December 9, 2011, 9:35 pm
One of the most daunting problems faced by the owners of start-up businesses is raising capital. First time entrepreneurs often find it very difficult to collect funds for their business. Here are few tips for small business owners for collecting funds for their business:
Personal Funds: Gone are the days when entrepreneurs use to pitch investors with innovative technology ideas. Today, wealthy entrepreneurs prefer to dive into their own pocket. They use their personal funds to start a new business. Such entrepreneurs no longer have to convince anyone that their business idea is worth the risk. Another advantage of using personal funds is that you no longer have to pay high interest rates. However, by using personal funds you will face the risk of losing money, in case your business fails.
Personal Loans: Personal loans is another common way of collecting money for your business. Taking personal loans include borrowing money from family or friends for starting a new business. You need to convince your friends and acquaintances that investing in your business idea is a wise decision. Read full article…
December 8, 2011, 10:28 pm
Idaho Aquarium
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BOISE — For years developers of a local aquarium have been pre-selling season passes and asking supporters to sponsor animals, all while promising buyers the attraction would open soon. After years of waiting season pass holders are getting their first look at the Idaho Aquarium today. Some of these season pass holders have been waiting three and a half years. While some were excited by what they saw, others we talked to weren’t so sure. Several sites were considered for the aquarium before those behind the project settled on a 10,000 square foot warehouse at the corner of Cole and Franklin roads in Boise. Although the space is large, exhibits only fill a small portion of the aquarium. Ammon Covino with the Idaho Aquarium says exhibits are being built as funds become available. “There’s a few animals that aren’t in,” said Covino. “The big octopus is not in yet and he comes in next week. The eel tanks and lion fish are not in yet. But there are a handful of exhibits that aren’t in and ready but they will be soon.” Friday evening those who purchased a season pass got their first glimpse of the aquarium before it opens to the public next week. Some, like Wendy Griffith who purchased a family pass back in May 2008, were expecting a bit more, while others loved what they saw. “We were expecting to see shark tanks, puffins,” said Griffith. “On their website they had more exhibits listed.” “I can’t wait to see the shark exhibit and the sea otter exhibit and the seal, but you know for what it’s worth they are doing a great job,” said Gina Johnson. Covino says larger exhibits like a shark tank and otter exhibit are still in the works. The Idaho Aquarium officially opens its doors to the public on Dec. 16.
December 8, 2011, 10:03 pm
Addition to company
First Financial Bankshares Inc. has announced that J. Kyle McVey has joined the company as accounting officer. McVey recently completed the certified public accountant exam and will be licensed as a CPA in both Texas and Florida.
McVey formerly worked as a tax associate for KPMG LLP in Jacksonville, Fla., and as an account executive and financial consultant for New Horizons in Abilene. He earned his master’s degree in accounting and bachelor’s degree in business administration from Abilene Christian University.
CRC promotion announced
Michelle Rodriguez recently was promoted to contact center manager of the Cooperative Response Center Inc.’s regional office in Abilene.
Rodriguez, who had worked for CRC for three years at its Austin, Minn., facility, relocated to the Abilene office in March to assist with training new employees and preparing the office for its early May opening. She formerly served as a supervisor in the local office.
December 5, 2011, 11:23 am
When the house is spotless, you painted the walls and cleaned the carpets, the really hard part comes. You need to find a tenant who will pay the rent in time and not cause you some terrible problems. Also if you rent an apartment and have to move out because of some emergency circumstances then you need to find a tenant who can take over your lease. A good tenant find service can be very helpful in a number of situations.
If you want to run business on your own, the most difficult, scary part of the rental of your home is to choose a tenant. The good resident can make next years go quickly and cost effectively. The bad resident may be a nightmare. Here are some tips to help reduce your chances of such a nightmare.
You should hire a reliable letting agency or tenant find service. Read full article…
December 3, 2011, 8:50 am
The Billings Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) want to encourage consumers to “shop small” on November 26. Get on board for Small Business Saturday.
The Billings Chamber/CVB is teaming up with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as well as other chambers and small businesses across the country for this second annual event. Small Business Saturday is a day for dedicating a portion of holiday shopping to local, independently-owned small businesses.
Shop Small Business
American Express, the founding sponsor of Small Business Saturday, launched the national program in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more demand for their products and services. Billings Chamber/CVB President and CEO John Brewer said, “Our Chamber recognizes the importance of small businesses in Billings, the jobs they create and the culture they instill in local communities.” Brewer added, “Small Business Saturday will be a way to help consumers better understand the importance of the roles small businesses play in the local economy.”
According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), Small businesses have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years and employ just over half of all private sector employees. Small business
Read full article…
December 1, 2011, 4:55 pm
Facebook has acquired location based services app Gowalla, according to a report by CNNMoney citing an anonymous source close to Gowalla.
Facebook and Gowalla could not immediately be reached for comment.
Austin, Texas-based Gowalla was a competitor to check-in app company Foursquare but never took off and eventually revamped, recasting itself as a travel-oriented guide app. Gowalla had an emphasis on design with intricately designed interfaces and badges. But Foursquare had many more users.
