (P2) program and its interns have identified more than $1 million in energy and environmental savings. Wed, February 1, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/mobile_media.asp UCM SBTDC tech client helped county emergency management office respond to Northwest Missouri floods with TextCaster technology Wed, February 1, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0112.asp#irs The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 temporarily extends last year's 2 percentage point payroll tax cut for employees. It continues the reduction of Social Security tax withholding rate from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent of wages paid through Feb. 29, 2012. Wed, February 1, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0112.asp#sba_vets With thousands of service men and women returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Small Business Administration is welcoming them home with programs and initiatives to help them start, grow and expand businesses. Wed, February 1, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0112.asp#showcase Owners and managers of 22 outstanding small businesses in Missouri, clients of MO SBTC and MO PTAC, honored at an awards banquet and legislative business showcase Jan. 18-19, in Jefferson City. Wed, January 18, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/jina_yoo.asp Energetic owner of Columbia-based Asian bistro offers sumptuous cuisine in a soothing atmosphere Tue, January 17, 2012 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/1111.asp#joplin Small Business and Technology Development Center at Moberly Area Community College's Entrepreneurship and Business Development Center, traveled with Kimberly Erwin, EBDC business and industry specialist, to Joplin to counsel business owners on what to do to rebuild their lives and livelihoods after the May 22 tornado destruction. Tue, November 15 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/1111.asp#sba Small business loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration reached the highest mark in the agency's history, supporting more than $30 billion, continuing the rebound begun in 2009 and returning to healthy pre-recession levels in the final three quarters of the year. Tue, November 15 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/cwc.asp Young chiropractor team enlists help from MO SBTDC to seek financial backing for new practice in Fenton Tue, November 15 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/1111.asp#umkc 14 outstanding clients of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Small Business and Technology Development Center received recognition during the program's Entrepreneur Celebration. Tue, November 15 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/1011.asp#macomber Customer satisfaction can be a key to helping any type of business outperform competitors, especially during economic downturns. The only way for a business owner to measure customer satisfaction is to effectively survey customers and monitor competitors. Fri, October 28 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/1011.asp#cheetah A new "Cheetah" research report from two Missouri-based business and economic development research offices finds 26 percent of Missouri firms identified in a previous study as fast growers in 2001-2006 continued to expand in 2006-2009. Wed, October 26 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/five_star.asp Iowa natives launch houseboat rental business on Table Rock Lake Tue, October 18 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0911.asp#calhoon Seven vital questions a business must answer to climb to its highest aspirations. Fri, September 23 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/docs/tip_employees_in_crisis4.asp Helping your employees through a crisis ... The first hours after disaster strikes your business are critical for its recovery. Everyone with any connection to your firm will look to you for guidance, direction and hope. How you respond will send powerful messages to your stakeholders, customers and employees. (Part 4 in our disaster tip sheet series.) Fri, September 23 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/docs/honesty_best_policy.asp Tips for reducing employee theft in the workplace. Fri, September 23 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0911.asp#ask Question: I've heard there is a requirement for businesses who hire new employees to report the hiring to the Missouri Department of Social Services. What is the reason for this procedure and how do I complete this reporting? Thur, September 22 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0911.asp#sba Columbia-based Environmental Dynamics International has made the SBA 100 list Thur, September 22 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/elemental.asp Tech start-up in Columbia focuses on developing cheaper, longer-lasting enzyme products to treat contaminated water, soil Tue, September 20 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/simms.asp Winning! General contractor turns construction experience to business success in St. Louis Wed, August 17 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/docs/tip_communication_in_crisis3.asp Effective employee communication in times of crisis ... the best strategy is to be prepared and have a clear process for internal communication in place before disaster hits your business. (Part 3 in our disaster tip sheet series.) Tue, August 16 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/docs/tip_disaster_avoid_scams2.asp Use these tips to avoid proliferating scam artists after tornado, flood, other disasters. (Part 2 in our disaster tip sheet series.) Wed, July 20 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/forestcity.asp St. James native happily transitions from 9-to-5 job to business ownership Tue, July 19 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/disaster/disaster_resource_guide_small_business.pdf The Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Centers latest edition of the Disaster Resource Guide is now available -- full of tips and ways you can both prepare for and survive a business disaster. Mon, June 27 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0611.asp#sba_app Smart phone users interested in starting or growing a small business can now find helpful resources at their fingertips via a new SBA mobile application for iPhones. Fri, June 24 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0611.asp#sba_export Small businesses interested in starting or expanding sales of their goods and services overseas have access to a new, free online tool that will gauge their readiness to export and help them develop an export business plan. Thur, June 23 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0611.asp#irs Tips from the IRS to help individuals and businesses safeguard their tax records against natural disasters. Thur, June 23 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0611.asp#green Wouldn't it be nice to have a tool with all of the information your business needs to find financing for energy efficiency improvements? Here it is! Tue, June 21 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/docs/tip_recover_after_disaster1.asp As you begin to rebuild your life and your business following a disaster, knowing where to start can be extremely difficult. Here are some steps that can help you decide where you'll begin the process. (Part 1 in our disaster tip sheet series.) Tue, June 21 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/ptac/success/ges.asp Blue Springs environmental services firm makes positive strides with advice from MU Extension business development experts. Tue, June 21 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/disaster/index.asp Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Centers is building a webpage linking to help for those seeking relief, assistance after the recent Joplin tornado and other storm disasters. Included are a disaster resource guide for small business and help from SBA and IRS. Thur, May 26 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0511.asp#green If your business is ready to start saving on energy, materials and operations costs, you'll want to order this free booklet. The University of Missouri's Pollution Prevention Program, along with partners in Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa, just released a cost-saving booklet that demonstrates how businesses of all types and sizes can benefit from adopting a pollution-prevention approach. Mon, May 23 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0511.asp#nixon Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon continued his small business roundtable-discussion tour in St. Joseph and Kansas City. Roundtable participants are clients of MO SBTDC and MO PTAC ... the theme of the tour has focused on the impact of small business on the Missouri's economic development. Tue, May 17 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/chilhowee.asp Young couple steps up to save a small Missouri town's only grocery store. Tue, May 17 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/nixon_loans_0411.asp Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon conducted a series of roundtable discussions (in St. Peters, Springfield and Jackson) in early April with MO SBTDC and MO PTAC business clients. The discussions coincided with the Governor's announcement of details about $27 million in innovative loans that are available to help Missouri small businesses create jobs and grow. Tue, April 19 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/respond_right.asp EMS experience, solid business advice prepare two St. Peters entrepreneurs for constant change in establishing and managing their business. Tue, April 19 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0311.asp#tax_sba See the Small Business Administration's fact sheet for a summary. New breaks include billions of dollars in tax relief from laws such as the Recovery Act, the Small Business Jobs Act, the HIRE Act, the Affordable Care Act, and the Tax Relief and Job Creation Act Wed, March 16 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/eac/docs/earthscraps.asp Kansas City business serves up food waste solutions. Earthscraps is a creative, entrepreneurial answer to one of the biggest business waste problems -- food waste. Wed, March 16 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/ccps.asp Veterinary clinical pathologist creates profitable commercial laboratory in Columbia Tue, March 15 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0211.asp#irs IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax center offers resources and tools via portal, video, workshops. Plus six things the IRS wants you to know about self-employment. Tue, February 22 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0211.asp#sba SBA initiates contracting program for women-owned small businesses Tue, February 22 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0211.asp#startup_america One goal of Startup America is to increase the number of new high-growth firms that are creating economic growth, innovation, and quality job Sun, February 20 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/docs/goal_setting.asp How to establish realistic, measureable, time-sensitive goals. Fri, February 18 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/eac/docs/green_business_showcase.asp Green businesses were among the 18 entrepreneurs to shine at the 2011 MO SBTDC/MO PTAC legislative business showcase Fri, February 18 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/i3.asp Young tech-service company tackles growth challenges with guidance from MSSU SBTDC business experts Tue, February 15 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/docs/due_diligence_checklist.asp This comprehensive list covers virtually all aspects of ownership and can be used in whole or in part to conduct due-diligence research for the purpose of buying or selling a business. It provides a systematic process to follow and is designed to reduce risk. Wed, January 19 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0111.asp#irs New withholding details available for employers on IRS.gov Wed, January 19 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/0111.asp#sba_underserved The U.S. Small Business Administration has introduced two new initiatives to boost the number of SBA-backed loans to small businesses in minority- and women-owned; and rural areas markets. Wed, January 19 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/success/midam_solar.asp St. Louis-area entrepreneur spreads solar energy applications for a better America Tue, January 18 2011 http://www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter/1210.asp#impact Investments, sales increases, research awards and government contracts alone total $1.19 billion; that figure does not include the value of the thousands of jobs created or new companies started with MO SBTDC or MO PTAC assistance. Tue, December 28 2010 http://www.missouribusiness.net/eac/docs/p2_intern_savings.asp In a ten-week period, the P2 interns identified more than $480,000 in environmental savings opportunities for Missouri businesses, pushing total savings for the program, which started in 2008, to nearly a million dollars. Tue, November 16 2010