Jabez Enterprise Group

Oakland Digital and Ameredia Inspires Diversity

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:19:30 +0000

Oakland Digital and Ameredia Inspires Diversity

February 20, 2012, Oakland, CA – Oakland Digital (ODALC) has teamed with Ameredia, a full-service multicultural advertising, marketing and public relations agency located in San Francisco to help transform Oakland into an area that flourishes through technology, innovation and cultural collaboration by means of ’Inspire Oakland.’ Inspire Oakland, a 4 to 6 week workforce development program implemented in underinvested educational institutions to help aspiring creative artists garner resume skills, professional development and knowledge expected in the professional ‘design world.’ For the past 3 years, Oakland Digital has reviewed the diverse work of nearly 300 designers from various ethnicities, ages and backgrounds.

“Budget cuts to education is impacting the opportunity and needed resources for underserved students,” says Linda Poeng, Vice President and Treasurer of Oakland Digital (ODALC), “Oakland Digital’s Inspire program aims to educate, inspire and empower artists.”

The positive impact of Inspire Oakland:

Offers an outlet to jumpstart artists’ digital media and design careers
Professional development with lessened barriers to workforce entry
Direct internship and networking opportunities
Provides at-risk young adults a creative outlet for personal expression
Understand the creative briefing process
Encourages graphic design and information technologies through creative expression
Creation of a professional portfolio piece judged by industry professionals
Obtain high visibility and the opportunity to have his/her design featured on traditional and digital billboards

Ameredia expresses the same mission and passion as Oakland Digital in reaching diverse ethnic groups through creativity and creating a positive image of Oakland that unites and inspires its diversity. Ameredia has a reputation of creating brands and use marketing, innovative and multicultural campaigns to target diverse markets throughout the U.S. and abroad. Their customer base ranges from the Fortune 500 companies to small and mid-size businesses within the banking, education, entertainment, government, technology, medical, non-profits, and telecommunications industries.

Inspire Oakland starts March 22^nd at Laney College and Inspire Hayward starts April 2^nd at Cal State University East Bay. If you are interested in submitting your design and learning more about the program, download Call for Entries. If you are a business that is interested in providing Inspire students with an internship opportunity, email inspire@odalc.org or call 510-435-2945.

About Oakland Digital: Oakland Digital (ODALC) [www.odalc.org] is a technology 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that empowers economically disadvantaged individuals with digital literacy education. Their mission is to educate, inspire, and empower low-income communities to participate in the digital economy.

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ODALC Symposium Post Press Release

admin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:08:42 +0000

Oakland Digital: Strengthening the Small Business Community using Social Media

Oakland, CA – April 12, 2011 - Oakland Digital Arts & Literacy Center (ODALC) first annual “Social Media for Small Business: Online Marketing Symposium” held at Oakland City Hall, Council Chambers was an overwhelming success. The event was open to the public with a purpose of displaying how to use social media tools effectively to help increase their Return on Investment (ROI), reach untapped and potential customers, how to stay connected with customers and boost their online brand presence.

Nearly 200 attendees were present as Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, gave an opening speech about her vision for the City of Oakland and the importance of digital media. “Digital media has changed our lives, probably changed the way social movements organize… and in my own life, as an organizer in this City,” says Mayor Quan.

The attendees ranged from small businesses and entrepreneurs to individuals learning how to effectively use social media as a tool to increase their business marketing efforts.

“The audience covered a lot of professions, including local mom-and-pop shopkeepers, alternative medical practitioners, and door-to-door salesmen (…) who are just now really starting to focus on how they can use social media to grow their business. It was exceptionally well run by Shaun Tai, Executive Director of Oakland Digital,” says Thor Muller, Founder of GetSatisfaction.

The partners of Oakland Digital: Kelly Flint of Constant Contact, Stephen Perez and Billie Korting of YP.com, Patrick Hurley of InOak, Eric Gilbert of Yahoo! Small Business, and Andreas Weigend of Social Data Revolution, provided insightful social media tips, resources, and real-life examples of how social media works. The event is sponsored by Western Digital and co-sponsored by the City of Oakland.

“Oakland Digital sees Social Media for Small Business as an educational platform for local small business to get introduced to new technology, inspired to learn and experiment, and most important, provide hope that they can and will succeed,” says Linda Poeng, Treasurer of Oakland Digital.

Oakland Digital is dedicated to empowering economically disadvantaged businesses and providing training and computer education to small businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals throughout the Oakland community. To support Oakland Digital, send a donation via PayPal to donate@odalc.org or to get involved, call (510) 435-2945.

About Oakland Digital: Oakland Digital Arts & Literacy Center [www.odalc.org] is a technology not-for-profit organization that empowers economically disadvantaged small business owners with 1-on-1 computer education and digital literacy classes. Located at the edge of Chinatown in downtown Oakland, their organization is working to transform downtown Oakland into an area that flourishes through technology, business innovation, and cultural collaboration.

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SBA Accepting Nominations for Small Business Innovation Research Awards

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:16:19 +0000

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration is seeking nominations for awards honoring the critical economic role small businesses play in federally funded research and development through SBA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Three awards will be given, one for companies that have participated in the SBIR/STTR programs, one for individuals who advocate on behalf of the programs, and a third “Hall of Fame” award recognizing companies that have an extended period of extraordinary success of research, innovation, and product commercialization within the SBIR or STTR program.

The Tibbetts Awards are named after Roland Tibbetts, who was instrumental in developing SBIR, a highly competitive program to ensure small businesses get a chance to compete for federal research and development funding, along with the opportunities it provides to profit from commercialization of the technologies they develop.

The SBIR and STTR programs currently account for more than $2.5 billion per year in federal R&D funds and are coordinated by the SBA in cooperation with 11 other federal agencies with large external research and development budgets.

The awards are presented to companies and individuals that are beacons of promise and models of excellence in high technology. Typical of past award winners are a Maine company that created a self-propelled and eco-friendly“AquaPod” for sustainable aqua-culture. A previous Hall of Fame award winner that won numerous SBIR grants – a major west coast chip manufacturer – started with a staff of 35 and has expanded to a global work force of 17,500.

Selections for Tibbetts Awards are based on several factors, including the economic impact of the technological innovation, overall business achievement and demonstration of effective collaborations.

NOTE:
Nominations for these awards opened December 15, 2011 and will close 5 PM EST on January 31, 2012. Awards will be presented in Washington, DC, in April` 2012. To submit a nomination, please visit tibbetts.challenge.gov (Tibbetts Awards – companies and individuals) and sbirhof.challenge.gov (Hall of Fame Awards).

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SBA Workshops January 23-February 10, 2012

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:13:51 +0000

All classes require registration and are located at the SF Small Business Development Center unless noted otherwise; register at: http://sbatraining.eventbrite.com/

Food Safety Certification (Spanish) 1/23 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

State law requires that specified food facilities employ at least one person who has successfully passed a California State approved and accredited food safety certification exam. Certification is mandatory and re-certification is required every five years. Registration and information, call 415-781-5348.

From Kitchen to Market: Selling Your Specialty Foods 1/23 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

This class will focus on the planning and production process, contacts to help you get started, capitalization options, marketing strategies, the distribution network and more. $35 registration fee. Sponsored by the SF SBDC.

Product for Profit 1/23 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Discover how anyone can sell their products or inventions to the world’s largest retailers without any previous sales experience and without any existing buyer relationships. In this workshop, you will learn what it takes to get your product into major chain store retailers. You will learn simple tricks and strategies about how to get a buyer’s attention and ultimately how to get them to actually buy!

Assertiveness Skills for Success in Business 1/24 9:00 AM – 12Noon

The differences between aggressive, passive and assertive behavioral styles will be discussed in this 4-hour seminar. One theme of the discussion will be that an assertive behavioral style normally best serves you and your business. The origins of our behavioral styles will be discussed. Suggestions will be offered on how to immediately behave in a more assertive manner, and suggestions will be offered in how to truly evolve your behavioral style over time. This seminar will serve you well if you tend to be aggressive or passive in your business dealings. $45 Registration Fee. Presented by SF SCORE.

Maintaining Tax Records 1/24 3:00 PM–5:00 PM

Learn the money-saving tax strategies of the pros in this fun interactive course, and learn how to effectively create the tax records necessary for proper IRS reporting. Receive a valuable overview of how to use technology to simplify your life with online banking and QuickBooks. $25 registration fee. Presented by SF SCORE.

Hi-Tech, Low-Cost: Internet Strategies for Your Business 1/24 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The Internet offers many shortcuts to starting and growing your business in today’s world. But it is also full of unproductive sidetracks that can steer you away from success. We will look at the pros and cons of some of the online tools available to better help you run your small businesses as well as discuss whether and how online marketing might work for you. We will cover: Free Resources, Website Creation, Collaboration Tools, Social Media, and Internet Marketing Essentials. $35 registration fee. Presented by SF SCORE.

Secrets to Buying and Selling a Business or Franchise 1/24 6:30 PM–8:30 PM

Learn how to reduce your risk and improve your chances of success in buying or selling a franchise or existing business. This workshop covers the steps necessary for you to succeed working with professionals, and using simple research and qualification techniques. Topics include: Choosing the Right Franchise or Business, Positioning Your Business for Sale, Buyer and Seller Financing. $35 registration fee. Presented by SF SCORE.

Marketing Made Easy 1/25 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

This class is a good introduction or serves as a refresher for entrepreneurs who want to take their marketing plans to the next level. You will better understand the variety of marketing tools available and the information will help you focus on choosing and mastering tactics for your target market. Topics will include: identifying your target market; establishing a framework for evaluating and monitoring your marketing efforts; designing signature marketing tactics and building systems.

HUBZone and WOSB Program Certifications 1/26 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

This workshop will explain provisions of the HUBZone Program and the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program. Eligibility requirements, application and certification will be explained.

SBA 8(a) BD Certification Workshop 1/26 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

This workshop is for small firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals interested in being certified for SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program.

Legacy Planning 1/26 12Noon to 2:30 PM

Use your business success to create a family and/or philanthropic legacy.

QuickBooks Introduction 1/26 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

This overview will discuss setting-up, updating and running financial reports, and efficient procedures for entering your accounting data. This is a hands-on workshop. Participants should have complete Basic Bookkeeping Part I or be familiar with the concepts covered in that workshop. $60 Registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Dollars and Sense: What’s Your Business Worth? 1/26 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Why are some businesses worth more than others? We’ll cover things you can do to enhance the value of your business, and what may be holding you back.

Relationship Building and Selling 1/26 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

In this class you will learn how to develop a returning and referring clientele. Specifics: Avoid stereotypical errors using a friendlier approach; Meeting and qualifying prospects traditional methods and online; Required research prior to official conversation; Gain perspective to speak to interests; Communication techniques; Work to serve and build community; Convert conversations to proposals; Acquire new clients while receiving repeat business, referrals and testimonials

A Free Workshop for Contractors 1/28 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

How to Start and Manage a Small Business 1/30 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

This is a comprehensive and unique one-day seminar for both prospective and current business owners who want to gain a better understanding of what they need to know and do to succeed in their business. Learn best practices and insider tips as a moderator and industry experts guide you through the basics of: Business Plans, Insuring Against Risk, Accounting, Legal Structures, Marketing & Sales, and Financing. $75 registration fee. Presented by SF SCORE.

***Federal Contracting Opportunities Workshop 1/30 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM – San Jose, CA

Restaurant Series: Checklist for Starting a Restaurant 1/30 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

We’ll discuss the specifics of opening and running a successful restaurant. Topics will include business plans, food and beverage vendors, market research, location, pricing strategies and operating plans. $35 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Small Business Taxes 1/31 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Save money on your taxes by learning the IRS rules and regulations that apply to small-business owners, and get answers to your tax questions in this informative, interactive live seminar covering tax deductions, incorporations, LLCs, and commonly used tax strategies. $20 registration fee. Presented by SF SCORE.

Mobile Marketing and the Mobile Web 1/31 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Mobile Web use is exploding! iPhones, Androids and other always-online devices are everywhere. Discover what you need to know about this exciting new medium. You’ll learn: critical factors your website must have; avoidable pitfalls that send customers running; understanding the vast sea of handheld devices; tremendous mobile marketing opportunities; and low cost ways to get started now.

Music Publishing in Plain English 1/31 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Geared toward musicians, songwriters, and other music industry aspirants, covering basic terms and concepts, such as copyright protections & registration, songwriting collaborations, publishing contracts, licensing agreements, and a breakdown of various music publishing income streams (including mechanical royalties, ASCAP/BMI/SESAC, synchronization deals, digital opportunities and more).. A ‘must attend” workshop for anyone seeking to make money from the commercial exploitation of music!

How to Manage Unemployment Insurance Cost Tax Seminar 2/1 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Daly City, CA

Starting a Business in San Francisco 2/1 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Hear directly from San Francisco officials. How do you obtain permits? How do you register your business name? Learn what the City can do for you in this one-stop seminar.

Financing Your Business 2/1 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Discover the right way to seek financing for your business. We will discuss loan proposal requirements, financing options and SBA programs.

Business Law Basics 2/1 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

An experienced business lawyer will discuss Choice of Legal Entity (corporations, LLC, partnership, etc.); Intellectual Property; Employee issues; and Real Estate issues. This class does not constitute legal advice.

Introduction to Intellectual Property 2/1 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

If you have a unique business idea, original commercial art work, a logo to create brand recognition, or a secret formula, you may have some rights to protect them from being tarnished or knocked off by a competitor… but how do you do that affordably on a tight budget? This workshop will introduce you to different types of intellectual property (patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets) in plain English terms, and will provide you with self-help resource information to start building a simple but solid foundation of protection through NDA’s and other tools. Although taught by an experienced business attorney, this class does not constitute legal advice.

Basic Bookkeeping, Part One 2/2 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Topics include cash vs. accrual accounting, proper accounting data flow processes, budgeting, the purpose of different financial reports, the differences in computer accounting systems, cash management, and more. $30 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Advertising in Today’s Market Place 2/2 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

This presentation will focus on the changes that have taken place over the years in regards to media fragmentation. How marketing a business today involves so many choices from the traditional media of the past. How knowing who your target market (customer) is, influences your advertising media choices. Free Class. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Food Safety Certification 2/6 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Insurance Benefits – Are You Drowning in Healthcare Reform? 2/6 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Learn how to formulate strategies that result in healthier, more productive employees while also positively impacting health care costs and turning your employee benefits program into a smart investment. Free Call 415-781-5348 for information.

Employment Landmines 2/6 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Learn about new restaurant industry laws and how to protect your company and managers from potential lawsuits, pitfalls, penalties and fines that businesses face in California. We will also review how to prevent harassment claims in your business. This class will equip you with the knowledge to minimize your exposures and start applying best practices to protect your business. Free Call 415-781-5348 for information.

Restaurant Series: How to Run a Profitable Restaurant 2/6 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

This class will cover: understanding food, beverage and labor costs. We will provide you the tools to develop schedule forecasts, recipe plate costing, and inventory management. $30 Registration Fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Federal and State Basic Payroll Tax Seminar 2/7 9:00 AM – 3:00PM

This class guides participants through the basics of that preparation. Subjects include determining independent contractor versus employee, withholding taxes, deposits and completing the proper forms. Presented by the IRS and the California EDD Tax office. Visit: http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Tax_Seminars/ or Call 866 873-6083.

The Art of Plastic – The Smart Way to Accept Credit Cards 2/7 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

This course will explore who should be looking into opening a merchant account, methods of accepting payments from your customers, current trends, how you can turn a merchant account into greater profits for your business, where you can go to set up a merchant account, how the entire process flows and works, what you should consider before signing on the dotted line, merchant account terminology, and how you can save yourself money.

Skyrocket Your Productivity with Online Tools 2/7 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

In the ever-changing world of technology, it’s hard to know what tools will be time-wasters and which ones can actually help you get your work done more effectively. In this seminar, we’ll share the tools we use both in our own business and with our clients to help streamline and simplify many common business tasks. Best of all, each of the apps, sites, and tools we share are either FREE or low cost – but all will be able to help you save time, stress, or money!

Accelerate Your Business using Web Technology 2/8 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

In this class, learn about free and cheap website-building platforms, choosing the best web design freelancers, the mobile and smartphone marketplace, customer relations management tools, and more.

Basic Bookkeeping, Part Two 2/9 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

We’ll cover balance sheets, incomes statements, cash flow and working capital. Participants should have completed Basic Bookkeeping, Part One, or be familiar with the concepts covered in that seminar. $30 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Export Series: Basics of Exporting 2/9 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

In this workshop you will learn how to assess your company’s export readiness, determine your product’s export potential, and develop your export plan. Also learn what free local resources are available to start your international business. $35 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Step-By-Step Business Planning 2/10 - 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Moved from 2/14 - Understand the process of developing a functioning plan to grow your business and which can also be used to support a request for financing. Operational and strategic planning is covered with emphasis on finance and marketing. $55 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Federal Contracting Opportunities Workshop

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:59:36 +0000

U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren
will host the
Federal Contracting Opportunities Workshop

Monday, January 30, 2011

8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

San Jose City Hall, Rooms 119 – 120

8:30 a.m. Registration

9:00 a.m. Program begins

RSVP to: Kristi.nevarez@mail.house.gov

For more information, call (408) 271-8700

SBA Program Helps to Bridge the Small Business Gap

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:54:05 +0000

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration’s national network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) plays an essential role in the economic development of their states and local communities through their direct, face-to-face counseling for small businesses, according to a report released today by the SBA. The report, produced by the National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, focuses on SBDCs’ impact on small business access to SBA’s programs and services, including access to SBA capital, procurement, disaster and international trade programs. In Northern California, there are SBDCs in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Aptos, Napa, Pleasant Hill, Fairfield, Santa Rosa, Fort Bragg and Eureka under the direction of the Northern California SBDC Lead Center (http://norcalsbdc.org/).

“SBA’s Small Business Development Centers give new and growing small businesses the resources they need throughout the year to grow and create jobs,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “The soundness of our economy depends on stable small businesses across the country and SBDCs are front and center helping entrepreneurs start, grow and expand their companies. These institutions reflect the diversity and individuality of their nearly 900 home towns and play an active and vital role in those.”

The report confirms that SBA’s SBDC program remains an essential part of the agency’s mission to help small businesses. The report, The SBDC Program: An Indispensable Partner in America’s Economic Development, demonstrates statistically the prolonged impact that SBA-funded SBDCs have on the formation and growth of small businesses. The report can be viewed online at http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/White%20Paper%20-%20FINAL%20-%2007-15-2011.pdf

A key finding of the report is that SBDCs help local economies by improving the odds for startup small businesses. “SBDCs,” the report says, “are solely focused on creating and supporting small businesses which in turn pay taxes, provide employment and diversify the economic base for their states. . . The businesses that work with the SBDCs are the job creators and enterprises that have the potential for survival and growth.”

The report also highlights the effectiveness of SBDC counseling in improving the chances of small businesses that are seeking credit. “SBDCs have intimate knowledge of what lenders really want and need from borrowers to increase the likelihood of them being able to make a loan. The SBDC Business Advisors provide solid technical expertise to coach borrowers through the lending process.”

The report found that the 900 SBDC service locations provide a necessary local footprint in the communities they serve, delivering unique offerings tailored to the needs of its small business community.

The report also found that the SBDC program, for which the federal government covers half the cost, remains one of the government’s best investments because of its close associations with other SBA resource partners, federal, state and local government small business assistance programs and service providers; universities and community colleges; and private enterprise and local nonprofit economic development organizations.

The nine-member independent advisory board provides advice and counsel to the SBA Administrator and associate administrator for the Office of Small Business Development Centers on the SBDC program.

Last year, more than 557,000 entrepreneurs received business advice and technical assistance through the SBDC program. In its more than 30-year history, SBDCs have assisted millions of small business owners and entrepreneurs to successfully start and grow small firms byfostering entrepreneurship and growth through innovation and efficiency.

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ODALC Symposium Press Release

admin — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:36:16 +0000

Oakland, CA – February 28, 2011 – Oakland Digital Arts & Literacy Center (ODALC) invites small business owners, non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs, realtors, consultants, associations, churches and chambers of commerce to attend the “Social Media for Small Business: Online Marketing Symposium” on March 25, 2011 from 9:30am to 2:30pm at the Oakland City Hall, City Council Chambers. With an opening speech by Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, the symposium is a great tool to display how social media can help businesses reach untapped, potential customers while staying connected to current ones.

There are a few things you’ll need to know to help you get the most out of social media as well as your online presence in its entirety. “Social Media for Small Business” will help break social media down into easy-to-understand pieces, so you can make sense of and make use of this powerful resource in a way that grows your business. Attendees will receive information and educational demos full of ideas and tips you can start using right away to build your online brand using social media.

Oakland Digital has some outstanding partnerships that are at the cutting-edge of social media. Companies lending their expertise as speakers are Constant Contact and YP.com. Recently recognized as a Top 100 Woman of Influence in Silicon Valley, Wendy Lea, CEO of Get Satisfaction, and Former Chief Scientist of Amazon.com, Dr. Andreas Weigend, Founder of Social Data Revolution, are keynotes. This isa historic technology event you won’t want to miss!

This symposium is open to the public with a suggested donation of $25 per person; registration is required. Donations will benefit Oakland Digital, an Oakland 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to cover costs associated with the event. The suggested donation does not constitute a fee or admission charge to Oakland City Hall. To register for free, visit www.OaklandSocialMedia.com. We accept a cash donation at the door or payments online through Paypay. If you are unable to attend and still want to be a part of this effort, please send your donation to donate@odalc.org.

SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTER EARLY!

About Oakland Digital: Oakland Digital Arts & Literacy Center, a technology not-for-profit organization empowers economically disadvantaged small business owners with 1-on-1 computer education and digital literacy classes. Located at the edge of Chinatown in downtown Oakland, their organization is working to transform downtown Oakland into an area that flourishes through technology, innovation and cultural collaboration.

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