Upcoming Rhode Island Small Business Training Events 5/14-24

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. SBA Rhode Island District Office Upcoming Rhode Island Small Business Training Events Tuesday, May 14 Subcontracting Strategies (Rhode Island Procurement Technical Assistance Center – 315 Iron Horse Way in Providence from 8:30 – 11:30am and is free of charge.  To register, email ssundberg@riedc.com or visit www.riptac.org/training ): Find out how to identify large government contractors that need your product or service.  How do they find your small business, how do you find them?  What does it take to successful compete and participate as federal government subcontractor?  During this session we will define the role of the subcontract relationship in government contracting and identify resources and strategies for marketing as a subcontractor. Electric Power Renewable Energy Sources (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center – Kahn, Litwin, Renza, & Company, Ltd., 951 North Main Street in Providence from 7:30 – 10:00am.  Fee for seminar is $25.  To register, visit www.risbdc.orgor call 401-598-2702): The second of four sessions will focus on alternative energy sources.  A panel of experts will present the facts and answer your questions about energy sources, government incentives and investment returns. __________________________________________________________________________________ Wednesday, May 15 How To Start And Run A Non-Profit (SCORE – Centerville Seminar Center, 875 Centerville Road in Warwick from 9:30 – 11:30am and is free of charge.  To register, call401-528-4561 or email matthew.spoehr@sba.gov ): This workshop will provide the necessary information and steps on starting a non-profit organization.  Learn from Deb & Richard Siravo, Founders of The Matty Fund, as they will outline their journey from a grassroots effort to a nationally acclaimed non-profit. How To Sell Your Products And Services To The Federal Government (U.S. Small Business Administration – Cumberland Public Library, 1464 Diamond Hill Road in Cumberland from 10:00am – 12:00pm and is free of charge.  To register, please emailmatthew.spoehr@sba.gov or call 401-528-4561): The world’s largest buyer of goods and services is the Federal Government, with purchases totaling more than $500 billion per year.  The Government will buy any good or service ranging from paperclips to aircraft carriers, and has a goal of 24% of all contracting dollars going exclusively to small businesses to bid.  Find out how you can get started and get your piece of the federal procurement pie.  Join contracting experts from the SBA’s Rhode Island District Office as they show you how to start selling your goods and services to the Federal Government. Business Fundamentals (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center - Salve Regina Extension Campus, 144 Metro Center Boulevard in Warwick from 8:30 – 10:30am and is free of charge.  To register, visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702): Do you feel there are a lot of things you don't know about starting or owning a small business?  This workshop intended for both potential business owners and current business owners who want to gain a better understanding of what they need to know to succeed in their business.  This Business Fundamentals  Workshop provides an overview of important aspects required to insure control and success in business including:  How to register your business, Market research & analysis, Legal structures for your business, Estimating start-up costs and cash flow projection, Failure factors and business planning. __________________________________________________________________________________ Thursday, May 16 In Transition:  Speak With Power And Confidence (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 1:00 – 3:00pm and is free of charge.  To register, please email ngirard@cweonline.org or visit www.cweonline.org ): Capitalize on business and career growth opportunities with a confidence boost!  Join us in this engaging and interactive program designed to help you become comfortable with public speaking.  In this workshop, you will learn to… * Manage and capitalize on public speaking anxiety * Discover strengths and authenticity as a public presenter * Use speaking as an effective tool resulting in opportunities for business and career advancement __________________________________________________________________________________ Friday, May 17 Small Budget, Big Impact:  Do It yourself Marketing (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center - Salve Regina Extension Campus, 144 Metro Center Boulevard in Warwick from 8:30 – 10:30am and is free of charge.  To register, visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702): Work smart, be savvy, be creative –it makes a difference.  Learn how to make the most out of limited resources to get your business seen and heard.  Learn effective, creative, cost-efficient means of connecting with your audience.  Lots of examples, and ideas. __________________________________________________________________________________ Saturday, May 18 Accounting & Taxes For Small Business (SCORE - Providence Public Library, 150 Empire Street in Providence from 9:30am - 12:30pm and is free of charge.  To register, email pplref@provlib.org and put "Attention Ann P" in the subject line) __________________________________________________________________________________ Monday, May 20 Identifying And Hiring An Assistant Manager (SCORE – Providence Public Library, 150 Empire Street in Providence from 12:30 – 2:30pm and is free of charge.  To register, call 401-528-4561 or email matthew.spoehr@sba.gov ): Being able to find the right person for your second in command is a critical part of running a successful business.  This workshop will help show you what you should be looking for when hiring an assistant manager. __________________________________________________________________________________ Tuesday, May 21 Elements Of A Business Plan (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center - Salve Regina Extension Campus, 144 Metro Center Boulevard in Warwick from 8:30 – 10:30am and is free of charge.  To register, visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702): This workshop will provide a general overview on the structure of the business plan. why a business plan is important, the components of a business plan, the preparation to begin writing, as well as how to put it all together. __________________________________________________________________________________ Friday, May 24 Social Media Boot Camp (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 9:00am – 4:00pm.  Fee for workshop is $195.  Partial scholarships may be available.  To register, visit www.cweonline.org or call 401-277-0800): Do you need to strengthen your market reach and increase customer engagement?  Are you looking to social media to generate more revenue?  This workshop will help you: * Increase client loyalty & effectively capture your audience with blogs * Gain traction on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube, Google+ and Pinterest * Decrease time spent on Social Media with automation * Integrate different social media to bring in additional revenue

羅德島5/4慶祝獨立日

根據美聯社消息，美國第一個脫離英國殖民統治的地方，是羅德島州，1776年5月4日時宣佈，通過脫離英王喬治三世決議案。不過該獨立宣言直到二個月後，才正式獲承認。
這一份手寫的「放棄法(Act of Renunciation)」，現存於羅州檔案中。該文件宣稱，羅德島有責任反對英國政府「可恨的暴政」。
羅州議會在1908年投票表決，訂定5月4日為羅德島獨立日。

 Rhode Island is marking the anniversary of its break from the British crown.

A colonial law renouncing allegiance to King George III passed on May 4, 1776, making Rhode Island the first American colony to formally break away. The Declaration of Independence was adopted two months later.

The handwritten ‘‘Act of Renunciation’’ is housed at the state archives. It declared that Rhode Island had a duty to oppose the ‘‘detestable tyranny’’ of the British government.

The General Assembly voted in 1908 to make May 4 Rhode Island Independence Day.

Upcoming Rhode Island Small Business Training Events 5/7-18

SBA Rhode Island District Office

Upcoming Rhode Island Small Business Training Events

Tuesday, May 7 Navigating Government Contracting Certification Programs (U.S. Small Business Administration and the Rhode Island Department of Administration Compliance Office – North Kingstown Public Library, 100 Boone Street in North Kingstown from 10:00am – 12:00pm and is free of charge.  To register, please email matthew.spoehr@sba.gov or call 401-528-4561): Attend this workshop to learn about and how to become certified in various state and federal government contracting programs as experts guide you through the various certifications available for small businesses.  Certifications can open doors to numerous contracting opportunities.  Don't miss out on your chance at those opportunities! ________________________________________________________________________________ Wednesday, May 8 HOW TO:  Explore The SBA’s HUBZone Government Contracting Program (U.S. Small Business Administration and the Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 2:00 – 4:00pm, and is free of charge.  For more information or to register please visit www.cweboston.org or email ngirard@cweonline.org ): The federal government spends over $2 billion on goods and services each year. Are you getting your share?  A SBA small business certification may make the difference for your company.  Join the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Center for Women & Enterprise to learn more about the government contracting certification HUBZone program (Historically Underutilized Business Zones). ________________________________________________________________________________ Thursday, May 9 Creating A Marketing Plan For Your Business (U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE – Location and Time TBD.  Workshop is presented free of charge.  To register, emailmatthew.spoehr@sba.gov or call 401-528-4561): Attend this workshop and see how to develop a marketing plan to make your business is reaching the right people more effectively. Is There Too Much On Your Plate? (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center - Salve Regina Extension Campus, 144 Metro Center Boulevard in Warwick from 9:00am – 12:00pm.  Fee for workshop is $40.  To register, visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702): Do you frequently sense that you have more work than you can handle and feel really frustrated?  Does it seem like the work is so overwhelming that you could never get it all done?  Do you then procrastinate and make things worse ? By the end of this program participants will be able to: · Cite how to minimize distractions. · Describe their top three daily priorities. · Explain the five steps to overcoming procrastination. · State what their listening strengths are. · Identify the primary components of an effective action plan ________________________________________________________________________________ Saturday, May 11 Social Media & Website Development (SCORE - Providence Public Library, 150 Empire Street in Providence from 9:30am - 12:30pm and is free of charge.  To register, emailpplref@provlib.org and include "Attention Ann P" in the subject line) ________________________________________________________________________________ Tuesday, May 14 Subcontracting Strategies (Rhode Island Procurement Technical Assistance Center – 315 Iron Horse Way in Providence from 8:30 – 11:30am and is free of charge.  To register, emailssundberg@riedc.com or visit www.riptac.org/training ): Find out how to identify large government contractors that need your product or service.  How do they find your small business, how do you find them?  What does it take to successful compete and participate as federal government subcontractor?  During this session we will define the role of the subcontract relationship in government contracting and identify resources and strategies for marketing as a subcontractor. Electric Power Renewable Energy Sources (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center – Kahn, Litwin, Renza, & Company, Ltd., 951 North Main Street in Providence from 7:30 – 10:00am.  Fee for seminar is $25.  To register, visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702): The second of four sessions will focus on alternative energy sources.  A panel of experts will present the facts and answer your questions about energy sources, government incentives and investment returns. ________________________________________________________________________________ Wednesday, May 15 How To Sell Your Products And Services To The Federal Government (U.S. Small Business Administration – Cumberland Public Library, 1464 Diamond Hill Road in Cumberland from 10:00am – 12:00pm and is free of charge.  To register, please emailmatthew.spoehr@sba.gov or call 401-528-4561): The world’s largest buyer of goods and services is the Federal Government, with purchases totaling more than $500 billion per year.  The Government will buy any good or service ranging from paperclips to aircraft carriers, and has a goal of 24% of all contracting dollars going exclusively to small businesses to bid.  Find out how you can get started and get your piece of the federal procurement pie. Join contracting experts from the SBA’s Rhode Island District Office as they show you how to start selling your goods and services to the Federal Government. Business Fundamentals (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center - Salve Regina Extension Campus, 144 Metro Center Boulevard in Warwick from 8:30 – 10:30am and is free of charge.  To register, visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702): Do you feel there are a lot of things you don't know about starting or owning a small business?  This workshop intended for both potential business owners and current business owners who want to gain a better understanding of what they need to know to succeed in their business.  This Business Fundamentals  Workshop provides an overview of important aspects required to insure control and success in business including:  How to register your business, Market research & analysis, Legal structures for your business, Estimating start-up costs and cash flow projection, Failure factors and business planning. ________________________________________________________________________________ Thursday, May 16 In Transition:  Speak With Power And Confidence (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 1:00 – 3:00pm and is free of charge.  To register, please email ngirard@cweonline.org or visit www.cweonline.org ): Capitalize on business and career growth opportunities with a confidence boost!  Join us in this engaging and interactive program designed to help you become comfortable with public speaking.  In this workshop, you will learn to… * Manage and capitalize on public speaking anxiety * Discover strengths and authenticity as a public presenter * Use speaking as an effective tool resulting in opportunities for business and career advancement SEED Corporation Small Business Workshops (South Eastern Economic Development Corporation - Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, 134 Court Street in Plymouth from 9:00am - 4:00pm and are free of charge.  To register, please call SEED at 508-822-1020): The first workshop of the day will be Learn the Fundamentals in Planning, Preparing, and Financing Your Business and will be held from 9:00am - 12:00pm.  This workshop is geared towards helping potential entrepreneurs evaluate and understand the fundamentals of owning one's own business. The second workshop of the day is entitled Understanding the Purpose of Financial Statements and How They Can Help Determine the Health of Your Business and will be held from 1:00 - 4:00pm.  The focus of this workshop is to help attendees understand a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement while explaining how to anticipate financial needs in order to operate  the business more efficiently. Lunch will be provided to attendees free of charge. ________________________________________________________________________________ Friday, May 17 Small Budget, Big Impact:  Do It yourself Marketing (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center - Salve Regina Extension Campus, 144 Metro Center Boulevard in Warwick from 8:30 – 10:30am and is free of charge.  To register, visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702): Work smart, be savvy, be creative –it makes a difference.  Learn how to make the most out of limited resources to get your business seen and heard.  Learn effective, creative, cost-efficient means of connecting with your audience.  Lots of examples, and ideas. ________________________________________________________________________________ Saturday, May 18 Accounting & Taxes for the Small Business (SCORE - Providence Public Library, 150 Empire Street in Providence from 9:30am - 12:30pm and is free of charge.  To register, emailpplref@provlib.org and include "Attention Ann P" in the subject line)

羅德島州新港花展 6/21-23

Garden Exhibitors Will Create "Zen-ful" Inspirations at the

2013 Newport Flower Show

Exhibitors Prepare an Asian Awakening at the 18^th Annual Newport Flower Show

            Newport, RI (April 23, 2013) – With the theme Jade: Eastern Obsessions, the 18^th annual Newport Flower Show will take visitors on an exotic tour of Far Eastern traditions and beauty. From June 21 - 23, the expansive front lawn of Rosecliff will once again be filled with breathtaking garden displays, offering inspiration and insight for those looking to add color and charm to their own gardens. Six regional landscape companies will transform the historic grounds of Rosecliff into tranquil sanctuaries that reveal the Eastern cultures of India, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Cambodia andChina.  

                Bartlett Tree Experts, Presenting Sponsor of the Newport Flower Show, will provide a selection of Asian trees that will be displayed in planters around the front lawn.  Bartlett will also host a special garden pavilion on the front lawn featuring a Chinese moongate and topiary dragon leading guests toward the front door of Rosecliff and the floral, horticulture and photography divisions of the Show. Aardvard Antiques of Newport will provide monumental statuary for areas of the front lawn as well.

                Six landscape designers will create individual Eastern-themed gardens throughout the front lawn, each including garden statuary reflecting their country's theme loaned by Schneible Fine Arts of Shelbourne, VT.

                Inspired Design of North Kingstown, RI will create an Indian-influenced garden.  Principal Karen Barbera was the winner of the Chairmen’s Award for exceptional design and horticulture in a display garden as well as the Garden Club of America Award of Distinction in Education at the 2012 Newport Flower Show.   

                Crystal Brinson Horticulturist of Fairhaven, MA, a partnership of Crystal Brinson and Kenneth Jardin, will create a Cambodian garden, with an elephant statue to symbolize the spirit of the Cambodian people, while trees and shrubs within the garden signify the family unit.  Crystal Brinson won an Environmental Vision Award at the 2013 Boston Flower Show, the URI Master Gardener Association Sustainable Garden Award at the 2012 Newport Flower Show, and the Mrs. Samuel M.V. Hamilton Award at the 2010 Newport Flower Show.

                Magma Design Group, Inc. of Pawtucket, RI will create a garden that reflects the Thai aesthetic of simplicity through the use of stone and planting.  It will include a water feature and other stone elements influenced by the Japanese stone cutting technique known as wari modoshi. Neil and Samantha Best founded Magma Design Group in 2005. Together, they have received the Boston Society of Landscape Architects Award at the 2012 Boston Flower Show, the Landscape Design Award from the New England Wildflower Society in 2011, and the Exhibitor’s Choice Award at the 2010 Rhode Island Flower Show, among others.

                Miskovksy Landscaping, Inc. of Falmouth, MA, will create a Japanese-inspired garden.   Paul Miskovsky's most recent awards include the People’s Choice Award at the New England Spring Flower Show and the Allen C. Haskell Award for Horticultural Excellence at the 2010 Rhode Island Spring Flower Show.

                Verde Garden Designs of Newport, RI will create a tranquil garden taking inspiration from classic Korean gardens while blending a contemporary style and aesthetic. Verde Garden Designs is a landscape design studio and garden shop created by Pam Rodgers.

               

YardWorks, Inc. of Warwick, RI will bring the beauty and grace of Far Eastern traditions to life through the serenity of a Chinese-inspired garden. In business since 1978, YardWorks  is  a retail garden center and full-service florist, led by Kevin Fox.

                The Newport Flower Show will be open to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 21, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, June 22 & 23.  Advance sale and Preservation Society member admission tickets are $18 per person.  Tickets sold at the door will be $25 on Friday, $23 on Saturday or Sunday. 

                Also available by advance purchase through June 7 only is a special "Bring a Friend" ticket for Sunday, June 23, providing 2 adult admissions for $29.  

                One-day Show tickets for children between the ages of 13 and 17 are $6, and all children 12 and under are admitted free.

               

                Admission to the Opening Night Party is $145 for Preservation Society members and $170 for non-members, if purchased before June 7.  After that date, cocktail party admission will be $160 for members and $190 for non-members.

The Luncheon and Lecture series will headline internationally renowned floral artist Hitomi Gilliam on Friday and landscape architect Harriet Henderson on Saturday.  Tickets for each Luncheon and Lecture are $80 per person. Lecture-only tickets are available for $40.   

                Free lectures and demonstrations by noted plant experts, flower designers and gardeners will also be presented throughout the weekend.  For more information and to purchase tickets for the Newport Flower Show, visit www.NewportFlowerShow.org, or call (401) 847-1000. 

Bartlett Tree Experts returns as Presenting Sponsor of the Newport Flower Show, which benefits The Preservation Society of Newport County.  Additional sponsors include National Trust Insurance Services, Northern Trust, Brooks Brothers, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Southern New England, Atria Senior Living, United Airlines, BankNewport, Porsche of Warwick, Aardvark Antiques, East Coast Wholesale Flowers, and Design New England magazine.

                With Newport's largest private ballroom, Rosecliff was constructed in 1902 as a party pavilion for one of the leading society hostesses of the Gilded Age.  This snow-white terra-cotta mansion, modeled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles, was created for Theresa Fair Oelrichs, heir to the Comstock silver lode in Nevada.  It hosted many of the most fabulous entertainments of the period, including a fairy-tale dinner and a party featuring magician Harry Houdini.

                All proceeds from the Newport Flower Show benefit the ongoing landscape restoration efforts of The Preservation Society of Newport County, a private non-profit organization accredited by the American Association of Museums and dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area's historic architecture, landscapes and decorative arts.  Its 11 historic properties—seven of them National Historic Landmarks—span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development.

布朗講座談西方古典樂史 5/4

本周六下午4：00，读书小组的老朋友姚蔚（aka 大力，撒花~~）将在其生日之际，携神秘嘉宾，为大家奉上他毕业前答谢Brown亲友的一份厚礼：

西方古典音乐史讲座（下午）+专场音乐会（晚上）！

读书小组有幸host这场意义非凡的讲座~欢迎大家前来众乐乐~

来自大力的邀请：

“本次讲座，由我大力为大家带来西方古典音乐史的趣事，带大家畅游古典音乐的圣殿，科普古典音乐鉴赏的知识，令大家领略古典精神世界的美好。更邀请到了神秘嘉宾，为大家讲解音乐之父——巴赫的二三事。敬请期待！”

正如很多朋友所知，就读于Solid Mechanics专业（大力简称之为SM专业）硕士二年级的大力童鞋是古典音乐的骨灰级发烧友，本科时曾以一曲李斯特的《葬礼》名列复旦大学第六届钢琴大赛前三甲，在Brown读书期间更是练琴不辍，琴艺日渐精纯。因而我们有理由相信，此次讲座+音乐会值得大家翘首以盼！

此外，作为2012-2013年CSSA的Inspector，热心而负责的大力童鞋也为CSSA的发展和Brown的中国学生群体做出了很大贡献。正值其毕业之际，我们以此值得纪念的方式，感谢大力在过去的一年多里，为在Brown建设一个和谐美好的Chinese community付出的诸多贡献！

围观就是支持/祝福/致谢！

讲座时间：下午4：00-6：00

地点：Metcalf二层讨论室（190 Thayer Street, Providence）

人物：姚蔚+ 神秘嘉宾

备注：

此次活动将是读书小组本学期倒数第二次活动。最后一次活动预计于5月19日（周日）举行，将邀请来自MIT物理系和Harvard建筑系的两位朋友，从他们的学科视角为我们进行若干有趣的解读！敬请期待两周后的活动通知。

布朗雅音講座談釣魚台 5/5

      自从2012年4月16日日本东京都知事石原慎太郎作出有关政府出面“购买”钓鱼岛的提议以来，“钓鱼岛”日益成为东亚乃至国际社会的关键词，钓鱼岛问题也逐渐演变为国际社会的热点，牵动着国际社会的神经。“钓鱼岛问题”从何而来？中美日在其中扮演什么样的角色，起着何种作用？为什么会有如此大的影响？台湾又在其中扮演什么样的角色？钓鱼岛群岛和琉球群岛（冲绳群岛）有什么样的历史渊源以及两岸联合保钓的困境又是什么呢？ 

          雅音讲坛有幸请到布朗大学美国研究系访问学者李庆成，为我们讲述钓鱼岛事件的历史背景，利用珍藏于台湾的“中华民国外交部”档案、蒋中正和蒋经国“总统”档案以及珍藏于斯坦福大学的“蒋介石日记”等来理清钓鱼岛问题的源头，蒋介石晚年及其主政的台湾对钓鱼岛事件的处理方针，此问题所折射出的国际矛盾，以及未来的走向如何等。 欢迎大家一起讨论！

       李庆成，来自中山大学历史系，现为布朗大学美国研究系访问学者。研究兴趣主要为中美关系、台美关系及其两岸关系。

   邀请您参加 本学期最后一期雅音讲坛

         两岸联合保钓的困境 

时间: 5月5日     星期天 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm 

主讲人： 中山大学历史系访问学者 李庆成 

       地点: Smith B Hall 101 

      会有下午茶和点心供大家享用！

Upcoming Rhode Island Small Business Training Events from 4/22

Monday, April 22

Resources Available To Start And Grow A Business (U.S. Small Business Administration and AARP – Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, 3288 Post Road in Warwick from 9:00 – 11:00am and is free of charge.  Attendees DO NOT need to be over the age of 50.  To register, please email matthew.spoehr@sba.gov or call 401-528-4561):

With one in four individuals ages 44 to 70 interested in becoming entrepreneurs, and 63 percent of Americans planning to work during retirement, small business ownership has never been a more viable option.  SBA and AARP will offer training and mentoring services older entrepreneurs need to successfully start and grow businesses in order to create jobs.  Join us for this information packed seminar that will cover the numerous resources available throughout the state available to assist “Encore Entrepreneurs” start and grow a small business.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, April 23

“A Beacon For Small Business” Expo (Beacon Mutual Insurance – Providence Marriott Downtown, 1 Orms Street in Providence from 8:30am – 3:00pm and is free of charge.  To register please call 401-825-2731 or visit http://www.beaconmutual.com/code/regform.aspx):

We invite you to attend this daylong event, which is free of charge to both policyholders and the general public.  The Expo will be held at the Marriott Hotel in Providence and includes a complimentary breakfast and lunch.  Expo attendees can browse and meet with exhibitors/vendors providing products and services to help their business grow, attend small business seminars and network with other small business owners & entrepreneurs.

The Expo is for new businesses, established businesses and anyone contemplating a small business venture.  New businesses or anyone contemplating a business start-up can learn from experts in the areas of developing business plans, business insurance products, and legal issues affecting small business.  Experienced small business attendees will learn more about social media marketing, public relations, protecting their copyrights and trademarks, and workplace safety.  All attendees will have an opportunity to learn from and meet with representatives from the US Small Business Administration (SBA).  The SBA will be conducting several workshops on how to access the SBA's programs and services including HubZone and the Business Development Program.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday, April 24

Writing A Business Plan (U.S. Small Business Administration, City of Providence, Rhode Island Small Business Development Center, and the Center for Women & Enterprise - Providence Municipal Building, 1st Floor Conference Room, 444 Westminster Street in Providence from 9:00 - 11:00am and is free of charge.  To register, please call 401-528-4561 or email providence.ri@sba.gov ):

A solid business plan is key to operating and opening a successful business, especially when you need financing.  Join us for this FREE WORKSHOP as our experts guide you through the process of creating a solid business plan that will lay the foundation for your small business.

HOW TO:  Explore The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development And Government Contracting Program (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 10:00am – 12:00pm and is free of charge.  To register please call 401-277-0800 or email ngirard@cweonline.org ):

The federal government spends over $2 billion on goods and services each year.  Are you getting your share?  A SBA small business certification may make the difference for your company.  Named for Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, this program was created to help small and disadvantaged businesses compete in the marketplace.  It also helps these companies gain access to federal and private procurement markets.

Customer Service:  Simple Solutions With Immediate Impact (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center – Salve Regina Satellite Campus, 144 Metro Center Boulevard in Warwick from 8:00 – 10:00am.  Fee for workshop is $25.  To register please visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702):

We all know the value of good customer service experience.  Mastering the art of providing a great customer service experience requires the proper planning, training, and systems.  Are you meeting your customers’ expectations?  Are your employees meeting your expectations?  The role that customer service plays toward your ability to having a successful and growing business is invaluable.  A customer service experience is often the only perception a customer may have of your company.  This will be an interactive session helping you identify areas to improve your customer service to both internal and external customers.  You will leave with simple tasks and skills that will help you along the path to exceed expectations.

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Thursday, April 25

Financial Forecasting:  An Essential Part Of Your Business Plan (U.S. Small Business Administration – Cumberland Public Library, 1464 Diamond Hill Road in Cumberland from 2:00 – 4:00pm and is free of charge.  To register please emailmatthew.spoehr@sba.gov or call 401-528-4561):

Often, the most critical part of a business plan is the cash flow projections.  But how can you guess what your sales and expenses are going to be every month for the next year?  Participants will learn the simple tricks-of-the-trade to create reasonable, effective cash flow projections.

How To Sell Yours Goods And Services To The Federal Government (U.S. Small Business Administration – WEBINAR.  9:00 – 10:00am and is free of charge.  To register and receives login information, please email matthew.spoehr@sba.gov or call 401-528-4561):

The world’s largest buyer of goods and services is the Federal Government, with purchases totaling more than $500 billion per year.  The government especially encourages small businesses to bid on contracts for some of these needs.  In fact, Federal agencies are required to establish contracting goals, with at least 23 percent of all government buying targeted to small firms. 

SBA administers and promotes several programs and services that assist small businesses in meeting the requirements to receive government contracts, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.  These include the 8(a) Business Development Program, Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program, Woman-Owned Small Business Programs and Programs designed to assist Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small businesses.  This workshop will provide you with an overview these programs.

In Transition:  Know The Technology That Could Land You A Job (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 10:00am – 12:00pm and is free of charge.  To register please call 401-277-0800 or emailngirard@cweonline.org ):

Where do you need to be to get noticed?  Marketing yourself online can be an effective tool during the job search.  Come learn more about social media outlets to increase your chance of obtaining employment.  This workshop will discuss social media sites such as:
* LinkedIn
* Facebook
* Twitter
* And educating you on how to use them effectively and productively in your job search.

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Friday, April 26

Accounting For Non-Accountants (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 10:00am – 12:00pm.  Fee for workshop is $40.  Partial scholarships may be available.  To register please call 401-277-0800 or emailngirard@cweonline.org ):

Many entrepreneurs detest the financial piece of their business.  But, they don’t discount its importance.  In this workshop, participants will learn:
* How to read and understand basic financial statements
* How to use the numbers to make well informed operational decisions
The numbers tell a story; do you know how to read it?

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Thursday, May 2

It’s Who You Know That Counts:  6 Keys To Power Networking (U.S. Small Business Administration, Rhode Island Small Business Development Center, the Center for Women & Enterprise, and SCORE – Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Building 4, Suite 402 in Lincoln from 11:00am – 1:00pm and is free of charge.  For more information or to register, call 401-528-4561 or emailmatthew.spoehr@sba.gov ):

Networking has been recognized in recent years as a key to overall business success, but does it work really?  Don’t some people just show up at events and hand out business cards and then get no business for their time spent?  The answer to both questions is YES.  It really does work and some people do show up and just hand out business cards (the wrong approach, by the way).  Bob Salvas, a local director in BNI (Business Networking International) has been successfully networking for years.  Come to this seminar and learn the real benefits of networking, how to go about it and where you should look to invest your networking time.

HVAC Energy Conservation Methods (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center – Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Suite 402 in Lincoln from 7:30 – 10:00am.  Fee for workshop is $25.  To register for this event, visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702):

The first of four sessions will focus on cost effective energy conservation steps that you can implement to lower your heating and cooling bill. A panel of experts will present the facts and answer your questions about equipment resources and investment returns.

Start Up Clinic (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center – East Bay Chamber of Commerce, 16 Cutler Street, Suite 102 in Warren.  Fee for workshop is $25.  To register, visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702):

Have you been over your checklists multiple times, and everything seems to be in place?  Then it is time to take that big step and open your doors for business.  Entrepreneurs can often overlook critical steps in the startup process, so to ensure they position their businesses efficiently, legally, and soundly, the RISBDC is offering this comprehensive clinic.

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Friday, May 3

HOW TO:  Explore Entrepreneurship (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 9:00am – 10:30am, and is free of charge.  For more information or to register please visit www.cweboston.org or email ngirard@cweonline.org):

Attend this workshop and decide whether starting your own business is right for you.  As part of this workshop, you will:
* Explore the process and learn about the risks and rewards of starting up your own business
* Discuss your specific business ideas and needs with a program manager
* Get an overview of various resources at CWE and elsewhere to help you succeed
* Hear success stories of women who have worked with CWE and are now thriving in the business world 

HOW TO:  Obtain Bank Financing (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 10:45 – 11:45am, and is free of charge.  For more information or to register please visit www.cweboston.org or email ngirard@cweonline.org):

If you are considering loan financing as a way to start or grow your business, then join a banking expert for this free session that will help you:
* Understand how loan financing can be a way to start or grow your business
* Find out more about lenders’ primary considerations when reviewing a loan request
* Master key loan lingo of the financing world and discover a range of loan types, and their respective terms and conditions
* Feel confident and secure in your financing decisions

HOW TO Choose Your Legal Entity (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 12:00 – 1:00pm, and is free of charge.  For more information or to register please visit www.cweboston.org or email ngirard@cweonline.org):

Make it legal!  A legal designation can significantly impact the future of your business, so come to:
* Learn the advantages and disadvantages of various business structures (sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporate, non-profit)
* Better understand your business in the legal sense
* Be able to ask questions to our legal advisors in order to make this important business decision regarding legal entity

克蘭斯頓市長獎學金5/24截止報名

Mayor Allan W. Fung

Announces the Application Period for the

Mayor’s Scholarship Program

The City of Cranston

Is offering new Scholarships for the 2013-2014 school year.

Scholarships will be awarded for the semester beginning in September 2013.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a June, 2013 graduate of a public or private high school or a graduate of the Cranston Adult Education Program
• Be a legal resident of the City of Cranston
• Meet income guidelines established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Guidelines are printed at the bottom
• Complete an application and return it with a school transcript to the Department of Community Development, Hamilton Building, 1090 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI 02920.  Applications may be picked up at the Department’s Office between the hours of 8:30AM and 4:30PM
• Applications available on City’s Website, www.cranstonri.com
• Applications must be returned by May 24, 2013
• All applicants should have a “Free Application For Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA) on file with the Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority

HOUSEHOLD     SIZE	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
MAXIMUM INCOME	$40,250	$46,000	$51,750	$57,700	$62,100	$66,700	$71,300	$75,900

 

     Allan W. Fung                                                                Stephanie M. Susi

         MAYOR                                                                   INTERIM DIRECTOR

CITY OF CRANSTON                                                COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

羅島華協獎學金選出九名得獎者

羅德島華人協會日前公佈首屆獎學金評選結果，共有9名獲獎者各可得3000元及1000元不等的獎學金。

            羅德島華人協會為嘉獎應屆高中畢業生在學業成績、服務社區上的努力與成就，並鼓勵他們學習、瞭解中國的傳統文化，在路加慈善基金會贊助下，去年底宣佈設立每人最高可得3000元的獎學金。

            分別來自八所學校的這9名獲獎者，獲3000元獎學金的6名學生為巴靈頓高中王宸伊、南京士頓高中王若桑、Toll Gate高中俞妮娜，Bishop Stang高中才藝，Chariho區域高中周思浩，沙龍高中劉肖君。獲1000元獎學金的3名學生為巴靈頓高中黃華英，東格林威治高中羅齊一，Cumberland高中玉霞。

            羅德島華人協會獎學金委員會主席楊慶、萬寅生兩名教授，和委員嚴英、周華、黃樺、羅春松、章賢信、王曉元、孫琰等人，以及該會主席葉超、會長吳子平等人，日前在羅州普塔基市的中國飯店(China Inn)，為核發獎學金進行評選面談，並以學業成績，現場陳述能力，社區服務表現，未來理想等，做評選標準。

            學生們當天的現場陳述，有的談自己的社區服務經驗，有的描述未來抱負，有的暢論研究興趣。其中一人談及中醫的針灸，評委中好幾名專家欣見年輕人有志於，忍不住現場指導起來，並鼓勵該名學生做更廣泛閱讀，進一步探討中醫內涵。

            該會訂4月13日在中國飯店舉行頒獎典禮，並邀請國會議員趙美心從加州趕來頒獎。為擴大該獎學金知名度，以及獲獎學生的榮譽感，該會將派代表到前述各獲獎學生的就讀學校，宣佈學生獲獎消息。

            查詢羅德島華人協會相關訊息，以及下年度的獎學金申請，可上網www.riaca.us。

圖片說明：

            羅德島州獲得羅島華協獎學金的其中八名學生。

            羅島華協獎學金委員會成員，前左起楊慶、吳子平、葉超、萬寅生、王曉元、羅春松、孫琰、黃樺、嚴英、周華、章賢信。