SmartUps.org » Start-up Funding

The Biggest Small Business Competitions

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:00:51 +0000

Forbes recently came out with an article about “The Biggest Small Business Competitions” across the country. The article gives insight to the 15 biggest university-sponsored events. Granted, some competitions are only open to students and/or alumni of the hosting university, but it’s not the situation for all. Some competitions are even right here in Eugene, like the New Venture Championship at the University of Oregon. Hey, the article even has some tips from our very own Tim Berry, president of Palo Alto Software…which I advise you to pay attention to since he’s a judge at three of the competitions listed.

Business Plan Competition Guide

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:38:26 +0000

Just in case you weren’t aware, the Small Business section of the New York Times Online has a handy-dandy guide to business plan competitions around the world: Business Plan Competition Guide. If your start-up is seeking capital, I highly recommend you check this out!

Business Growth Workshop

admin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:54:03 +0000

February 25, 2010
5:00 pm	to	8:00 pm

Business Growth Workshop

Date/Time: Thursday, Feb 25 | 5-8pm

Location: Moss Adams LLP Training Room | 975 Oak St, 6th flr, Eugene 97401

Fee: $25 if you pre-register ($30 at the door); $20 for Eugene and Corvallis Chamber and SAO members, $15 for students

Includes pizza and beverages

Note: Seats limited to the first 60 people who register.

Click here to register

Come join us for an evening of training relevant to any start-up. Whether you’re a start-up company or not, these principals apply to all companies – especially in these tough economic times. We will cover two topics during the evening:

1) Top 10 Business Planning Mistakes: Submitting a Winning Plan to Investors, Banks, Business Partners, etc…

The business plan experts from Palo Alto Software will discuss the top 10 mistakes made in the business planing process. Learn how to avoid these mistakes and create a truly buzz worthy business plan. The competition is fierce and you owe it to yourself to present the best business plan you can.

2) Accounting: Financial Statements and Forecasting for Growing Companies

Expert accountants from Moss Adams, LLP with knowledge in the emerging-growth business space will be leading this section of the workshop. Accounting is pure overhead and won’t help you increase revenue, but if you spend your resources wisely then your accounting information can help you make decisions and save money. A poor accounting system or lack of financial statements could be detrimental to both your bottom line and your ability to attract funding.

The presentation will focus on how you can make sure you have financial records that will be ready for due diligence by potential investors or helping you secure business loans or partners. We’ll start with your day-to-day accounting and hit the main points all the way through to the 5-yr forecast focusing on cost effective processes for small companies.

Click here to register

Thanks to our great sponsors for supporting entrepreneurship in our community!

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ABC’s Shark Tank: real or drama?

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:15:24 +0000

Shark Tank is a new show on ABC that launched this past week. It’s very dramatic – of course, but somewhat entertaining. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t think this is a real company. I think it’s ABC’s way of adding drama to the show. What do you think?

The Latest in Bluetooth Technology on ABC’s Shark Tank – Watch more Funny Videos