Business Plans: May 18

Alaska's weekly small business news roundup

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By KTVA CBS 11 News
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Story Created: May 18, 2012 at 3:24 PM AKDT

Story Updated: May 18, 2012 at 3:39 PM AKDT

MBDA Alaska Business Center – Alaska is on the brink of joining more than 30 other states with a business center designed specifically for minority entrepreneurs. A grant program unveiled by the Minority Business Development Agency last week will fund six new business centers in states with high Native American and Alaska Native populations, where the centers would work to encourage job growth through targeted consulting services. Interested? View the full grant announcement here.

Summer Job Spotlight – A two-year survey conducted by the Red Cross of America shows more than half of parents decided to stay home at some point for lack of a babysitter. While roughly 50 percent of parents relied on unpaid sitters, those that wrote a check or handed over cash for the service said they paid between $6-$20 per hour. The Red Cross offers babysitting, CPR and first aid courses for teenagers looking to beef up their resumes: Click here for a schedule.

Startups Made Easy – If you have an innovative new idea but no plan of action, click here for information on the Alaska Small Business Development Center’s class, "Starting a Business." The workshop covers everything from common pitfalls to marketing and financing techniques, and can be attended in-person or telephonically.

April Employment Numbers – According to the United States Department of Labor, April was a big month for the Last Frontier in a less-than-positive way: Alaska reportedly lost 2,300 non-farm jobs last month. Find other monthly employment statistics here.

49th State Angel Fund - Thursday, Anchorage entrepreneurs and investors met for a quick overview of the 49th State Angel Fund, nearly $13 million in federal funds designated as capital for high-growth local small businesses. Learn more about the program and apply for investment dollars here.
 
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