Strengthening America’s Small Business Supply Chain

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SBA Announces Request for Proposals to Conduct Supply Chain Mapping Analysis and Matchmaking

How do we build ecosystems of entrepreneurship that can make regional economies more competitive and attract more manufacturing back to the United States?

Today, many cities and communities are looking past the old practice of simply “chasing smokestacks” (using tax and other incentives to lure companies to their cities). Instead, they are focused on building the types of long-term, local entrepreneurial ecosystems and supply chains of small businesses that serve as a natural magnet for these companies.

The reality is that large manufacturers need a diverse and nimble network of small suppliers. These suppliers make large companies more efficient, more productive and more globally competitive. A strong supply chain of small businesses can be a determining factor for locating production in a particular area. And it really is a win-win. Tapping into a large commercial supply chain can also be a game-changer for a small supplier. A recent report showed that suppliers reported revenue growth of more than 250 percent just a few years after selling their products to a large corporation and employment increased by more than 150 percent on average.

Across the country, we are seeing manufacturing and production coming back to the United States. And this trend is likely to continue as companies recognize higher U.S. worker productivity, lower energy costs, increasing labor costs abroad and other logistical advantages of U.S.-based production.

Today, companies around the world are seeing America’s competitive landscape and they are increasing investment and expanding in the United States. This is creating good American jobs and economic opportunity. In fact, a recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlighted an annual survey of executives showing that the United States was viewed as the top destination for future foreign direct investment. This was the first time the United States topped this survey since 2001.

So how do we build on this momentum?

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently launched the American Supplier Initiative (ASI). The goal of the ASI is to increase market access for small suppliers, to offer counseling and mentoring services, and to provide ready sources of working capital to support increasing sales. And as part of these efforts, the SBA is helping to lead the Administration-wide Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP), an effort designed to support communities that demonstrate best practices in developing a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem.

To build on the partnership, the SBA is seeking proposals to conduct supply chain analysis of disrupted or at-risk regional manufacturing communities. Additionally, these proposals call for the creation of matchmaking events designed to better integrate small businesses into commercial supply chains. A link to the RFP can be found here.

Going forward, we will continue to build the type of public private partnerships that support the onshoring of more American manufacturing and the expansion of America’s entrepreneurial infrastructure to ensure that more small businesses have the tools they need to grow, to create jobs and to fuel America’s economic growth.  

Karen Gordon Mills is the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA helps both Main Street and high-growth small businesses get access to capital, counseling, federal contracts, disaster assistance and more.Tags: Official SBA News and Views, Open For Business, SBA News and Views

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10 Ways to make your small business Social Media activities Rock

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by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator

Created: July 15, 2013, 8:03 amUpdated: July 15, 2013, 8:06 am

Social media may have the lowest cost of entry of any marketing tool, but is not actually that easy to do well. In fact, a report by eMarketer found that small businesses are struggling to adopt social media, with only 24 percent of small firms having integrated social media in a structured way into their operations.

Knowing where to start is perhaps the number one obstacle holding many small business owners back. Knowing what to do when you get there is next.

So, whether you are new to social media or looking to go beyond using it in an ad hoc or informal way, here are 10 ways to make your small business social media activities rock.

Pick the Site(s) that Works for You

Social media sites are emerging on an almost weekly basis, and it’s easy to become distracted or lost in the speed of change. So where should you focus your efforts?

Speaking at last year’s National Small Business Week social media panel, Erica Ayotte, social media manager with Constant Contact, recommends businesses start with one channel to test and nurture it. Then try to diversify: “Spend a little time each week exploring new platforms and figure out if they might be for you.” Speaking at the same event, GrowBizMedia’s Rieva Lesonsky recommends that you “find out where your customers can be found, go there first, and then spread out from there… if you run a restaurant, yes, you probably should be on Twitter, but you should really be on Yelp first.”

Share Interesting and Visual Content

This is one area that really does take time. What’s interesting anyway?

Well, let’s start with the basics. If you have any news to share, and by news I mean “newsworthy” (i.e. something that impacts your customers directly) then go ahead and share it – things like holiday opening times, new offices, menu updates, charity events, etc.

Then add another tier – share quality content. Something you do well that will help you stand out in a crowd – blogs, white papers, tips, or quick “how to” videos (host them on YouTube or Hulu).  Then use social media to amplify it. Feel free to share content from others (without breaking copyright) if it is relevant to your fans. Don’t be afraid to ask people what content they want you to share!

Another tier of content should focus on telling the big picture story of your business – showcase employees, community activities, or how customers are using your product or service. This is a great opportunity to be visual and stand-out in busy newsfeeds.

Remember, give it time. It takes time to figure out what works. For example, you might think about using polls and surveys to engage with followers, but if you are still growing your network, you might not get the right results – yet. So, keep trying new things until you find a sweet spot. And don’t forget, just because people may not be interacting with you yet, that doesn’t mean they aren’t listening, so keep the faith!

For more tips read:

Listen

Great content drives engagement and grows social communities, but equally important is the art of listening. Think of social media as a form of conversation – it’s a two-way dialog. If you’re not prepared to listen to what is being said to you, about you, or with you, then you simply aren’t “being social.” In addition to listening to your consumers, carve out time to listen to influencers in your business, to your competitors, and to those who can help you perfect your social media strategy (Hubspot, Mari Smith, and Social Media Today, to name just a few).

Have an Authentic Voice

Again, “be social!” Drop the corporate marketing speak; people like dealing with people. So don’t be afraid to loosen up a little and when responding to problems or complaints; sign off with your first name.

Foster Fan-to-Fan Engagement

Some of the strongest social networking communities are based on supportive relationships and information sharing between fans. If you are posting interesting content, this will follow naturally as fans start to engage with others based on common interests. There are a few things you can do to encourage these relationships, many of them mentioned in this blog - listen to fans, chime in when you think you can add something, respond to comments, open the doors to shared experiences/needs, encourage fans to share photos and experiences and always communicate authentically (drop the corporate hat).

Don’t Overly Automate

While there are some great free tools that can help you automate your posts, don’t overly rely on these to get you through the day – it will show. Instead, set aside some time, 2-3 slots a day to post (note that the evening is a high volume time to post and get noticed), monitor and respond to fans.

Commit to Social Media

If you are truly going to succeed at social media, then you need to take it seriously and commit to it. For many small businesses, this means adopting a new paradigm. Don’t treat social media as an aside to be taken advantage of when you want to get the word out about your latest offer. Commit to a content strategy. Ensure all levels of the organization are on-board and are involved in your social media strategy. Don’t just assign daily responsibility for it to an office junior – this is the face of your business, after all, and it involves dialog with your customers (is a junior up to that?).

Treat Social Media as an Arm of Your Customer Service Operations

Social media is also an essential part of your customer service strategy. If you are on Facebook or Twitter, then you need to be prepared to monitor and respond to questions and complaints. These blogs offer more advice on this topic:

Don’t Forget Your Other Marketing Channels

Social media may be free, but it only works as part of a wider, integrated marketing strategy. It should never replace your website (which is the hub of all your marketing activity and the home of your online content). Email is also still important. You have a captive audience there; your message is delivered to their inboxes and allows for a deeper conversation.

Measure

Don’t forget to measure the impact of your social media efforts. Use third party apps or Facebook’s Insights tool to monitor click-through rates. Compare these across posts to see if there’s a trend as to the type of content that’s popular. Measure engagement by tracking how many likes and shares your posts get (measured by Facebook as “reach”). Use this data to inform and adjust your content strategy.

Additional Articles

Here’s a selection of SBA blogs that can also help with key areas of your social media strategy:

Caron Beesley is a small business owner, a writer, and marketing communications consultant. Caron works with the SBA.gov team to promote essential government resources that help entrepreneurs and small business owners start-up, grow and succeed. Follow Caron on Twitter: @caronbeesleyTags: Community Blogs, Small Business Matters, Managing, Marketing, Starting

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Hurricane Sandy small business recovery and matchmaking

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy came to severe flooding, extensive structural damage and significant loss of life what.  Thousands of people were were on the run, millions lost, and business disrupted ecosystems throughout the region.  In fact continue to small businesses a number of challenges when it comes to your company to create.
In December 2012, addressed an executive order, signed by President Obama the hurricane Sandy reconstruction task force, federal, coordinate State and local resources, success, economic dynamics, among other objectives, to support possibilities for a reconstruction.  U.S. small business administration (SBA) is a key member of the task force and our programs an important role that need long-term economic recovery of the region consulting, financing and other resources through support for companies.  SBA approved more than 2.3 billion $ of disaster loans to 35.900 residents and businesses in States affected by Hurricane Sandy - so the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States for the Agency.  SBA resource partner support Hurricane Sandy small business recovery, a foundation for economic recovery and stability, thanks to the services, and financed by $19 million in grants expanded.  In addition, we know that opportunities are access to commercial and federal contracting in this reconstruction efforts essential.
This is why the SBA and the hurricane Sandy reconstruction task force teaming up to host the hurricane Sandy small business recovery and matchmaking Summit on Wednesday, 7 August - educate the first event of its kind in the region since the disaster - and connect small businesses to trade buyers from the private sector and federal, State, and local governments.  The goal is simple: small businesses in the region help get back on their feet to come and compete for opportunities in the region.  Here are the details.  We hope to see you there.
What: Hurricane Sandy small business recovery and matchmaking
Where: New Jersey Institute of technology
University Heights Newark, New Jersey 07102
When: Wednesday, August 7:
Registration & resource Expo start at noon, program begins at 13
For more information and to RSVP: https://nj.mybusinessmatches.com/

John Shoraka is the Associate Administrator for government contracting and business development for the U.S. small business administration.
Tags: official SBA news and views, open to trade, emergency planning
View the original article here

Five easy ways to protect your small business before disaster strikes

by Carol Chastang, community moderator

Created: July 24, 2013, 16:30updated: July 24, 2013, 16:30

East Coast company put to rebuild their struggle after Hurricane Sandy.  Measured 29 October 2012-storm as one commemorates the economic damage of the biggest natural disasters in the history of the United States.

Many residents and businesses, especially in the worst hit coastal areas from New Jersey and New York, have been through the storm at the end of the season caught.  In addition to the property destruction makes created major headaches and large financial losses for many small business owners atrocities by strong winds and flooding.

Weather experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are an "active" 2013 Atlantic hurricane season.  The six-month season, which started June 1, peaks between August and October. Now is a good time, to a disaster preparedness plan protect your company and your employees use.

The SBA and agility recovery recently a free webinar give preparation tips for the hurricane season.  But it doesn't matter, if you are in the Gulf Coast or in the upper Midwest - all kinds of risks, and small businesses are particularly vulnerable.

Go to this link to download of the slides from the recent "protect your company this hurricane season" Webinar.  You can view also the recorded Webinar at any time. You will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher.

Meanwhile, there are a few things that you can do without cost, to promote your business continuity plan:

Determine your greatest risk potential.  It could have been wind damage or hinterland, the floods, which usually follows the tropical storm heavy rainfall.  In the meantime, financial losses could suffer through roads and bridges your company closures in the wake of a hurricane.  Power outages are a major threat, especially for companies in the food and hospitality. What would happen if you had to use your company for several days?  See the building where you do business - inside and outside - and risk assessment. If you do enough early, you have time to do structural upgrades - like impact-resistant doors and Windows - that can prevent that possible future storm damage.Calculate the cost of downtime for one week, one month and six months.  Once you have done that, be able to examine insurance options or build a cash reserve that allows your company during the period of the restoration function. It is also a good idea, with alternative providers to develop professional relationships, in the event that your primary contractor service not possible.  Provide occasional jobs with them so that they regard you as an active customer. Check your insurance coverage. Contact your agent to find out whether your policy is sufficient for your needs. Consult an insurance expert, advise on the right coverage for your situation. With the purchase of insurance questions you "how much I can afford to lose?"  It is a good idea to know the value of your property.  You should also consider flood insurance.  According to the U.S. Geological Survey flood losses are the leading cause of the disaster. The most property insurance policies do not cover basement flooding. Create a communication plan crisis , so you will able be to make sure that your employees, clients, suppliers, and business owners know what's going on here.  Set an email alert system.  You verify to the primary and secondary E-mail addresses for your employees have, and trades from any of you with.  Create a Facebook page and Twitter use around the community,'re still in business and in the process of recovery after the disaster.Test, a telework policy.  Prepare the way, can the employee not to work through development of an emergency tele-working to come. Read "how to make telecommuting work for small businesses" for more information.

Every month SBA and agility recovery hosts a free webinar offers business continuity strategies. August 13th Webinar disaster is focused on useful tips for building your own preparedness plan.   Space is limited so sign up now.

Related resources

Tags: official SBA news and views, open to trade, emergency planning, Management, SBA news and views

View the original article here

Hurricane Sandy small business recovery and matchmaking

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy came to severe flooding, extensive structural damage and significant loss of life what.  Thousands of people were were on the run, millions lost, and business disrupted ecosystems throughout the region.  In fact continue to small businesses a number of challenges when it comes to your company to create.

In December 2012, addressed an executive order, signed by President Obama the hurricane Sandy reconstruction task force, federal, coordinate State and local resources, success, economic dynamics, among other objectives, to support possibilities for a reconstruction.  U.S. small business administration (SBA) is a key member of the task force and our programs an important role that need long-term economic recovery of the region consulting, financing and other resources through support for companies.  SBA approved more than 2.3 billion $ of disaster loans to 35.900 residents and businesses in States affected by Hurricane Sandy - so the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States for the Agency.  SBA resource partner support Hurricane Sandy small business recovery, a foundation for economic recovery and stability, thanks to the services, and financed by $19 million in grants expanded.  In addition, we know that opportunities are access to commercial and federal contracting in this reconstruction efforts essential.

This is why the SBA and the hurricane Sandy reconstruction task force teaming up to host the hurricane Sandy small business recovery and matchmaking Summit on Wednesday, 7 August - educate the first event of its kind in the region since the disaster - and connect small businesses to trade buyers from the private sector and federal, State, and local governments.  The goal is simple: small businesses in the region help get back on their feet to come and compete for opportunities in the region.  Here are the details.  We hope to see you there.

What: Hurricane Sandy small business recovery and matchmaking

Where: New Jersey Institute of technology

University Heights Newark, New Jersey 07102

When: Wednesday, August 7:

Registration & resource Expo start at noon, program begins at 13

For more information and to RSVP: https://nj.mybusinessmatches.com/

John Shoraka is the Associate Administrator for government contracting and business development for the U.S. small business administration.

Tags: official SBA news and views, open to trade, emergency planning

View the original article here