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Archive for the ‘Opportunities’ Category
Mar
ZINO Green Investment Forum – April 17, 2012
Posted by Tom Ranken | 2 Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
ZINO Green Investment Forum brings together thought leaders, angel investors, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs in clean tech, alternative energy, sustainable products and social innovation.
Interested companies should contact Kate DesRosier at k.desrosier@zinosociety.com or 206-686-3768 for information about applying.
ZINO Green is the vehicle for innovators, investors and entrepreneurs to congregate. Seed, early-stage and expansion capital companies will present in 5 minute pitch and 2 minute pitch formats. Fund Finalists will be selected for a $50,000 Fund by Fund Investors. Attendees will select a non-cash “Best Investment Opportunity and Best Presenter” award for each of the segments to be announced the day of the event.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
1:00-5:00pm
City Hall Council Chambers
450 110th Ave, NE
Bellevue, WA
RSVP by: 4/16/2012
Attire: Business
Mar
Calvin Goings: Tax Credits Can Benefit Your Bottom-Line
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
By Calvin W. Goings, Assistant Associate Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration.
As Assistant Associate Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, I travel throughout Region 10 to meet with small business owners. Many small businesses don’t realize that 17 small business tax cuts have been signed into law and an additional five small business tax cuts are proposed for 2013.
- Are you an investor in a small business? Capital gains on investments held more than 5 years in qualified small businesses are 100% exempt for the 2012 tax year.
- Are you a start-up? Start-up entrepreneurs can deduct $5,000 for start-up expenditures.
- Are you a small business owner that has purchased new equipment? Write-off up to $560,00 of the cost of new equipment this year rather than depreciating the cost over time.
- Are you a small business owner that provides health care to your employees or to yourself? Tax credits are available for starting or continuing to provide health insurance coverage for your employees, and this applies even if you are self-employed.
- Have you been in business for up to 5 years? You may “carry back” your business credit up to five years to offset taxes and assist in difficult economic times. Businesses can apply their 2011 credits to previous tax payments going back to 2006.
- Are you a small business owner that uses a cell phone? Starting in 2010, the process for deducting the cost of your cell phone and monthly bills was vastly simplified.
As you can see, there are a lot of tax cuts that small businesses can benefit from this year. Please be sure to stay tuned to what the SBA is doing to assist small business, by helping them start, grow and create an economy built to last.
I hope you have found this information useful. Please feel free to forward this to your friends and colleagues. If you have comments or questions for me, please contact Connie Marshall at connie.marshall@sba.gov.
CALVIN W. GOINGS, Assistant Associate Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
Feb
Trade Mission to Korea with Governor Gregoire
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
The Washington State Department of Commerce has announced that “…a potential state level visit may take place in April.” Governor Gregoire has been asked to visit South Korea as the leader of a trade mission during April of this year. The timing of the mission is yet to be confirmed. The mission will likely cover both in-bound and out-bound trade and clean technologies.
The Department of Commerce has asked the WCTA to recommend participants for this high-level, business focused mission. If you are interested, please contact James Palmer, Business Development Manager at the Washington State Department of Commerce. James can be reached at (206) 256-6147 or via email at James.Palmer@commerce.wa.gov.
Feb
US Dept of Commerce Smart Grid Trade Mission to the UK
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
Why the UK? Why Smart Grids? Why Now?
The U.S.-UK investment relationship is the largest in the world, valued at over $925 billion and creating over two million jobs, about one million in each country.
The UK is the entry market into the European Union for over 40,000 U.S. exporters. Annual U.S. exports to the UK are valued at more than $100 billion.
The UK is the foremost market in the rapidly developing smart grid sector in Europe. Early entry into the UK smart grid sector could serve as a platform for U.S. companies into other European countries.
The UK government and the private sector are backing smart grid technologies with significant investments and incentive schemes:
- More than $300 billion will be invested in the UK over the next ten years to replace older power plants and upgrade the grid.
- The UK smart grid market is expected to grow from $380 million in 2010 to $4.5 billion in 2015.
- $18 billion will be invested in the UK mass roll-out of smart meters, expected to begin in 2014.
- Private sector utilities are expected to invest more than $65 billion in the upgrade and expansion of the UK’s transmission and distribution networks.
Increase your Export Potential by Identifying Profitable Opportunities in the UK Smart Grid and Electricity Market
The Mission will:
- Help U.S. companies obtain market information, establish business and government contacts, solidify business strategies, and/or advance specific projects
- Include group meetings with government officials and industry leaders, including utilities, distribution network operators and technology providers; seminars and briefings on the UK market; site visits; and networking opportunities and receptions.
Date: October 15 -17, 2012
Venue: London
Cost*:
- $1,200 for small and medium firms (fewer than 500 employees)
- $2,350 for large firms
- $600 for each extra representative
* Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant
For More Information:
http://export.gov/unitedkingdom/events/featuredevents/eg_gb_045700.asp
Claudia Colombo
U.S. Commercial Service
U.S. Embassy, London
Tel. +44-207-894-0443
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
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Tel.: 0049-721- 476 89 16
Fax.: 0049-721- 476 89 53
Email: mail@etechgermany.com
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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
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Technology Alliance
1301 5th Avenue, Suite 2500
Seattle, WA 98101
