SPD Gazette

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SPD Gazette Week of June 11, 2012/ Issue 87

The vision of the NYS SBDC is to create economic sustainability for all New Yorkers – onebusiness at a time.

The mission of the NYS SBDC is to provide professional business advisement, education,network resources and to advocate for small business and entrepreneurs.

SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats

The NYS SBDC strategic plan is a dynamic document that needs periodic attention to ensure that weare advancing the mission along the path to achieve our vision. Periodic SWOT analysis is a simplebut useful framework for analyzing an organization's Strengths and Weaknesses, as well as theOpportunities and Threats it faces. We need your help to do a scan of the internal and externalenvironment, which is an important part of the strategic planning process. The process helps anorganization focus on strengths, minimize threats, and take the greatest possible advantage ofopportunities.

The SWOT analysis provides information that is helpful in matching the organization’s resources andcapabilities to the competitive environment in which it operates. Strengths and weaknesses aretypically internal to an organization, while opportunities and threats generally relate to externalfactors. For this reason the SWOT analysis is sometimes called internal-external Analysis.

The following questions will help you consider the NYS SBDC’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,and Threats:

Strengths:

What advantages does the NYS SBDC have?What do we do better than anyone else?What unique or lowest-cost resources can we draw upon that other small business assistanceproviders can't?What do people in the NYS business community see as the NYS SBDC’s strengths?What is our Unique Selling Proposition (USP)?

Weaknesses:

What can we improve?What should we avoid?What are people in small business community likely to see as weaknesses?What factors lose the NYS SBDC clients?

Opportunities:

What good opportunities can you see for your center and/or for the statewide network?What interesting trends are you aware of?

Useful opportunities can come from such things as:

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Changes in technology and markets on both a broad and narrow scale.Changes in government policy related to small business.Changes in social patterns, population profiles, lifestyle changes, and so on.Local events.

Threats:

What obstacles does the NYS SBDC face?

What are our competitors doing?Are quality standards or specifications for our services changing?Is changing technology threatening our position?Could any of our weaknesses seriously threaten our ability to provide small business assistance

In summary:

Strengths need to be maintained, built upon or leveraged.Weaknesses need to be remedied, changed or stopped.Opportunities need to be prioritized, captured, built on and optimized.Threats need to be countered or minimized and managed.

What do you see as the NYS SBDC’s strengths? Weaknesses? Threats? Opportunities? Consider boththe statewide network and your center when thinking about the future of the program. What can wedo to improve our competitive position in the small business assistance marketplace – in your areaand statewide? What can we do to better serve small businesses in your area and throughout thestate? We need your insights and ideas. The Regional Center Directors will participate in the annualstrategic plan discussion at the director’s meeting in October, and they can use your feedback toprepare for the discussion. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and participating in the process.

You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there. - Yogi Berra

From the e-newsletters:

Venture Capital Dollars and Deals by State, 1995-2011

U.S. venture capital activity continued to rebound in 2011, with total investment dollarsreaching levels similar to venture capital activity before the late-2008 drop, according to thelatest data from the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and Price-waterhouseCoopers (PWC) Moneytree survey. Venture capitalists invested $28.4 billion lastyear in the U.S., up 30.3 percent over 2010. Venture deals, however, grew by only 12.1percent, stemming from increasing valuations and continuing support for portfolio companies.SSTI has prepared tables of venture capital dollars investment by state and venture capitaldeals by state from 2006-2011. Additional data on venture dollars and deals from 1995-2011is available in Excel (.xls) format.

Dollars By StateDeals by State

From the SSTI Weekly Digest for the Week of March 14, 2012

NY Budget Agreement Advances Gov's Regional Economic Development Agenda

Funding is included for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's regional economic development initiativesunder a FY13 budget agreement between the governor and legislative leaders announcedearlier this week. This includes a new round of funding for the state's 10 regional councilsand university challenge program initiated last year. The agreement also provides a down

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payment on the Buffalo Regional Innovation Cluster and funding to create a statewide energyinitiative. The budget agreement authorizes $220 million in a second round of funding for theregional councils to implement strategic plans identified last year (see the Dec. 7, 2011 issueof the Digest). Of this amount, $150 million is new capital funding and $70 million is taxcredits from the Excelsior Jobs program, according to the governor's office. Lawmakers alsoagreed to provide funding for the Buffalo Regional Innovation Council, announced by thegovernor in his State of the State address. The budget includes $100 million for the firstyear, with $75 million in capital funding and $25 million from the Excelsior Tax Creditprogram. The $1 billion, multi-year effort aims to bring high-tech industries and jobs to theBuffalo region. A new round of $30 million in capital funding also is included for the NYSUNY2020 Challenge Grant program, which allows four university centers to apply for challengegrants to expand facilities and enhance research-focused programs. In support of the 2013state energy plan, the budget agreement includes $16.2 million to the New York StateEnergy Research and Development Authority for R&D programs. Under the initiative, thestate will develop an action plan for short- and long-term energy projects. The budget alsoestablishes the New York Works Task Force to coordinate capital plans and overseeinvestment in projects. The task force is made up of 15 members appointed by the governorand legislature. Read the governor's press release.

From the SSTI Weekly Digest for the Week of March 28, 2012

WHAT'S NEW THIS WEEK?Each of the focus areas listed in this section contain descriptions of activities relating toSBDC’s key objectives and are the basis of the metrics by which our Strategic Planimplementation is measured and assessed.

Primary Program Operations, Advisement Products and Services

In April, Mid-Hudson SBDC Business Advisor Vanessa Primus and Director Arnaldo Sehwerert met with theDirector for Economic Development for Dutchess County and the President of the Dutchess CountyRegional Chamber of Commerce to discuss outreach opportunities in the procurement area. Three eventswere scheduled for the next twelve months.

In April Canton SBDC Director Dale Rice and North Country SBDC Director Karen Stehlin met with AEDCrepresentative Jim Murphy and Steve Garno from ComLinks. The intent of the meeting was to discuss agrant received by the AEDC for Women Certification training and services. The AEDC is looking for aresource partner to assist in identifying the best way to promote and develop the training to womenbusinesses. Jim will keep in touch as he continues to explore the guidelines of the grant and how best toportray this to women business owners.

In April, Canton SBDC Business Advisor Michelle Collins held a training session in Akwesasne for the St.Regis Mohawk Tribe Office of Economic Development titled “The Art of Giving Professional CustomerService.” This session was for small businesses on the reserve and featured presenters from CopeConsulting Services in Ogdensburg. The key information shared: positive attitudes, professionalism, servicesuccess & failure, and commitment to the community.

In May 24, Pace SBDC Director Ira Davidson presented a marketing workshop at the Brooklyn Job CorpsCenter in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training programadministered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 through 24 improve thequality of their lives through career technical and academic training. The workshop is part of the “StartYoung Initiative,” which is a pilot program of the U.S. Small Business Administration in partnership with theDepartment of Labor Employment and Training Administration, and which utilizes the EntreSkillscurriculum. The pilot program is coordinated between the Brooklyn Jobs Corp Center Director and BrooklynSBDC (Catalina Castaño, Miriam Colon and Rob Piechota), and instruction is provided by the BrooklynSBDC. The workshop was attended by a dozen motivated students. The attendees were so enthusiasticthat they insisted that Ira return for their graduation on June 7th.

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Marketspace & Position

In March 19, Farmingdale SBDC Business Advisor Walter Reid was the main speaker at the Nassau CountyEntrepreneur and Inventors Club. He spoke about the services available for small businesses and inventorswithin the SBDC and SBA. He also discussed developing a business plan for private investment purposes.Mr. Reid serves on the Board of Directors of the group.

In March, Mid-Hudson SBDC Business Advisor Vanessa Primus participated in a seminar on FundingOptions and Procurement sponsored by Ulster County Development Corporation and the NY District Officeof the SBA. 16 well qualified business people participated in the seminar.

In April, Mid-Hudson SBDC Business Advisor John Moriarty addressed the New Members Luncheon at theDutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, discussing the services offered by the Mid-Hudsoncenter and current issues affecting small businesses in the region.

In April, the Canton SBDC had a table at the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce’s “Really BigShow,” a two day event is held on the Clarkson University campus for vendors from throughout the NorthCountry to promote their products or services to the public. The event attracts approximately 80-100vendors and approximately 5,000 participants. The SBDC and the St. Lawrence County IDA shared a tableto promote their services and to talk to potential entrepreneurs and existing business owners.

In April, Mid-Hudson SBDC Business Advisor Vanessa Primus attended the Tappan Zee Hudson RiverCrossing Project Informational Summit. The project represents one of the most important procurementopportunities for area small business and the Mid-Hudson center is preparing to lend a proactive supportto this process.

In May, Farmingdale SBDC Business Advisor Ritu Wackett participated in a panel discussion along withNancy Fisher of Empire State Development and Pravina Raghavan, District Director of the SBA, entitled"Selling to the Government: New Markets, New Customers, New Opportunities for Business Growth" atNYXPO, the largest trade show in the New York City for small and medium sized businesses.

Professional Development and Intellectual Capital

In April Canton SBDC Director Dale Rice and Business Advisor Brooke James attended a seminar held bythe Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, St. Lawrence County IDA & CITEC Business Solutions to learnwhat benefits businesses can expect with the US Foreign Trade Zones program, financial savings, and zonetypes. Representatives from the host organizations also discussed alternative site framework and activationprocesses during the presentation.

In April, Canton SBDC Business Advisor Brooke James attended a NYSERDA Energy Seminar forbusinesses, not-for-profit organizations and multifamily residence owners, which was designed to provideinformation about audits to help reduce energy costs and financing programs. Representatives from SLC-IDA, NYSERDA, St. Lawrence Gas and National Grid spoke about the incentives being offered to improve building efficiencies, how to save thousands of dollars on energy bills, how to participate in free energyaudits and how to access low interest financing. The SBDC promoted the event to clients.

Sponsors, Host Institutions, and, Partners, Alliances

In March, Mid-Hudson SBDC Director Arnaldo Sehwerert met the Dean of the School of Business at SUNYNew Paltz to discuss the soon to be created Business Support Center at the school. The Mid-Hudson SBDCis an integral part of that project.

In April, Mid-Hudson SBDC Business Advisor Sam Kandel and Director Arnaldo Sehwerert met with theMiddletown District Director for Congressman Maurice Hinchey to discuss the establishment of arural/agricultural lending fund for the Catskills region.

In April, the Canton SBDC staff attended the St. Lawrence County’s Economic Developers meeting at whicharea economic developers discuss economic development issues and/or opportunities. The SBDC is invitedto take part in discussions and to discuss upcoming training events and other issues that are relevant tothe discussions.

In April, Mid-Hudson SBDC Director Arnaldo Sehwerert met with the newly appointed Director of the

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Orange County Business Accelerator. The OCBA is an Orange County government initiative design toincubate emerging small businesses. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways for the Mid-HudsonCenter to provide support for OCBA clients. Since the Mid-Hudson center’s satellite office is right across thestreet, it was agreed that service would be conveniently provided in a very fluid manner.

In May, Canton SBDC Director Dale Rice, director met with NYS SBDC Advisory Board member John Wicke to review Canton SBDC stats and discuss issues related to the SBDC and the business community.

Technology

In May, Canton SBDC Business Advisor Michelle Collins participated in the 3rd Annual North CountryTechnology Symposium at Clarkson University. The event is presented by CITEC in partnership with St.Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Cornell University Cooperative Extension and Clarkson University.Attendees have full access to the region’s leading experts on topics such as business development, webstrategy, information technology, and project financing.

Awards & Recognition

In April, Niagara SBDC Business Advisors Pauline Soeffing and Maureen Henderson, were named “Womenin Business Champions of the Year” by the SBA Buffalo District. The award was in recognition of theirextensive business counseling, particularly at the Canisius College Women’s Business Center. Theirassistance has advanced women’s business ownership by improving the environment for womenentrepreneurs and by helping them realize the many opportunities available to them.

In April, Canton SBDC Director Dale Rice received the “Entrepreneurs’ Hero Award” from the Reh Centerfor Entrepreneurship at Clarkson University at their annual Entrepreneur Recognition dinner. The award isgiven to an individual or group who provides resources resulting in increasing the viability of multipleentrepreneurs located in the communities served by the Reh Center for Entrepreneurship.

Special Projects

International

In May, Pace SBDC Director Ira Davidson spoke to a group of Chinese bankers visiting Pace University, adelegation of a dozen people, were predominately from Zhejiang Mintai Commercial Bank. The Bank isheadquartered in Hangzhou, the capital and largest city of Zhejiang Province in the Yangtze River DeltaRegion of eastern China. The Bank focuses on lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and thebankers were particularly interested in the SBA 504 Loan Program and the role of the U.S. Small BusinessAdministration. The group was organized by Ms. Tracy Wan, Co-Chair of the Asian Financial Society.

Procurement

In April, Canton SBDC Business Advisor Brooke James attended the St. Lawrence County’s ProcurementCommittee meeting to discuss procurement opportunities through small businesses. Brooke provided anoverview of the BidLinx program and how working with the SBDC could benefit the county and the smallbusinesses in the county.

Veterans

In March, Mid-Hudson SBDC Business Advisor Vanessa Primus participated in the Military Career Expo atthe US Military Academy at West Point, an annual event that provides soon to be discharged veterans withcareer options, including self-employment. The Mid-Hudson SBDC has been a participant at this event forthe past five years.

In May, Farmingdale SBDC Business Advisor and VBOC Coordinator John Narciso, spoke on the subject of“How to Qualify as a Veteran-Owned Business” at Adelphi University’s Veterans Employment Summit –“Finding Success in a Changing World”.

Young Entrepreneurs

In April, Mid-Hudson SBDC Director Arnaldo Sehwerert addressed Prof Kevin Caskey’s class onentrepreneurship at the SUNY New Paltz School of Business. The class participates in the annual BusinessPlan Competition, which this year has a total of nine teams presenting.

In April, Canton SBDC Business Advisor Michelle Collins was the guest speaker for two BusinessManagement classes at Canton High School. She spoke about business start-up, the importance of abusiness plan and understanding your market, SBDC services, and the importance of higher education.

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In April, Canton SBDC Director Dale Rice held a training seminar on “Business Plan Development” whichincluded participants from Clarkson University’s Reh Center for Entrepreneurship’s My Small Business 101course. Dale discussed how to test to see if your plan is good, funding requirements, credit analysis, andpitfalls to avoid.

ABOUT THE GAZETTE

The SPD Gazette is a brief newsletter distributed via emailand posted on the Internal Web Site. It will feature acolumn to be titled, What’s New This Week, in which thenetwork will share best practices in strategic objectives. Aseries of articles in the Gazette will explain the program’sstatewide approach to strategic objectives in six keyareas:

• Marketing • Professional Development and Certification• Program Development: Products and Services• Special Projects• Strategic Partners and Alliances • Technology, Information and Communication

Previous SPD Gazette Issues:

Issue 86Issue 85Issue 84Issue 83Issue 82Issue 81

Older issues (pdf):

71-8061-7051-6041-5031-4021-3011-201-10

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