Vol. 8, September 2009 "On-line" Newsletter
Features:
1. Two Exciting Energy Recovery Programs Announced
2. State Money Available for Biomass Energy Technologies Projects
3. What does it take to become a successful government contractor?
4. Need Help Navigating MI's Unemployment Insurance System?
5. Ready to be the Next Great Food or Agricultural Entrepreneur?
6. Business Counseling Services Offered by NLEA
7. Business Resources in Your Community
8. Great Workshops, Seminars & Conferences
1. Two Exciting Energy Recovery Programs Announced
The US Departments of Energy and Treasury are contributing to new investments in renewable energy projects and the manufacturing that goes into creating these projects. The first, Section 48C - Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - provides tax credits for the manufacturing of equipment used in renewable energy projects and the creation of those projects. The 48C program is a competitive program that provides a 30% tax credit to firms to support their efforts to build or expand capacity to manufacture a variety of clean energy products. The second, Section 1603 program- Renewable Energy Grants in Lieu of Tax Credits of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - is noncompetitive and provides cash grants for qualified investments in lieu of the 30% Investment or Production Tax Credits for renewable energy projects.
Click below for more information on each program. Preliminary applications for the section 48C tax credit supporting manufacturing are due September 16, 2009.
2. State Money for Biomass Energy Technologies Projects
Michigan Biomass Energy Program (MBEP) Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to obtain proposals for state projects that contribute to the deployment/enhanced performance of fully commercialized biomass energy technologies. MBEP plans to award multiple grants of up to $24,950 per project. Only public and non-profit entities are eligible. HURRY! PROPOSALS DUE: Friday, September 18, 2009
3. Become a Successful Government Contractor
Free monthly seminars offered by PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center) and hosted by Northern Lakes Economic Alliance provide information on services and resources available to small businesses pursuing the government market. On Tuesday, October 20, Federal Government Contracting 101 will be held at the NLEA office beginning at 10:00 a.m. For more information and to register for this free seminar contact Sara at 231-582-6482 or sara@northernlakes.net. If your company is considering diversifying into government contracting, this seminar will give you the insight you need.
PTAC is also offering low cost, advanced training seminars pertaining to all aspects of selling to the State and Federal Governments. Don't miss your opportunity to learn all the tricks of the trade!
Saginaw – October 7 Marquette – October 13
Clinton Twp. – October 30 Lansing – November 18
5. Ready to be the Next Great Food or Ag Entrepreneur?
Are you an existing business looking for help with the next great product? This day is for you! This full and exciting event brings you all the resources and networking you'll need to bring your dreams and goals to reality. Come meet the MSU Product Center team at the Making it in Michigan Conference on November 11, 2009 at the Lansing Center. Network with buyers from stores looking for exciting new products. Learn from the experts about launching or expanding your business through educational classes that prepare you for the road ahead in regulations, safety, production, marketing and distribution. This is the one day that every entrepreneur, producer, buyer and processor in food and agricultural businesses needs to attend.
6. Business Counseling Services Offered by NLEA
Thinking about starting a business or looking for individualized help with your existing business? NLEA offers free couseling services throughout the four county area. For a list of "How to Start a New Business" class dates and information on scheduling a one-on-one appointment please click here.
7. Business Resources in Your Community
The entrepreneur's one stop location for starting a small business! Each Business Resource Center (BRC) offers many resources including: access to computers with high speed internet, reference materials covering relevant business topics, free and confidential business counseling, and access to valuable online market research and database tools. Click here to find one near you.
8. Great Workshops, Seminars & Conferences
Click below for location, complete details and how to register.
September 17 & 24: Geographic Info Systems/Science (GIS) Workshop
September 23: Strategies to Improve Your Bottom Line
September 23: Ag-Based Zoning, Right to Farm Act Workshop
September 30: "How to Start a Small Business" class
October 1: Importing Basics
October 2: Basics of Exporting
October 20: Federal Government Contracting 101
November 4: Marketing on a Budget
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