SBA Update
Credit Union Participation in SBA Growing—The number of credit unions offering SBA-backed loans has increased to more than 100. In February, the SBA reinterpreted its lender participation regulations so that credit unions with sufficient lending capabilities can join its loan delivery systems for small businesses. Of 10,000 credit unions, 1,500 already make business loans to their members, which make them potential applicants for SBA participation. Call (800) U-ASK-SBA or visit www.sba.gov for more information.

Registration Begins for Annual Conference
The SBA’s annual National Entrepreneurial Conference & Expo conference to honor the country’s top entrepreneurs and advocates will be held September 17-19 in Washington, DC at the Washington Hilton & Towers hotel. This year’s conference is being held in conjunction with other events celebrating the SBA’s 50th anniversary.

In addition to the awards ceremony, an event celebrating women in business is scheduled and a small business Hall of Fame will be inaugurated. Several business sessions focusing on management, emerging markets, procurement, financing, eBusiness, international trade, tax relief, health care, contingency planning, veteran business development and leadership will also be offered.
Persons interested in attending the conference will find additional details and a registration form at http://www.sba.gov/50/.

SBA-Backed Loans Increase
During the first three quarters of fiscal year 2003, the SBA has backed nearly 36 percent more loans over the same date last year. Much of the increase can be accounted for by loans to minorities, women and veterans. According to statements from the borrowers, the loans have financed the creation or retention of more than 411,000 jobs.

The 7(a) General Business Loan Guaranty program and the Certified Development Company (504) loan program saw combined increases of 35.7 percent. Loans to minority-owned small businesses rose by 46 percent, to women-owned businesses by 40 percent and to veteran-owned businesses by 22 percent.

Strategic Alliance Announced
The SBA and the National Association of Hispanic Publications have signed a strategic alliance memorandum to work together to provide information and resources to Hispanic publishers and small business owners. Under the arrangement, the two groups will collaborate to increase awareness about SBA programs and services, including conducting workshops at the local level.

ADA Improvements Can Equal Lower Taxes
There are tax advantages for businesses that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Businesses with 30 or fewer employees or total revenues of $1,000,000 or less may use a credit of up to $5,000 annually to offset costs of altering facilities, using interpreters, or taking other steps to improve accessibility for customers or employees with disabilities. Businesses of any size can take a deduction of up to $15,000 annually for the cost of removing barriers in facilities or vehicles. For more information, visit the ADA Business Connection Web site at www.ada.gov/business.htm or call (800) 514-0301.

Shawnee Chamber Receives National Award
The Shawnee Area Chamber of Commerce received the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)  Award for Merit for the Chamber’s membership E-card (CD), which was produced and distributed last fall. The annual competition recognizes excellence in all areas of communications. This year’s ACE competition drew 295 entries from 95 chambers throughout the country. Winners will be presented awards in August at the 2003 Chamber Professionals Conference in Denver, Colo.

ECJC Launches New Web Site
The Enterprise Center of Johnson County has revamped its Web site with the help of one of its former clients, Ingenius Inc. The new site at www.ecjc.com features intuitive navigation and includes content that better reflects ECJC’s services in its new facility at 8527 Bluejacket in Lenexa.

ECJC is a county-funded business incubator that helps high-growth potential companies succeed. In 1998, Ingenius became a client and resident affiliate of ECJC. The company, founded in 1996 by Dave Altis and Kevin Altis, “graduated” from ECJC in 2000. Currently the company’s offices are located at 7932 Santa Fe in Overland Park.

Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
The Center for Women’s Business Research has prepared a resource guide designed to help women entrepreneurs gain access to corporate markets.

The guide is the outcome of a study entitled Access to Markets: Perspectives from Large Corporations and Women’s Business Enterprises, which the Center released earlier this year.

Five success strategies outlined in the guide serve as a roadmap for entering corporate markets. In addition the guide offers examples of women business owners who have successfully marketed to corporations.

The guide may be downloaded at www.womensbusinessresearch.org/resourceguide. Hard copies can be ordered for $25 from the Center for Women’s Business Research by calling (202) 638-3060, ext. 10.

HEMP Accepting Applications for 2003 Class
The Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program, which matches seasoned entrepreneurs with less experienced business owners, is accepting applications for the class of 2003 until August 15, 2003.

Up to 15 mentees from the Greater Kansas City area will be selected to the three-year self-paced program.

Applicants must own a majority of the business or operate as the ultimate decision maker of the business. In addition, the business must be at least three years old and generate between $1 million and $75 million in annual revenue. Applicants must have a desire to substantially grow the business.

HEMP was founded by Barnett Helzberg Jr. in 1995. Helzberg, the former owner and president of Helzberg Diamonds, was inspired to start HEMP as a result of his 23-year mentoring relationship with Ewing Kauffman.

More than 100 local businesses professionals currently participate in HEMP as either a mentor, mentee or HEMP supporter.

The cost of the program is $1,000 a year. There is also a one-time application and self-assessment profile processing fee of $45.

For more information, contact the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program through the Web site at www.helzbergmentoring.org. Interested business owners may call (816) 235-6125 or send an e-mail to .