Long Island Small Business Blog

We're from the Government ...

2010-03-11T11:53:00.000-05:00

Well, that's part of the story. We're also from Stony Brook University. In fact, we're at Stony Brook University courtesy of the Federal Small Business Administration (SBA) and the State University of New York. We are the Stony Brook Small Business Development Center aka, the Stony Brook SBDC. If you want all the blah, blah, blah, see here.

We really are here to help you. For an overview of our services here at the Stony Brook SBDC, click here. Or just call us at 631-632-9837.

Name Dropping

2010-03-10T11:14:00.000-05:00

The Stony Brook SBDC is only one of a number of Centers on the Stony Brook University Campus that is interested in promoting small business on Long Island. Here's a list of the company we keep.

Long Island High Technology Incubator

http://www.lihti.org/

Strategic Partnership for Industrial Resurgence http://www.spir.sunysb.edu/

NYSTAR Center for Biotechnology http://www.biotech.sunysb.edu/index.html

Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology http://www.cewit.org/

NYSTAR Center for Advanced Sensor Technology http://www.sensorcat.sunysb.edu/

Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center http://www.aertc.org/

Although it is not on the Stony Brook Campus, the SBDC has a close relationship with Brookhaven National Laboratories as well.

http://www.bnl.gov/world/

Entrepreneurship Workshop

2010-01-11T14:10:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday, January 27th, the Stony Brook Small Business Development Center will hold a workshop entitled "Is Entrepreneurship an Option for You?" in it's Center Training Room. Details in the attached flyer including directions (click on the above link). No charge for the workshop but registration is required.

Final Report from the Small Business Task Force

2009-12-03T09:03:00.005-05:00

FINAL REPORT

Governor David A. Paterson today accepted the Final Report of the Small Business Task Force. The Final Report includes proposals to address increasing access to capital; reducing red tape and providing regulatory reform; strengthening and enhancing training and technical assistance for business owners, employees and aspiring entrepreneurs; and improving access to, and awareness of, available State resources. Each of these priorities includes a series of actionable initiatives that will spur economic growth and make doing business in the State easier.

NY Not Startup Friendly

2009-11-25T09:46:00.002-05:00

When it comes to starting new businesses, New York has fallen behind the nation, a new report states.

Only 6 percent of businesses in the Empire State are startups, according to a survey released this week by Babson College and Baruch College of the City University of New York, compared to 9 percent nationwide.

Contractors Readiness Training and OSHA Construction Course

2009-08-11T13:16:00.003-04:00

There is still room in the OSHA Construction Safety and Health Course S1537-A but it's filling up fast. The Contractors Readiness Training Program is a free 5 session program and includes topics such as Estimating and Bidding jobs, how to bid on contracts, bonding and insurance, claims and dispute resolution and some options for financing for contractors.

Is Entrepreneurship an Option for You?

2009-07-10T13:11:00.000-04:00

You don't have to give up your dayjob to test the waters of Entrepreneurship.

Inventors' Success and the Internet

2009-06-23T12:57:00.000-04:00

While inventing a product is difficult, getting it to market has often been equally as daunting. Some inventors are finding they have a better shot at reaching consumers through the web.

Seniors as Entrepreneurs

2009-06-08T12:53:00.000-04:00

Economic volatility plus more boomer retirees have moved the starting age for startups and led to a surge of senior-run businesses.

Kominicki on Recovery

2009-04-24T12:47:00.000-04:00

John Kominicki, LIBN economy pundit, has a few sober words about the federal government's money printing press.

GreenLogic Energy

2009-04-17T12:43:00.000-04:00

A conversation with Marc Clejan, co-founder of GreenLogic Energy

What's Next? .....

2009-04-15T09:21:00.008-04:00

... for Small Business on Long Island. A serious discussion of where we are, and where we are going, by people that have the best vantage point. To drop a few (speaker) names: Senator John Flanagan, Regional SBA Director Al Titone, Suffolk County Director of Minority Affairs Mel Guadalupe, the Town of Brookhaven's Director of the their IDA Rich Kruse, LIDC's Patricia Cook; and keynote speaker LIA's Chief Economist, Dr. Pearl Kamer. Details here . Meeting is at the Holiday Inn Express on Friday May 1, 2009.

Tax Breaks for Solar Power

2009-04-08T12:37:00.001-04:00

Increased incentives from the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and the state and federal government are driving a surge in demand for solar power according to this LIBN article.

Where to go when the banks say no

2009-04-03T09:41:00.003-04:00

Getting a business loan is not suppose to be like a scavenger hunt, but it seems like it these days. Here's a list of a few non-traditional places to look. By the way, many of these sources also like to see a succinct, organized business plan just like the banks. No need to hunt around for that, just come into the Stony Brook SBDC and we'll help you put a great business plan together!!

LIPA, Con Ed plan offshore wind farm

2009-03-23T09:58:00.000-04:00

Another offshore wind farm proposal is being proposed for Long Island. This one is bigger, better, and further off shore. Hope this one stays afloat!!!!!

Research on Solar Panels

2009-03-20T10:04:00.000-04:00

The National SBDC Information Clearinghouse has done some research on solar panels. Thought you might be interested in what they came up with.

Small business and jobs

2009-03-18T10:09:00.000-04:00

An overview of what's happening in the job market and it's impact on small business from the Long Island Business News. Are you a "reluctant entrepreneur"? We can help at the Stony Brook SBDC.

Winter/Spring SBDC Workshops

2009-02-20T10:15:00.000-05:00

Here's the flyer for the Stony Brook SBDC workshops thru June of 2009. A tip of the hat to our sponsor, the Suffolk Federal Credit Union.

Stimulus: What's in it for small biz?

2009-02-18T10:24:00.001-05:00

An article from CNNMoney that sums it up as well as any. This is going to be an ongoing saga, so stay tuned. Believe me, we'll get the word out on anything new as soon as we hear about it. We are in constant contact with the SBA and our SBDC Central.

How would you like $2,000 for your business and not have to pay it back?

2009-01-29T12:03:00.001-05:00

Under the auspices of the Suffolk County Executive, The Suffolk County Women’s Business Enterprise Coalition (SCWBEC) is a nonprofit free networking organization that serves all women business owners who either reside or maintain their business within Suffolk County. Each year the organization gives out two $2,000 awards. The next award for $2,000 will be given out on April 20th at the annual SCWBEC Business Expo and Luncheon. This award is open to any female business owner in Suffolk County. For details and application go to http://www.scwbec.org/awards.php.

The recession survival guide

2009-01-09T10:29:00.001-05:00

From the Long Island Business News. Some sage advice by local and national pundits. Has a great checklist at the end of the article.

A Special Case for Alternative Energy on Long Island

2008-12-31T11:51:00.004-05:00

Oil prices going down are putting a chill on alternative energy initiatives. This is not a good thing , especially for Long Island. We need alternate energy more than most areas of the country because it is also much more environmentally friendly than oil-based energy, a major issue considering our high population density. Besides, once the current economic downturn is reversed, guess what's going to happen to oil-prices? (Hint: Remember $4.25/gallon of gasoline?).

Alternative Energy Training

2008-12-30T11:15:00.002-05:00

Alternate energy businesses are one of the few bright spots on the economic horizon, but as it turns out there is a shortage of trained individual to install the new green technology devices. Read more here.

Everything you need to know about credit

2008-12-22T12:14:00.004-05:00

Don't be afraid to ask!! Get answers on understanding and repairing it at the free seminar run by the Stony Brook SBDC on January 28, 2009. For more information see here.

Business Solutions Roundtable January 8th

2008-12-08T15:57:00.005-05:00

This is your monthly opportunity to meet with other business owners and discuss creative solutions to current small business issues. There certainly are enough of them!!! This is your business solutions group where you decide what you want to discuss. Come with problems, leave with solutions. See more here.

Recession won't stop Long Island banks

2008-12-03T09:47:00.002-05:00

The doom and gloom that crushed the banking industry in 2008 won’t likely ease up in 2009, local bankers say, but they’re not exactly complaining. With turmoil on Wall Street and at the nation’s largest banks, many consumers have turned to local institutions as a safe haven in which to weather the storm. More here.

Is Entrepreneurship Right for You?

2008-11-25T11:29:00.007-05:00

Maybe it's time to be your own boss. Attend this SBDC workshop and find out. It's on a Saturday (December 6th) and it's at a Holiday Inn Express. Can't get any better than that!! Sign up here.

Mid-Winter Workshops Schedule

2008-11-20T14:06:00.003-05:00

The Stony Brook SBDC has released its Mid-Winter 2009 Workshop schedule. Sign up now!! These workshops are sponsored by the Bank of America. Thanks Bank of America!

Women's Entrepreneurship

2008-11-20T14:00:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, December 9th the Thypin Oltchick Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship is sponsoring a seminar on Growing Your Small Business in a Tough Economy . We think this economy qualifies. If you are a woman with a small business or planning to start a business, here's a chance to get some sound advice. Sign up today!!

SBDCs on the Radar Screen ...

2008-11-20T13:43:00.003-05:00

As Barack Obama hunkers down ...to craft a plan to restore market stability ... federal programs already exist ... (that) could help lead us out of our worst recession in 80 years. Hey, they are talking about us! in this Huffington Post article.

Accounts Receivable as Collateral?

2008-11-17T15:16:00.006-05:00

Looking for a creative way to obtain a commercial loan? Here's one lender who will meet you half-way.

Middle Country Public Library Workshop

2008-11-13T13:03:00.007-05:00

Stony Brook Campus too far away? The SBDC does off-site workshops as well. Here's the Fall 2008 schedule for the workshops offered at the Middle Country Public Library in Centereach. There's one on November 18th and another one on November 21st. Sign up today.

... but I stayed at a Holiday Express last night

2008-11-13T12:52:00.004-05:00

If that line doesn't work for you, the Stony Brook SBDC is holding a workshop at the Holiday Express Inn on Nesconset Highway where they will review Business Basics on December 6, 2008. Sign up today.

Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club

2008-11-13T12:41:00.005-05:00

Brainstorming opportunities available at the Suffolk County Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club meeting on November 25th. Tell them we sent you and you'll get in free ...so will those who don't tell them we sent you.

Help Starting a New Business

2008-11-12T15:31:00.006-05:00

Trying to decide whether and how to start a new business? Organizations like the SBDC can help, according to this report.

Long Island Business News

2008-11-12T14:42:00.004-05:00

The Long Island Business News has a Small Business section. They archive their small business articles on their web site. Check it out

More Incubator Space at Stony Brook

2008-11-12T14:00:00.001-05:00

In this article in the Long Island Business New, CEWIT reports that it has inked a new deal with Computer Associates. Yeah, for the home team! It also reports that CEWIT intends to offer incubator space to small businesses sometime in the future. Keep it in mind. This will make four sources of incubator space available through Stony Brook University - LIHTI, the Software Incubator, the Calverton Incubator, and, in the future, CEWIT.

Fall 2008 Workshop Schedule

2008-11-12T10:47:00.009-05:00

Here's the Stony Brook SBDC workshop schedule. These workshops fill up fast, so please make you reservation now. They are all held on the Stony Brook campus at the Long Island High Technology Incubator (LIHTI) which is easy to find on this campus map. LIHTI is at F5. While we're at it, a tip of the hat to LIHTI for letting us use their conference room.