NH Division of Economic Development
YouTube Facebook Twitter Twitter
Why New Hampshire Move Start Grow About Us

Posts Tagged ‘Center for Women’s Business Advancement’

Matchmaker Links NH Small Businesses to Government Contracts

Friday, February 28th, 2014

Small business owners from across New Hampshire will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one in two weeks with large government contractors, which, even at a time of budget cutbacks, still need goods and services provided to them.

The 2014 New Hampshire Small Business Matchmaker will run from 8:30 am to 4 pm, March 13, and is hosted by Rivier University in Nashua, with contributing support from BAE Systems, which is also an exhibitor. Over 30 prime contractors are expected, including the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the New Hampshire National Guard and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

“For businesses that have products and services the government needs and wants, it is always a good time to pursue a contract,” said David Pease, program manager for the New Hampshire Procurement Technical Assistance Program. “It is a particularly good time now if you have a product or service that can save money, while meeting an established need.”

Government purchasing is a $2 billion market in the state and the NH-PTAP assists about 900 companies, of all sizes, doing business with the government and agencies that are prime contractors for government.

“Matchmakers are very important to us,” said Susan King, the executive administrator of supplier diversity for BAE Systems, Electronic Systems, headquartered in Nashua, which sponsors more than 25 small business events around the country and spends about $400 million buying goods and services from small businesses. “It lets us meet face-to-face with small businesses and to talk with them about what they offer.”

The New Hampshire Small Business Matchmaker is the only one scheduled this year and Pease said it is a rare opportunity for businesses to meet with decision makers in one place, rather than spend time trying to connect with the right person. Government agencies need to purchase the same kinds of goods and services as private businesses do, Pease said. With its own set of goals, statutes and procedures that must be followed, government procurement can be an intimidating process to those who are new to it.

In addition to meeting with the prime contractors, businesses attending can network with others, meet with and get advice from a business mentor and attend information sessions.

Those interested in attending can register online at www.NHSBDC.org. The cost is $50 and includes lunch. For more information, call Heidi Edwards Dunn at the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center at 603-271-0417.

The 2014 Matchmaker is sponsored by NH-PTAP, the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center, the US Small Business Administration, SCORE and the Center for Women’s Business Advancement and hosted by Rivier University.

 Lorna Colquhoun

Communications Director

NH Division of Economic Development

 

 

 

Women & Money Forum: Start the New Year on the Path to Prosperity

Thursday, December 19th, 2013

This year’s State of Women-owned Businesses report by American Express finds that women-owned firms account for 27 percent of business in the Granite State, employing 6 percent of the workforce and 6 percent of total revenue.

New Hampshire leads New England in terms of its women’s entrepreneurial economic clout, so … hear us roar.

The annual Women & Money Forum is a must-attend for women (and, yes, men are invited, too) looking to chart a prosperous course for their businesses. Hosted by the Center for Women’s Business Advancement at Southern New Hampshire University, this day-long event is worth learning more about it, so executive director MaryAnn Manoogian takes it from here.

We hope to see you Jan. 9.

Cultivating Prosperity

Does the thought of applying for a loan, buying a car, negotiating a contract, or investing your money make you wince? Do you absolutely love the creative side of your business but can’t find time to determine why you are not making enough money to get ahead?  When someone asks you about your ‘break-even,’ ‘margins’ or ‘forecasts’ and ‘projections’ for growth, do you cringe?

If you answered yes to any or all of the above questions, than join us on Jan. 9 for the 2nd annual Women & Money Forum at the Center for Women’s Business Advancement at Southern New Hampshire University (CWBA), Southern New Hampshire University’s Robert Frost Hall, 8:30 am – 4 pm.

Workshop topics will be directed to new and seasoned business owners, as well as how to manage your personal finances. We want to make sure New Hampshire small businesses have the tools necessary to succeed.  Given that the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy finds that 30 percent of new businesses fail within the first two years and 50 percent survive less than five years, the CWBA, in coordination with the state Treasurer’s Office, the US Small Business Administration and lead underwriter Citizens Bank Foundation have assembled a team of CPAs, bankers, attorneys, financial advisors and other top-notch professionals to share their expertise on a variety of topics.

Workshop topics include How to Negotiate; Social Media for Sales; How to Price Your Goods;  How to Price Your Services; Understanding Cash Flow; Top Ten Wage and Hour Mistakes; Registering as a Women-Owned Business; How to Choose a Financial Advisor and Crowdfunding, among many others.

Other sponsors include: Geneia; the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development; New Hampshire Business Review; Labelle Winery; Rath, Young & Pignatelli and Women’s Fund of New Hampshire.

To register, visit www.cwbanh.com or call (603) 629-4697.  Registration includes participation in three workshops of your choice, lunch and opportunities to learn from the experts.

A networking wine-tasting, sponsored by LaBelle Winery, will immediately follow the all-day event.

With a little know-how you truly can take control of your business, your finances and your life.

Listen here to the Women & Money Forum conversation on WTPL FM 107.7, with MaryAnn Manoogian and Chris Way, interim director of the NH Division of Economic Development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lorna Colquhoun

Communications Director

NH Division of Economic Development