Blog
Archive for the ‘Opportunities’ Category
Feb
China Accelerator Program Helps Companies Increase Sales in China
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
For Washington State companies considering expanding their business in China, there has never been a more cost-effective opportunity than the China Accelerator program, offered through the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Through the China Accelerator, Washington State will pay up to 25% of the cost for qualified Washington companies to participate in the Business Incubator program.
View the China Accelerator program announcement [PDF], or contact a Commerce international trade specialist for more information.
Feb
Ridiculously Cheap Way to get to GLOBE 2012
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
If you haven’t made plans to visit the GLOBE 2012 Trade Show on March 14-15 with us, it’s time! Less than a month to go, and the bus is filling up. For $20, you get: bus ride up to Vancouver, BC and back, refreshments both ways, free admission to the trade show, discounted stay at the Vancouver Hyatt ($159 plus tax), and invitation to a reception (we’re still working on this).
See the flyer for details.
To register, or for questions, call Steve Gerritson at 206-389-8656.
Feb
Invitation│Global Sustainable Finance Conference, Karlsruhe, Germany
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
A Two-Day International Conference on Global Sustainable Finance will be held from 5th to 6th of July, 2012 in Karlsruhe, Germany. This event will bring together top executives and senior members of financial institutions, policy makers, economists, commercial and investment bankers, SME, and Micro Finance executives, academia, regulators, sustainable development practitioners, senior government officials, representatives of international development agencies and other relevant stakeholders engaged or interested in sustainable finance and greening of financial sector.
The conference provides a distinctive opportunity to discuss: unfolding financial and economic crisis and climate change and other environmental disasters that are affecting the financial industry; challenges, success stories and best practices for embedding sustainability in financial institutions; actions needed to reposition banks, DFIs and other financial market players in times of changing financial and economic landscape; and latest information and knowledge about shaping financial institutions to cater to the requirements of fast changing market conditions. The conference offers a major opportunity to deliberate on financial innovation, examine why and how to green financial products and advance our transition to sustainable economy.
Further to knowledge sharing and deliberating on some of the key issues facing financial industry today; the upcoming conference will also help establish partnerships and alliances and in developing synergies. It provides an excellent opportunity to network with the senior members of financial community, multilateral agencies, governmental and non-governmental institutions, academia, sustainable development and environmental management practitioners and other stakeholders in Europe and globally. An optional excursion/ get-together will take place on Saturday the 7th of July 2012.
You are cordially invited to attend this international event and/ or nominate the member(s) of your institution.
For further information, please see the event details.
http://etechgermany.com/GSFC_2012.pdf
Or contact via email: mail@etechgermany.com
Sincerely,
Organizing Committee
Etech Germany
Dürkheimer Str. 24
D – 76187 Karlsruhe
—————————————————————–
Tel.: 0049-721- 476 89 16
Fax.: 0049-721- 476 89 53
Email: mail@etechgermany.com
—————————————————————–
Web: www.etechgermany.com
Feb
SnoPUD: Discover Solar Energy Benefits at Community Meetings
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
Source: SnoPUD Press Release, February 7, 2012.
Are you interested in learning about the financial and environmental benefits that come with owning your own solar energy system? Join Snohomish County Public Utility District this month for informational sessions about the utility’s Solar Express program, which offers a range of incentives and educational support for customers interested in solar energy. The utility’s program covers both solar photovoltaic systems and solar hot water systems.
FREE Solar Information Sessions:
- Tuesday, February 21, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 22, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Both meetings at PUD Headquarters – 2320 California Street, Everett
A webinar is available for the Feb. 22 meeting. Email solarexpress@snopud.com for login
More than 130 customers have participated in the Solar Express program in the past two years.
Cash Incentives/Loans: Residential customers can qualify for up to $2,500 for solar photovoltaic systems and commercial customers can qualify for up to $10,000. All customers with electric hot water systems can qualify for a $500 incentive for solar hot water systems. Residential customers may instead opt for a 2.9% APR loan up to $25,000 for photovoltaic panels and up to $14,000 for solar hot water systems.
Customers may also qualify for additional federal tax credits and state production incentives.
Solar Express is one of the ways the PUD is promoting clean, locally-generated renewable resources. For more information, including qualifications, call the PUD Energy Hotline at 425-783-1700 or visit www.snopud.com/solarexpress.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: SnoPUD MEDIA RELATIONS | 425-783-8444
Feb
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
Honoring entrepreneurs who have a passion to succeed.
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award program celebrates and recognizes entrepreneurs whose ingenuity, hard work and perseverance have created and sustained successful, growing business ventures. Originated in 1986 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Program has grown to 26 programs in the United States and has expanded to more than 140 cities in more than 50 countries around the world. The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award has become the mark of world-class individuals leading world-class companies. We invite you to be part of this exciting Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year program and take your place among those honored. Self-nominations are accepted.
Application deadline: Friday, March 9, 2012
Eligibility
- Nominee must be the owner or manager of a private or public company who is primarily responsible for the
recent performance of the company or organization and an active member of top management for at least two years. - Company must be at least two years old.
- Previous Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award finalists are eligible to be nominated. Previous award recipients are welcome to reapply for national consideration.
Judging criteria
- Entrepreneurial spirit
- Financial performance
- Strategic direction
- Community/global impact
- Innovation
- Personal integrity/influence
Benefits to nominee
- Increased brand awareness and positive publicity/recognition
- Business development opportunities
- Greater employee morale
- Validation of individual and company efforts
Key Dates for 2012 Pacific Northwest Program
- January – March — Nomination period
- March 9 — Application deadline
- April 3 — Semifinalists announced
- May 3 – Face-to-face interviews with judges at Seattle Ernst & Young office
- May 4 — Finalists announced
- May 17 – Finalist reception in Seattle (Location TBD)
- May 22, 23 or 29 — Finalist video filming at Seattle Ernst & Young office
- May 30 — Finalist video filming at the Portland Ernst & Young office
- June 15 – Awards gala at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue
How to apply: There are two ways to nominate someone for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program:
- On-line nomination form. https://eoy-nomination.ey.com/. You’re encouraged to submit your information vie the secure on-line application form. The on-line process allows you to attach electronic versions of the essay and your photo. There is also a box you must check that functions as your “electronic signature” on the on-line form.
- Paper / email application form to use within an email to send to the person who wan to nominate. Attached below.
The entire application form must be filled out to be reviewed by the judges. That includes attaching the two-page essay, completing the financial information in full, including an electronic photo and signing the form.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Pacific Northwest Region Program Manager, Rachel Anderson at +1 206 654 7633 or at rachel.anderson@ey.com.
Jan
Innovation Showcase
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
The Innovation Showcase, a program of the Technology Alliance, helps bridge the gap between research and commercialization by highlighting the most promising discoveries and new technologies ready for commercialization in Washington. This quarterly event, attended by a cross-section of our state’s startup leaders, promotes the idea sharing and networking that helps turn research into results. Showcase attendees include investors, service providers, serial entrepreneurs, and others in the commercialization field.
Would your company benefit from the opportunity to:
- …expand your network to include those in the startup community with a keen interest in putting you on a path to achieving your next milestone?
- …work with expert coaches – at no cost to you – to hone your pitch before you meet with investors?
- …become a member of a collegial community interested in following your future successes?
Are you a Washington company:
- …commercializing around groundbreaking IP that you control?
- …headed by a CEO who is still building out the team?
- …with a prototype completed or very nearly so?
- …which has creatively financed its efforts through grants and bootstrapping to make it this far?
If you can answer yes to these questions, we encourage you to submit your free application to be considered for the next Innovation Showcase. Look here for additional information including Screening Committee Members, a list of past presenters and presenter testimonials.
Contact Liz Gruber or (206) 300-3033 for details.
Dates of note:
- Application Deadline: Friday, March 2
- Screening Committee: Tuesday, March 27
- Innovation Showcase: Tuesday, April 10
________________________________________
Technology Alliance
1301 5th Avenue, Suite 2500
Seattle, WA 98101
Jan
Get a Real Job Startup Job Fair: An Evening for Designers and Technologists
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
Are you looking to make a difference, skip the over-lake commute, and play on the cutting edge? It could be your turn to join a startup!
This is a job fair for developers and designers ready to add passion to the work that they do. Join a startup and make a difference.
On January 30, 2012, join a great group of funded Seattle startups for drinks, food and social time. Meet the teams and learn about the difference you could make as a designer, systems administrator, or developer. We’ll have a keynote speaker (to be announced soon) who will share the real secrets of how startups work and you’ll hear from each of the other startups about what they’re up to.
Admission comes with two complementary drink tickets.
Find more information here.
Jan
Imagine Tomorrow, May 18-20, 2012
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
At Washington State University, in Pullman, WA
$100,000+ in cash prizes, thanks to Imagine Tomorrow sponsors
Imagine Tomorrow challenges 9th through 12th graders to seek new ways to support the transition to alternate energy sources. Students research complex topics, then innovate technologies, designs, or plans to mobilize behavior. They forge connections in their communities and create positive change. In this competition, as in life, solutions are limited only by imagination.
New for 2012: Imagine Tomorrow welcomes competing schools from four states: Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon.
New biofuels challenge: Show how biofuels can answer national or global energy needs.
Registration opens March 1: Register early! Only 175 teams can compete.
2012 Keynote Speaker: Microsoft Chief Environmental Strategist Rob Bernard will share his vision.
Our mission: Imagine Tomorrow engages students, supports educators, and strengthens communities.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- Apply to become a judge
- Encourage students to enter
- Mentor a team
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tena Old, Imagine Tomorrow
Washington State University
PO Box 642920
Phone: 509-335-1467
Fax: 509-335-9608
skeen@wsu.edu
imagine@wsu.edu
It is anticipated that sponsors’ and judges’ online registration site will open on March 1.
Jan
Partner with UW to Tackle Your Environmental Challenges
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
Do you have an idea for an environmental project at your organization?
The University of Washington has a unique program for businesses and other community organizations to partner with a faculty-led team of graduate students to conduct a 6-month long environmentally-related project. Project teams are comprised of business, public affairs, urban planning, science and engineering students, who, along with their faculty mentor, have the brainpower to address your real-world environmental challenges.
The UW Program on the Environment is currently seeking organizations interested in hosting projects.
For more information about how to get involved as a partnering organization, please contact Anne DeMelle, Graduate Program Coordinator, UW Program on the Environment at: ademelle@u.washington.edu or (206) 221-6129.
Introduction
The Environmental Management (EM) Graduate Certificate Program is designed to bring together students from across campus to solve real-world environmental problems. To earn the EM certificate students take courses in Environmental Policy, Business, and Science application. In addition, all students must complete a Keystone project.
What is a Keystone Project?
Keystone projects are transformative experiences, in which students and faculty actively engage with a community partner to design solutions to contemporary environmental issues. Examples of past projects include a sustainability plan for the Woodland Park Zoo Society and an emissions reduction plan for the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma.
Keystone Project Details
- Teams are composed of 4-8 students and a faculty advisor
- Projects span about 6 months (two quarters)
Community Partner Responsibility
Over the course of a project, community partners can expect to develop a strong relationship with their Keystone team. Community partners offer guidance and feedback to the students, and work with the team to define project goals.
Community Partner Requirements
- Provide $10,000 program fee to cover a portion of the total cost of a Keystone Project (estimated at $25,000)
- Attend regularly scheduled meetings with students
Hosting a Keystone Project
The EM program is continually seeking community partners to host Keystone projects. If you are interested in sponsoring a team, please contact:
Environmental Management Certificate Program, PoE
Graduate Program Coordinator
Wallace Hall, Box 355679
University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-2802
Phone: (206) 221-6129
Email: envirmgt@uw.edu
2010 Keystone Project Spotlight
Keystone Project: Penn Cove Water Quality Analysis
Community Partner: Island County Marine Resource Committee (MRC)
Preserving the environment for future generations is a top priority for the Penn Cove community. In 2010, the Island County Marine Resource Committee commissioned a group of EM students to analyze the water quality of Penn Cove and determine the effects of septic and stormwater contaminants. Professor of Marine Affairs, Terrie Klinger, led the Keystone team as they researched the impacts of human activity on the marine and nearshore environments. Island County MRC Executive Director, Rex Porter, saw this opportunity to partner with UW students as a classic win-win project.
“We’re amazed by the continued partnership with UW’s Keytone Program. We get real-life, useable deliverables from the team which impact local water quality policy and investment decision-making. The University builds stronger community ties and the students have another proven element for their CVs. For a small local investment of time and money we bring back 10 times the value in UW Keystone services!”
Ultimately, the student’s efforts helped the Island County MRC determine where to focus its limited resources for the next year’s EPA grant submissions. Without the Keystone deliverables Rex said his team would be “one year behind in our marine resource protection efforts.”
Jan
Vancouver, BC Looking for High-Tech Garbage Incineration and Gasification System
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
In Canada, the city of Vancouver, British Colombia is looking for international companies to bid on a new high-tech garbage incineration and gasification system. One contract will be open to a company with alternative technologies, for 100,000 tons. The Metro Vancouver regional board is expected to issue requests for proposals by the end of March 2012.
Read article in Globe and Mail.
