RFP for Webcast Project, Loudoun SBDC

Loudoun Small Business Development Center

Webcast Project Request for Proposal

Issued: December 30, 2011

Loudoun SBDC

202 Church Street, SE, Suite 100

Leesburg, VA 20175

703-430-7222

CCampbell@LoudounSBDC.org

Loudoun Small Business Development Center (Loudoun SBDC) received a $15,000 grant to produce a “Start Your Business” Webcast. $15,000 will be the Webcast award amount. This amount does not include costs for ongoing maintenance or web hosting fees.

Loudoun SBDC is soliciting proposals from qualified vendors to provide a complete Webcast solution. The selected vendor will create and implement the Webcast, making it ready for end users. Project completion is targeted to be on or around February 28, 2012.

Proposals are due back to Loudoun SBDC at the above address, or by email at CCampbell@LoudounSBDC.org, no later than 5 PM on Monday, January 9^th. Selected finalists will then present to members of the Loudoun SBDC Board of Directors during the week of January 16^th.

Competition will be based on proposed solution for the fixed price of $15,000. Proposals should address:

· Setup and design of Webcast website/hosting platform

· Design and implementation of registration for Webcast (currently use Eventbrite for registration; can investigate using/integrating this system)

· Implementation of financial shopping cart for payment gateway if necessary (currently use Eventbrite)

· Setup and design of all social media sites for new project, syndication, etc.

· Setup of analytics for new website to track traffic to site, conversion rates, etc.

· Webcast will be in “chapters.” Total Webcast time is expected to be approximately 2 hours.

· Setup of Webcast format with power point slides with voice-over

· Professionally recording video and audio for Webcast interviews

· Professionally recording video and audio for one Webcast conversation between three participants

· Design of graphics for use within Webcast for transitions and elsewhere where appropriate

· Incorporation of available B roll into Webcast where appropriate.

· Design and implementation of “Certification of Completion” once all chapters have been viewed by participants. Mechanism must be built in to ensure participants have viewed the content (example, a “Next” button which must be pressed at designed intervals throughout the Webcast.)

· Design mechanism which allows participants to register for Webcast and complete Webcast within 30 days from time of registration. When participants sign in within that 30-day time frame, they should be returned to the end point of their prior session.

· Setup, recording and formatting Webcast into Video format that translates to web, iPad and mobile

· Setup of Blogging feature for promotions and daily feeds of information

· Making website mobile ready for ease of use

· Utilizing a QR code for accessing website/video series

· Setup and implementation of an Evaluation/Testimonial page to be emailed to and viewed only by Loudoun SBDC.

· Creating video overview of project and requirements for end users

Vendor should include all team members and their qualifications in their proposal, plus submit any prior projects that demonstrate vendor’s ability to successfully execute this project. References should be provided, but will be checked for finalists only.

Project should be constructed in a way to minimize maintenance costs. “Chapters” should be easy to update. Loudoun SBDC is looking for low-cost, creative solutions.

While ongoing maintenance costs and web hosting costs are not included within the scope of this project, proposals must contain estimated costs that Loudoun SBDC will incur after implementation of Webcast. These should be broken down by category.

Any additional features or projects you wish to include within your proposal will be considered as part of the vendor selection process. Any questions should be emailed to CCampbell@LoudounSBDC.org. Loudoun SBDC offices are closed Monday, January 2, 2012.

Loudoun SBDC NxLeveL program accepting applications

NxLeveLTM for Entrepreneurs

Are you prepared for growth in 2012???!!!

Are YOU ready for the 2012 Business Plan Competition?

The 2011 First Place Local winner received $8K cash/services!

Everything you need to create/revise your Business/Marketing Plan

We are combining this course with the Tilling the Soil of Opportunity NxLeveL coursework for those with rural-based businesses!

10-week course: Mondays, Jan 23 –Apr 2 (holidays excluded)

(plus bonus class April 16th)

Classes will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Mason Enterprise Center, 202 Church Street SE, Leesburg, VA 20175. 15-student limit. For further details or to register, please contact the Loudoun SBDC: 703-430-7222 or ccampbell@loudounsbdc.org

Cost for this 30-hour course is *$485, or roughly $16/hour, and includes textbook and workbook, guest lecturers, and extensive peer networking! YES, THERE IS HOMEWORK!

*$485 fee is non-refundable. You may, however, earn a $200 rebate if you:

• Complete and turn in your business plan within 1 month of the course ending

• Attend at least 8 classes, 6 PM to 9 PM

• Attend 2 free one-on-one Loudoun SBDC counseling sessions during the course

NOTE: A course application is required. For the course to be offered, Loudoun SBDC must approve a minimum of 10 people. Class size limited to 15. Payment of the $485 fee due prior to the first class session.

You should attend NxLeveLTM if you:

• Are serious about starting or growing your business throughout 2012
• Want to learn tips firsthand from subject matter experts and local business leaders
• Want to learn how to identify opportunities, market your business, manage your financials
• Want to take solid practical information and create an action plan that will become the blueprint for your success. IF YOU DO THE HOMEWORK, you walk away with a finished business/marketing plan
• Love the energy of working with other entrepreneurs in a supportive team environment

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
In business, education is not a luxury—it is a necessity!!

Great opportunity for food entrepreneurs

A new Food Network series is looking for FOOD ENTREPRENEURS. Specifically, people who have left their previous career to start a new restaurant (or similar business).

- Must have little-to-no prior professional culinary experience
- Must be planning to open a brick-and-mortar space where there will be walk-in customers (restaurant, bakery, sandwich shop, etc.).
- Must be aiming to open between now and autumn 2012.

Those chosen will receive culinary & business coaching from Bobby Flay (a chef, restaurateur, and fixture on the Food Network) as well as invaluable national publicity. Email rjilani@loudounsbdc.org for more info.

Loudoun SBDC Holiday Open House

Press Release: Loudoun SBDC Holiday Open House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FROM: Loudoun Small Business Development Center
202 Church Street SE, Suite 100
Leesburg, VA 20175

DATE: November 25, 2011

EVENT: HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE- LOUDOUN SBDC

CONTACT: Cathy Campbell (703-430-7222)

Leesburg, VA……….The Loudoun Small Business Development Center is hosting a Holiday Open House on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 202 Church Street SE, Suite 100, Leesburg, VA 20175. The public is invited for merry networking, light refreshments, and viewing the Center’s offices recently relocated to within the new Mason Enterprise Center Leesburg/Loudoun County. Those attending should RSVP at LoudounSBDC.eventbrite.com.

The Loudoun SBDC is a member of the Virginia SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Additional Loudoun SBDC funding sources include George Mason University-Mason Enterprise Center, the County of Loudoun, Loudoun County Industrial Development Authority and Town of Leesburg.

Leesburg, VA Financial Roundtable with Deal Making Session

Wanted to share event info from the Town of Leesburg. RSVP to Debi Parry, Business Retention Coordinator, at 703.737.7023 or dparry@leesburgva.gov. Read more.

Leesburg Financial Roundtable
A summit on local economic growth
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Village at Leesburg 1602 Village Market Boulevard, Suite 400

8:00 AM to 11:30 PM

Panel Members
Andy Bauer - Economist – Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
David Caruso - CEO / President - Dominion Advisory Group
Brian Chavis – Chairman – Loudoun County Industrial Authority
Marc Erazo – Relationship Manager - Sandy Spring Bank
Scott Gustavson – Chairman - Town of Leesburg Economic Development
Kitty Kearns – Commercial Relationship Manager - Middleburg Bank
Shaun Kelly – Loudoun County Economic Development
Ruth A. Sandoval – Virginia Economic Development Partnership
AGENDA
8:00 am Breakfast and Networking
8:30 am Andy Bauer
Economist – Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
9:00 am Panel discussion regarding the flow of capital to local companies for economic growth and job creation
10:30 am Deal Making Session
11:30 am Adjournment

Hurricane Irene - Loudoun County Power Outage Contact Information from Supervisor York

Following is a message from Supervisor Scott K. York, Chairman At Large, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. For Supervisor York's website, click here.


"With the impending threats Hurricane Irene poses to Loudoun County, I want to provide you with up to date contact information in the case of any outages. I have been assured that Dominion Virginia Power is preparing their crews and trucks in order to be ready for any outages. Dominion Virginia Power would like anyone to report outages or down lines to call the toll-free number: 1-866-366-4357. The interactive voice response system is available 24/7 and is the quickest way to report outages or down lines. NOVEC customers call the toll-free number: 1-888-335-0500, in the case of any power outages or down lines."


"The National Hurricane Center’s website, http://lyris.loudoun.gov/t/39646315/125591690/95740/165/, allows you to track the storm and get up to date information."

A Movie Review for Motivation

Pursuit of Happyness - A Movie Review
by Ruth Cope, Business Counselor, Loudoun SBDC

Last night I watched the movie Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner. (Yes, it is "happyness" instead of happiness, but you will need to view the movie for the reason behind the misspelling.) I had read his book last year and was motivated and inspired by his rise from homelessness and poverty to author, motivational speaker, and owner and ceo of his own brokerage company, Gardner Rich LLC.

He says his mom taught him that, "in spite of where he came from, he could chart another path and achieve whatever goals he set". He followed his goals in spite of numerous difficulties. Sometimes we all feel we are having a tough time. Listen and read about some of Chris Gardner's difficulties and see how they compare to yours....He was evicted from his apartment for not paying the rent, jailed for not paying parking tickets, walked and took the bus to job interviews and appointments, and slept in public bathrooms and homeless shelters while interning for his first position at Dean Witter. In spite of all of this, he continued to protect and shelter his son as he was slowly achieving his career dreams and goals.

In an August interview with Christine Roman, he said that, "entrepreneurs shouldn't wait for a perfect economy to pursue something". He also said, "skills, talents, and expertise are transferable". You have to transfer these to opportunities you are passionate about.
Chris has authored another book, Start Where You Are.

If you have a dream to be an entrepreneur, check out Chris Gardner for inspiration and motivation and the Loudoun SBDC for assistance with your plans.
http://yourbottomline.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/06/chris-gardner-start-your-business-now/

Ruth Cope
Loudoun SBDC
http://www.loudounsbdc.org/
rcope@loudounsbdc.org

Loudoun SBDC 3rd Annual Business Plan Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FROM: Loudoun Small Business Development Center

21145 Whitfield Place, Suite 104

Sterling, VA 20165

DATE: August 11, 2011

SEMINAR: 2011 BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION

CONTACT: Cathy Campbell (703-430-7222)

Sterling, VA……….The Loudoun Small Business Development Center is offering its Annual Business Plan Competition. Entrants will gain insights on their plans from a panel of local business leaders in the fields of finance, law, marketing and entrepreneurship. Winners in each of the two award categories will, in addition, garner local awareness of their businesses and the following prizes in order of first through third place: Local Business Model (for example, home-based, local retail, some IT, consulting): $1000 plus a Local Business Services/Prize Package, $500, $250, and; Scalable Business Model for businesses with a market opportunity large enough to develop to annual sales of $50-$100 million (for example, some IT, government contracting, medtech): $1500 plus a private lunch with John May of New Vantage Group and Eric Major of K2M, Inc., $750, $500. All entrants must either: (1) be in the start-up phase of a for-profit business with its primary place of business to be established in Loudoun County, or; (2) have an existing for-profit business less than three years old with its primary place of business in Loudoun County. Submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on October 12, 2011. Click here for Competition Guidelines. Major competition sponsors are K2M, Inc. of Leesburg and New Vantage Group-Active Angel Venture Funds of the DC metro area.

The Loudoun SBDC is a member of the Virginia SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Additional Loudoun SBDC funding sources include George Mason University-Mason Enterprise Center, the County of Loudoun, Loudoun County Industrial Development Authority and Town of Leesburg.

Loudoun SBDC - Assistant Director Position, Leesburg, VA

Loudoun SBDC has an open Assistant Director position. This career opportunity is transitioning from a part- to full-time position. It is our policy to post our staff openings both internally and externally.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

LOUDOUN SBDC

STERLING, VA

Do you want a career which truly makes a difference in the lives of Loudoun entrepreneurs? Are you excited about working with some top business leaders in Loudoun? If so, this position may be for you! Loudoun Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a nonprofit organization providing counseling and seminars to small businesses, has immediate opening for high-energy individual with rock-solid knowledge of small business planning/operations and social media/web technology. Must have experience in counseling, teaching or training, plus administration and strong interpersonal & communication/presentation skills. Preferred: MBA, knowledge of high tech, financial and/or federal contracting fields. FT. Email cover letter & resume to careers@loudounsbdc.org.

Loudoun SBDC to the Rescue! by Deborah L. Parker

Another client weighs in to tell us about her businesss and how Loudoun SBDC assisted her. Thanks, Deborah, for sharing your experience! Read about how Deborah faced and overcame her small business challenges, questions like: what about my business entity? and social media? and my strategy??!! Enjoy! RS - Loudoun SBDC Team.

Loudoun SBDC to the Rescue!
by Deborah L. Parker

I’m going to say what most of us know: Starting and sustaining a business is tough work. As the entrepreneurial and corporate landscapes change around us, it’s important to be keen on exploring new ways to tap our markets as well as operate our enterprises. Social media, tax legislation or liability issues all require our energy and attention. Tweaks, upgrades and paperwork - oh no! I’m a small business, and I need to do these things BESIDES everything else!



I’ve discovered some good assistance for understanding and navigating these requirements. Recently I had to make those tweaks and changes and for a moment was unsure of what to do or where to go. Then it came to me: I could call the Loudoun SBDC. I’d already attended a couple of the business workshops offered by Loudoun SBDC a few years ago, as well as spoken with one of the counselors. Plus I’d volunteered at the Center’s annual conference a couple of times and extracted very useful information. But change loomed large in my sole proprietorship structure since those days. The social media explosion challenged my technophobe stance. I knew it was time for me to insert myself into this medium. And I was about to have my first book published so reassessing my business structure might be necessary.



I made the call to Loudoun SBDC and help was on the way! From the first conversation with a staff member to now, the support has been outstanding. The “front” person is warm, engaging and knowledgeable. Consults with their very skilled social media specialist and an excellent volunteer attorney have opened up new insights and techniques for me to use in moving forward in how I manage my consultancy and authorship. Objective and on point advice from the SBDC counselor as well as information on networking groups provided me with a critical lens into tweaking my strategy.



Now The DPJ Training Group is back on track!! I am excited to be part of the vibrant Loudoun County entrepreneurial landscape…even if it does constantly change. Actually, that’s part of the fun!
____________________________________


Deborah L. Parker is the Principal Consultant and Motivational Speaker at The DPJ Training Group. She conducts seminars on issues of leadership and personal development.


Deborah L. Parker
Principal Consultant and Speaker
The DPJ Training Group
thedpjtraininggroup.com
Author, Navigating Life’s Roadways
navigatinglifesroadways.com
dlparker6@verizon.net(703)669-6513

Loudoun County Adventures in Saddle Fitting, by Callie Fulmer

Hello! Loudoun SBDC is inviting clients in Loudoun County to submit blog posts...tell us about your businesses, and about you!! I was tickled by Callie's post. Enjoy!
RS - Loudoun SBDC


My name is Callie Fulmer, and I own Understanding Equitation. I am a horse trainer, ostensibly. Actually, I'm a "people trainer" and the people just happen to own a horse. We have a lot of fun and both our horses and our people end up being on the same "mind page" when we're all done! I'm taking the NxLeveL business plan class at Loudoun SBDC. One of my assignments was to write a blog post. Yikes! Well, assignment done...here it is. Help out the business student Callie, and send me your feedback on this post! I would LOVE your help!! Email any comments to me at callie@calliefulmer.com. Okay, here's my blog post!

Part of the services of Understanding Equitation is an ongoing program called Second Sunday Seminars. We get together on...you guessed it...the Second Sunday of each month and talk about horsey stuff. We have covered topics from Conformation to “Old, weak and feeble, what your horse should know before this describes you!”

Last month's Second Sunday Seminar was about saddle fit. I was really excited because I have an engineering background and the dynamic, 3-dimensional, non-Euclidian geometry that is involved with fitting a saddle engages that mechanical side of my brain in a way that pumps me up.

After looking at the horse's back and identifying some conformation points that influence saddle fit, we began to break down the various curves that make up the shape of the saddle (and also the horse's back) and how to tell which one (or ones) is incorrect.

After about an hour and a half, a person new to the seminars asked me what I usually found when I went to work with a new client. Did I more often find that the saddles fit or not? I explained to her that though I don't know why this is, I am most often a trainer of “last resort.” By the time riders decide to work with me they have already been through several trainers, at least one saddle fitter, and usually a team of vets and equine body workers. So in light of that, I most often find that the saddle fits the horse pretty well -- though frequently the fit for the rider could be improved!

I did get a chuckle when one of my clients piped up in response to my “last resort” comment, “Some of us just get lucky!” I love my clients. And I love helping horses through sharing information and improving their owners’ understanding.

You can learn all about me and my services at www.UnderstandingEquitation.com.
Callie FulmerOwner, Running Blood Farm

(703) 508-2939 voice
callie@calliefulmer.com
callie@understandingequitation.com
http://www.secondsundayseminars.com/
http://www.understandingequitation.com/

What Building in Loudoun County is This????

Okay, that's the question -- What Building in Loudoun County is this???!!! Those of you who know about the Loudoun SBDC and get our newsletters, follow us on Twitter, like us on FB, etc., should know!! I'll post the answer later tonight...hopefully during our Blogging seminar!

Okay, that's probably not enough to entice you to answer. The first person who answers this question correctly by emailing us at CCampbell@loudounsbdc.org will receive one FREE Loudoun SBDC seminar ticket, up to a $25 value, good for 6 months.

Okay, that's probably still not enough!!! We have an amazing blogging seminar tonight, and we'd like you to attend. To receive a $10 discount off tonight's on-site registration fee of $30 (to be clear, it will then cost you only $20!!) for the Blog to Benefit YOUR Small Business seminar:

• email CCampbell@loudounsbdc.org and mention you saw this offer on our blog!!
  
• then receive a $10 check in the mail next week!!
• offer ends at 6:30 PM tonight
  

Want to know more about the seminar? Hint: Ray Sidney Smith, Hannah Hager, Holly Heider Chapple, Sarah Vining! Click: Blogging Seminar.

Best Blogging Practices...Learn from Loudoun Bloggers, Thursday, April 28, 2011 at GWU-VA Campus

Can blogging REALLY help your small business? Can you, say, gain national recognition because of your blog? And I mean positive national recognition, by the way!!

Uhhhh....yes, you can.

Are you a small business without a blog? No problem!! First find out the facts, and then we'll help you figure out the "hows" if you want to take the plunge into blogosphere! Actually, it's not that tough.

If you live in the Northern Virginia and surrounding area and want to know more about how to make a blog help you gain a following and boost your bottom line, join us on Thursday, April 28th at GWU-Va Campus to hear how Hanna Hager of Loudoun Times Mirror, Jeremy Harvey of Visit Loudoun and Holly Heider Chappel of Holly Heider-Chappel Flowers make their blogs work for them. The seminar is led by Ray Sidney-Smith of W3 Consulting. Thanks to all four presenters for sharing their time, talent and blogging best practices with us!

In the meantime, here's your homework! Check out the blogs of our three panelists:

Hannah Hager, Backstory

Jeremy Harvey, Visit Loudoun

Holly Heider Chappel Flowers, The Full Bouquet

Oh....we'll be there, too....we need some tips about spicing up this blog going forward! Now, where did I leave that camera... See you there!

Loudoun SBDC, RS