The Best Color for an Entrepreneur is Green

New Resource for Renewable Energy Companies

Recycling, carpooling, planting trees…. These are some of the common activities you can do in your daily life to help conserve energy and help the environment. What about the bigger picture? What about the opportunity to change the world on a much larger scale?

Well Kentucky has just made it a little easier for those companies who are trying to do just that.

In October, the University of Kentucky broke ground on what will become the university’s first certified green building. The university spent $19.8 million to develop the renewable energy laboratory. The laboratory will allow the university’s Center for Applied Energy Research to expand its research efforts devoted to Kentucky’s renewable energy industries.

These new resources can be used in conjunction with green technology companies to help boost them through the research and development stage. Whether you’re operating your business in Lexington, Elizabethtown, or Paducah you have access to key research and development staff and tools to get you to the commercialization stage. Not only do these resources increase the credibility of your company, but allow easy access for developmental and strategic planning trips.

Additionally, working with a university can open your company up to new funding opportunities such as STTR(Small Business Technology Transfer Research) investments. You may also qualify for a Kentucky matching program where the state may double the STTR funding. Take a look at the company NuForm who is centered on technology developed at the University of Kentucky.

http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2010-04-27-92359.113117_From_waste_to_efficiency.html

The Center is has a plethora of different energy conservation projects that focus on the optimal use of Kentucky’s and the nation’s energy resources for the benefit of its people. The Center will now be able to help energy companies focus more on projects related to biomass and biofuels, electrochemical power sources, and distributed solar energy technologies.

Whether it is developing new biofuel product, for our vehicles, using algae or using fly ash to develop a new form of concrete, the Center is truly a leading resource in Kentucky’s push towards a more green state.

For more information on the Center for Applied Energy Research please visit their website at http://www.caer.uky.edu/

Or contact Richard Davis at EntrePaducah at (270) 443-1746 or rdavis@entrepaducah.com

EntrePaducah Connects Cyber Security and Small Business

Over the last decade, computer and IT security has become exponentially more complicated. Viruses, hackers, trojans, malware, identity theft, and spam bots...all of these are issues users face on daily. So can we effectively protect ourselves?
The short answer is no. That would be about as practical as trying to create a 100% crime free world. But don’t be overly-alarmed...there is hope for those of us who may not have the knowledge of Bill Gates or Kevin Mitnick.

In reality,96% of data breaches in 2009-2010 were avoidable through simple or intermediate controls. Small things like not downloading software from random third party sites, or actually reading thoroughly the Terms of Service when you sign up for something.

A lot of good information can be found in books or on blogs, but ultimately it’s hard to know which sources to trust. That's why on Thursday, Oct. 21st EntrePaducah will host a Cyber Security Seminar . Join us in the Adams Room of the Paducah Expo Center a 12:30 PM, then stay for the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Buy Local Trade Show starting at 2:00.

Our panel includes Special Agent Joseph Ranieri from the Louisville Division of the FBI. Agent Ranieri represents the squad responsible for a full array of cyber crimes including internet fraud, child pornography, and both criminal and national security intrusions. The unit covers cyber crime all across the state of Kentucky.

Also on the panel is John Truitt, CEO of Kalleo Technologies. Kalleo is a Paducah-based IT company that services small and medium-sized businesses. Kalleo focuses on a variety of technology protection including proactive monitoring, continuous support, and comprehensive service.

The seminar is free and is being offered as a public service by EntrePaducah for small businesses in the Paducah area.

Reservations are suggested at (270)443-1746 or at info1@entrepaducah.com.

(*Written by EntrePaducah Tech Concierge Richard Davis)

Entrepreneur 101: How to start a Business

Google "How to start a business".
In less than a second, you'll get 742 million results. So, you just thought it was easy to start a new business!
Actually, it's not that complicated with the right advice from the right partner. You'll also notice that the number 1 (unpaid) listing is for the Small Business Administration (SBA), and that's a good thing. Your tax dollars fund the SBA counseling programs, including their resource partners. The SBA's local resource partner is the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Murray State University.
EntrePaducah, in cooperation with the Murray State SBDC, are partnering to offer "Entrepreneur 101: How to Start a Business." The first of these one-night learning sessions is Monday, September 27th at the Commerce Center, 4th & Kentucky, in downtown Paducah from 6:00PM-8:00PM.
Entrepreneur 101 is designed to be an overview of the steps you'll take to get started owning your own business. Obviously, we can't cover everything in one night but you'll learn the basics and go home with materials to help walk you through the process. We plan to conduct these sessions the fourth Monday evening of all odd-numbered months (September, November, January, March, May, July). The topics will be the same each month, but anyone is welcome to attend multiple sessions.
Topics we'll discuss include: How to write a business plan; Managing your cash flow; Basics of financial statements; How to register and/or license your business in Kentucky-McCracken County-City of Paducah.
We'll also offer an Assessment Tool for you to use in determining whether pursuing business ownership is even the right career move for you.
Chris Wooldridge, MSU's SBDC Director, and Terry Reeves of EntrePaducah will be your hosts for the evening. With Chris and Terry leading the group, we can promise it will be informative and fun!
The session is free, but reservations are required to insure program materials. To register or for more information, phone (270) 443-1746, or, email info1@entrepaducah.com.

Biz workshop for artists...the marriage of art and business!

Artists are artists. Business people are business people. There's a misconception that the two worlds can't co-exist.

Wrong.

Some 40 full and part-time professional artists joined EntrePaducah and the Kentucky Arts Council for a day-long business workshop. The sub-title for the session was "Providing essentials for a strong art business" which was truly the purpose of the day.

Paducah has made its intentions known to be a first-class location for artists to create and sell their work. The Artist Relocation Program, Lowertown Arts and Music Festival and other programs are just two of the many popular events held to celebrate the city's attention to the arts.

The reality, however, is that artists need to eat and pay rent just like everyone else. Starving artists are great for novels, but earning a consistent (and hopefully prosperous) living on your creations is still the American dream.

Responding to a number of requests, EntrePaducah enlisted the services of the Kentucky Arts Council and the Small Business Development Center at Murray State University to produce a business workshop designed specifically for people who make their living selling their art.
Topics ranged from Business Planning, Marketing (traditional and social media), Sales, and resources available from the government and from other artist-related groups. Our artists seemed to particularly enjoy hearing from guest speakers who run successful galleries in other parts of the state.

Our thanks to our presenters: Chris Wooldridge of the Small Business Development Center at MSU; artist Marcie Christenson; artist David Toczko; Tim Glotzbach of Berea College; and Mark Johnson,manager of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development’s Small and Minority Business Branch and its Business Information Clearinghouse. You are always welcome in Paducah!

EntrePaducah also thanks the Kentucky Arts Council for helping to coordinate the event and the Maiden Alley Cinema/River Discovery Center for their great facility.
Finally, thanks to all the artists who attended the event and gave us their feedback on this session and suggestions for future workshops.
We truly want our artists to succeed in Paducah and are happy to meet one-on-one with anyone interested in starting an art business, or needing help with their existing business.

Business Workshop for Professional Artists

Do you paint, sculpt, write, shoot, play, quilt, or weave for a living?

Do you consider the "business" side of being an artist something you want to do better?

EntrePaducah and the Kentucky Arts Council invite you to join us for a Business Workshop for Professional Artists. We're working with the KAC to present a program designed for you...the professional, working artist.

Here's the lineup:
+Small Business Assistance: Information provided on business regulations, licenses, permits and resources through the Business Information Clearinghouse program, business planning/funding and using the internet to market an arts and crafts based business.

+Developing (and working!) Your Business Plan: Getting started on the right track…or sustaining your success…means developing a sound business plan. Come and get ideas and tools for you to begin to adopt your own business plan.

+Website Essentials for Artists: Discover ways to promote your art business on the world wide web including discussion on perception, costs, basic and simple components needed and examples of effective websites. Presented by Marcie Christensen, Coordinator of Francisco’s Farms Arts Festival and owner of CompassRoseWorks

+Artist Statement and Logo Recognition: In order to make it as an artist you must customize your business. Developing an artist statement and a logo will not only keep you focused it can also give you identity in these tough economic times. Presented by Tim Glotzbach, Director, Berea College Crafts.

+Marketing Your Artwork Marketing tips and suggestions from one artist to another. Presented by (guest to be announced)

Okay, so from the lineup of presenters...we hope you agree that EntrePaducah is serious about helping our Artisan community succeed in their businesses. Artists are born with special talents and gifts. Business, however, can be an easily aquired skill...and that's where we want to help. We hope you benefit from the business-related speakers and enjoy hearing about best practices from other professional artists.


Here are the specifics:
Business Workshop for Professional Artists
Sponsored by EntrePaducah & the Kentucky Arts Council
Tuesday, August 3rd, 9AM-3PM (registration 8:30-9:00AM)
Maiden Alley Cinema Theatre
Lunch provided
No charge for the workshop, reservations are suggested:
info1@entrepaducah.com or (270)443-1746.


We look forward to seeing you August 3rd!

July 2010 Entrepreneur of the Month

(*pictured L-R: Helen Sims, Paducah Chamber Board Chair; Linda Schmitt; Terry Reeves, EntrePaducah; Terry Schmitt, S&W Productions)


LIGHTS
CAMERA
ACTION!

From local weddings and commercials to national network programming, Terry and Linda Schmitt…owners of S&W Productions…have produced video presentations on most every topic.

Terry opened S&W in 1976...he knew it was simply something he really, really wanted to do in life. Around the year 2000, Terry took on a partner…that’s when his wife Linda started with S&W.

Along the way, S&W Productions has picked up more than 100 awards of excellence such as Telly’s (the equivalent of an Emmy in advertising circles)…Vision Awards; Communicator Awards; Videography Awards and Addy Awards. They were the first production company in Paducah to fully embrace digital video technology…from camera to finished product…and today, their equipment remains network quality and above. They produce corporate and industrial videos; TV commercials; wedding videos; legal videos; DVD duplication and Political Consulting.

In 1991, visitors to Paducah’s AQS Quilt Show began getting wonderful previews of attractions and recaps of the day’s events via the Quilt Channel. As an experienced visitor to shows around the country, I can personally attest that many trade-specific visitor channels have come and gone…but S&W’s has endured. Not only is it an entrepreneurial venture stemmed from the quilt show, but it adds polish and professionalism to the image of our city.

Terry tells me that he loves being an entrepreneur because every day is a new challenge. He says he loves the fact that when a client wants something, he can make it happen immediately without having to jump through hoops. He says he loves the relationships he’s built with clients through the years…that it’s not just a job, it’s a passion.

Please join me in honoring our July Entrepreneur of the Month Terry and Linda Schmitt of S&W Productions!

June 2010 Entrepreneur of the Month

(*pictured: Tammy Zimmerman,Payments Plus; Terry Reeves, EntrePaducah)

CHARGE IT!
PRICELESS!
DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!

What state of mind are we now in…that’s right, credit cards.

June's Entrepreneur of the Month, Tammy Zimmerman, is President and Founder of Payment Plus, Inc. Payment Plus is a Paducah-based payment processing provider that offers a broad spectrum of business services to customers from coast to coast.

Tammy has more than 25 years of experience in the banking and credit card industry. Before founding Payment Plus, she was a founding member of NOVA Information Systems, Inc., (now Elavon) in Atlanta. Prior to that, Tammy spent several years at National Data Corporation as an account executive, and was the first woman at NDC to be recognized as Sales Person of the Year.

She currently serves as co-chair of Elavon’s MSP Advisory Committee and is on the Advisory board of ControlScan, both based in Atlanta.

Tammy also gives back to her community through her work with various youth programs…and is founder of the “One of His Sheep” program.

Payment Plus will soon be building a new facility in Paducah’s Information Age Park which will give them a new platform for growth.

She says her greatest satisfaction in being an entrepreneur in Paducah is the investment it makes in the future of people in our community.

Tammy, we thank you for that investment and we’re proud to honor you as June's Entrepreneur of the Month presented by EntrePaducah and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.