November is Entrepreneur Month

In November 2006, the National Entrepreneurs Association introduced the first National Entrepreneur Month: Honoring the Spirit, Determination, and Contributions of the American Entrepreneur.   The Center for Emerging Entrepreneurs is a local initiative that supports local entrepreneurs. This month we are co-sponsoring community and student business plan competition to be held on Nov 11, 2011

The Black Business Alliance is sponsoring a Community Business plan competition.  If you have a business idea (elevator pitch) or a business plan, you are invited to participate in the 2011 Business Competition sponsored by Black Business Alliance & WXRJ Radio 94.5. Deadline for submission is Thursday, Nov 3.

Finalist will compete on Friday Nov 11 from 8:30 am-10:45am at the ISU Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main St. Normal, Il
Events are open to the public.  For more details and information: www.wxrj.org or call 309-662-4198

ISU Entrepreneurship Day(E-day) Competition held on Nov. 11.2011 from 12:00-4:30 pm
E-day consists of a university-wide business plan competition, elevator pitch competition, and this year Mr. Mitch Lowe, President of Redbox, will be the keynote speaker.

ISU student teams will be competing for an estimated $20,000 in funding and in-kind prizes to help kick start their ventures. Participants and attendees will have the opportunity to network and connect with venture capitalist, angel investors, incubator managers, practicing entrepreneurs and business professionals.

Events begin on Friday, Nov 11 at 12:00 pm at the ISU Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main St Normal, Il. The public is invited but space is limited. Register to reserve your spot at www.EDayISU.com
Do you want to support local student entrepreneurs? Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Check it out today http://www.edayisu.com/sponsors/index.html

 

 

 

Entrepreneurs: Week of Learning

Small business owners and wanna-be, the Center for Emerging Entrepreneurs is hosting several events this week that  could help you ignite your business planning.

If you haven’t heard Eric Barnlund speak on the competitive advantage of using Google Place– I would strongly suggest you try to attend this seminar on Tuesday, Oct 18 from 11:30-1:00pm.

If your business model includes selling on the Internet- Wednesday night e-business seminar will offer you tips and suggestion on getting the most out of the e-business model.

If you would like to attend, please call me at 438-1941 or email caeack@gmail.com

Insight CPA’s and Financials is hosting a morning session called: “What every bookkepper wants to know, but hasn’t asked.”  This 3.5 hour session will cover Illinois Use Tax, Separating and combining key accounts, new employee forms, Understanding financial statements, QuickBooks hints and tips, subcontractor rules, and more.  The fee for this program is $75 and you will need to register at309.663.1353

Tuesday, Oct 18
11:30 am-1:00pm- Advantages of Google Places. Presented by Eric Barnlund of Mavidea Free event.
For more information and to register : call 309- 438-1941
8:30am-12:00 What every bookkeeper wants to know but hasn’t asked. Presented by Insight CPAs& Financial $75 per person—to register call 309.663.1353

Wednesday, Oct 19
4:00-6:00pm Starting an E-business –ISU Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies will present a live video stream to Alexandra Mysoor. Learn from Alexandra how she created two successful businesses.
6:16-7:30pm Local e-business owners share their stories in this Q &A panel discussion.
Both events will be held in the ISU State Farm Hall of Business Room 257. Free event. Open to Public.

Does your business provide “exceptional” customer service?

Many business owner believe they  provided good customer service– but in today’s competitive environment- “good” is not enough.  Today’s customers want “exceptional” customer service. What does that mean, and how can small businesses meet those expectations day in and day out? Terry Lowe, consultant and professor at ISU, Lincoln College and Heartland Community College will lead you in discussion of strategies and practices to serve your customers better.

This  free event will be held on   Tues. October 4 from 7:30-9:00 am in the Uptown Crossing  (100 S. Fell) Room 227  Space is limited.  Register in advance: 309-438.1941, caeack@ilstu.edu

Why you must start your own business NOW

Is your Nest Egg– Empty?  Are you worried that your  funds will not sustain you during your retirement?    Author and professor, Dr Noel explains in a straight forward way the steps you need to take to start your own business. Business ownership is one way to supplement your retirement — Find out more on Thursday, Sept 29 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the ISU Alumni Center room 117. Space is limited: call 309-438-1941; email: caeack@ilstu.edu  to reserve your spot

Two Free Seminars Tomorrow

Let us help you accelerate your business success. The following free seminars will directly relate to your bottom line.

1. Morning Session (7:30-9:00 am ) Marketing Planning with Sherry Galbreath president of ACME Solutions will address the importance of creating a strategic marketing plan to avoid costly mistakes.

2.Lunch time session (11:30am-1:00 pm) Cover your Assets with Tara Conklin, account exe w. Snyder Insurance will help you understand the risk you take by not understanding your liability as a business owner.

These sessions will held at Uptown Crossing 100 South Fell St– Above CVS- 2nd Floor– Room 227

Hope to see you tomorrow!!!

Are you making the right business decisions?

“When my business was in the early stage, I didn’t know who to turn to help me run my business,” said Dick Eikenberg, president of Business Builders. “I wish there had been a reliable, unbiased source of information to help sort out the incoming information.”
Small business owners often feel as if they have nowhere to turn for affordable, practical guidance.

The Center for Emerging Entrepreneurs assists small business owners by conducting an evaluation and developing a coaching process customized to the specific needs of each individual business. The new, comprehensive business assistance program offered by the CEE will help business owners review past and current business decisions with professional business advisers. These sessions are customized to help entrepreneurs examine ways to decrease costs and increase profitability.
“The CEE is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to have access to affordable business mentors,” said Larry Maschhoff, director of the CEE. “The success of area businesses will foster local economic development, and there’s no downside to that.”

Have you dreamed of starting your own business?

OK, what are you waiting for? Now is the time..to be your own boss… in only nine months! Join us starting in September for a nine-month mentoring program to help you stay on track in opening your business by spring 2012. For more information and to apply see Circles of Seven