New York, NY (PRWeb) February 2, 2007 -- (OTCBB: CCCN) The CNBC interview of America�s youngest African American CEO of any public company, City Capital Corporation�s CEO Ephren W. Taylor II, is rapidly becoming the hottest video for online viewers online. Taylor was a featured guest on CNBC�s �The BIG Idea� show hosted by Donny Deutsch, while in NYC serving as panelist for Jesse Jackson�s Wall Street Economic Summit.

Ephren Taylor's CNBC Interview can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPGKnDkH2HM Online viewers are intrigued by Taylor, 24, and how he became the youngest African American CEO of any public company in history. Beginning at age 12 with a software company, by 17 Mr. Taylor built a national company to over $3.5 million value. He recently signed a $50,000,000 equity line with The Lucian Group of Rochester, NY. �I�ve always felt it was important to create profitable businesses that are engaged in improving the quality of life for others. We are proving a company can do both: be socially-conscious as well as profitable. Our $50 Million line with Lucian not only validates this, but is allowing us to greatly accelerate what we have already been doing for several years: leveraging investments, holdings and other assets to build value for investors and shareholders, while creating positive change in communities nationwide.�

• CNBC 10 p.m. Wed. Jan. 10: Hot City Capital CEO Ephren Taylor $50 Million Growth Strategy 2007-01-10
• City Capital CEO Ephren W. Taylor II Featured Panelist For 2007 Wall Street Economic Summit 2007-01-12
• Newest City Capital Acquisition Includes Proven Producing Gas Reserves, Providing Immediate Revenue for Company 2007-01-18
• City Capital Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire & Develop Kansas City Subdivision 2007-01-19
• City Capital Corporation Elects Marketing & Business Growth Veteran W. Emerson Brantley III To Board Of Directors 2007-02-02
• Youngest African-American CEO, City Capital�s Ephren Taylor, Featured Feb. 8 At Ohio Wesleyan University For Black History Month 2007-02-07

Military 'buildup' in need of builders

By Michael Hooper

The Capital-Journal

Published Friday, February 16, 2007

Picerne Military Housing needs more subcontractors as it invests $500 million in housing at Fort Riley over the next 10 years, company officials said Thursday.

"We need a lot more help out there," said Craig Constant, director of construction for Picerne Military Housing.

Jason Hunter / The Capital-Journal

James Abney, right, owner of Midwest Heating and Air, talks with Shawn Cheever, a community builder for Picerne Military Housing,, at a contractor fair Thursday at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH PICERNE

Contact: Terri Paquette at (785) 717-2224 or e-mail her at tpaquette@picernemh.com or visit www.picernemilitaryhousing.com.

About 200 subcontractors attended a contractor fair hosted by Picerne on Thursday at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center, 420 S.E. 6th.

Picerne Military Housing is a division of Picerne Real Estate Group, a family-owned company based in Warwick, R.I.

Picerne will act as general contractor but needs subcontractors to perform site development, make renovations, construct new homes and maintain existing homes, Constant said.

The company last summer entered a 50-year partnership with the Army to develop and maintain housing at Fort Riley. Picerne plans to build 2,117 new homes in seven neighborhoods. Each neighborhood will have such amenities as community center, parks, trails and playgrounds, Constant said.

Picerne also will renovate numerous homes and demolish 1,717 others. The company is maintaining more than 3,100 housing units there now.

"There is a tremendous need for contractors in maintenance," Constant said.

Additional housing is needed because the number of soldiers at Fort Riley is expected to grow due to base realignment and closure decisions made in 2005.

Minor renovations began in July 2006. Major renovations and construction of new homes will begin in early 2007 and continue for 10 years. New homes will be constructed at the rate of roughly 300 per year, the company said.

"When we get up to full force, we will be building 250 to 350 homes per year," said Constant. "We will be building a new home per day."

Beth Ernst, communications manager for Picerne at Fort Riley, said the business has a staff of 90 in Kansas.

Picerne has done work at several military sites, including Fort Meade, Md.; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Polk, La.; and Fort Rucker, Ala.

Picerne currently owns and manages more than 38,318 homes nationwide.

Michael Hooper can be reached at (785)295-1293 or michael.hooper@cjonline.com.

Deducting Gifts to Charity You can deduct contributions or gifts you gave to organizations that are religious, charitable, educational, scientific, or literary in purpose. You can also deduct what you gave to organizations that work to prevent cruelty to children or animals. Certain whaling captains may be able to deduct expenses paid in 2006 for Native Alaskan subsistence bowhead whale hunting activities. See Pub. 526 for details. To verify an organization's charitable status, you can: Check with the organization to which you made the donation. The organization should be able to provide you verification of its charitable status. See Pub. 78 for a list of most qualified organizations. Call the IRS Tax Exempt/Government Entities Customer Account Services at 1-877-829-5500 Examples of Qualified Charitable Organizations *Churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, etc. *Boy Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, CARE, Girl Scouts, Goodwill Industries, Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way, etc. *Fraternal Orders, if the gifts will be used for the purposes listed above. *Veterans' and certain cultural groups. *Nonprofit schools, hospitals, and organizations whose purpose is to find a cure for, or help people who have, arthritis, asthma, birth defects, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, heart disease, hemophilia, mental illness or retardation, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, tuberculosis, etc. *Federal, state, and local governments if the gifts are soley for public purposes. Contributions You Can Deduct Contributions can be in cash (keep canceled checks, receipts, or other reliable written records showing the name of the organization and the date and amount given), property, or out-of-pocket expenses you paid to do volunteer work for the kinds of organizations described earlier. If you drove to and from the volunteer work, you can take the actual cost of gas and oil or 14 cents a mile. But, if the volunteer work was to provide relief related to Hurricane Katrina, the amount is 32 cents a mile. Add parking and tolls to the amount you claim under either method. But do not deduct any amounts that were repaid to you. Gifts from which you benefit. If you made a gift and received a benefit in return, such as food, entertainment, or merchandise, you can generally only deduct the mount that is more than the value of the benefit. But this rule does not apply to certain membership benefits provided in return for an annual payment of $75 or less. For details see IRS Pub. 526. Gifts of $250 or more.You can deduct a gift of $250 or more only if you have a statement from the charitable organization showing the information in (1) and (2) below. 1. The amount of any money contributed and a description (but not value) of any property donated. 2. Whether the organization did or did not give you any goods or services in return for your contribution. If you did receive any goods or services, a description and estimate of the value must be included. If If you received only intangible religious benefits (such as admission to a religious ceremony), the organization must state this, but it does not have to describe or value the benefit. In figuring whether a gift of $250 or more, do not combine separate donations. For example, if you gave your church $25 each week for a total of $1,300, treat each $25 payment as a separate gift. If you made donations through payroll deductions, treat each donation from each paycheck as a separate gift. See Pub. 526 if you made a separate gift of $250 or more through payroll deduction. TIP: You must get the statement by the date you file your return or the due date (including extensions) for filing your return, whichever is earlier. Do not attach the statement to your return. Instead, keep it for your records. Limit on the amount you can deduct. See IRS Pub. 526 to figure the amount of your deduction if any of the following applies. 1. Your cash contribution or contributions of ordinary income property are ore than 30% of the amount on From 1040, line 38. 2. Your gifts of capital gain property are more than 20% of the amount on Form 1040, line 38. 3. You gave gifts of property that increased in value or gave gifts of the use of property. Contributions You Cannot Deduct *Travel expenses (including meals and lodging) while away from home, unless there was no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation in the travel. *Political contributions. *Dues, fees, or bills paid to country groups. *Cost of raffle, bingo, or lottery tickets. (but you may be able to deduct these expenses on line 27. *Cost of tuition. But you may be able to deduct this expense on line 20, or take a credit for this expense (see Form 8863) *Value of your time or services. *Value of blood given at a blood bank. *Transfer of a future interest in tangible personal property. *Gifts to individuals and groups that are run for personal benefit. *Gifts to foreign organizations. But you may be able to deduct gift to certain *U.S. organizations that transfer funds to forging charities and certain Canadian, Israeli and Mexican charities. See Pub. 526 for details. *Gifts to organizations engaged in certain political activities that are of direct financial interest to your trade of business. See section 170(f)(9). *Gifts to groups whose purpose is to lobby for changes in the laws. *Gifts to civic leagues, social and sports clubs, labor unions, and chambers of commerce. *Value of benefits received in connection with a contribution to a charitable organization. See Pub. 526 for exceptions. Contributions of clothing and household items after August 17, 2006. A deduction for these contributions will be allowed only if the items are in good used condition or better. However, this rule does not apply to a contribution of any single item for which a deduction of more than $500 is claimed and for which you include a qualified appraisal and Form 8283 with your tax return. Record-keeping. If you gave property, you should keep a receipt or written statement from the organization you gave the property to, or a reliable written record, that shows the organization's name and address, the date and location of the gift, and a description of the property. For each gift of property, you should also keep reliable records that include: *How you figured the property's value at the time you gave it. If the value was determined by an appraisal, keep a signed copy of the appraisal. *The cost or other basis of the property if you must reduce it by any ordinary income or capital gain that would have resulted if the property had been sold at its fair market value. *How you figured your deduction if you choose to reduce your deduction gifts of capital gain property. *Any conditions attached to the gift. Source: IRS 2006-1040 Instruction Book =================================== IBSA, Inc. is a nonprofit tax-exempt organization. Your contributions, donations and gifts are welcome. www.ibsa-inc.org

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Hello Friend, The state of Black business in America today is getting better. The perceptions by others outside our culture are not as extreme as in the past. Recently, we have been highlighted in the news for positive accomplishments and gains. The problem, however, still remains with us. How we perceive ourselves, has been and remains a problem. It has been etched in our minds over years that somehow we are inferior in certain areas, business being one. When I say "etched", I mean that we have been conditioned and programmed to have a set of beliefs about ourselves which for the most part are negative. This programming has been handed down from generation to generation, without us in many cases, ever being aware of the invisible "mental triggers" which can control our behavior. Don't believe me, Ok then. Try getting in front of a group of Black people from varying backgrounds, age groups, education and income levels, and simply say in a volume loud enough to be heard, "A Nigga ain't ....". And then listen, as the group will chime out on que, what they perceive is the answer to the end of that sentence. They will shout out or say the exact same four-letter-word, that starts with an "s" and ends with a "t". It doesn't matter if those people ever even met before the proclaimation was made. They would still be a "unified voice" in finishing the comment. And those that didn't utter the word, probably still thought it in silence. That should make you go ...."hmmm". How can that be? Where did they get that idea from? Who taught us that? What's the reason behind it? The reason is simple. We're all programmed. The process that got us into this mental condition or state is very complex and at this late stage in the world's cultural development, very hard to untangle. So let's not take away from whats at hand to try to delve into the "mysteries" of mind control and the "masteries" of slave-mind conditioning. This is not about what has happened to us, as much as it is about what are we going to do about dealing with it now. So it doesn't matter where you live. Who you went to school with. What your Mama said or didn't say. We're programmed and conditioned to believe certain things about ourselves, consciously or subconsciously. That general perception, for the most part, is negative. This is a big problem, especially for any Black business owner or entrepreneur. Starting a business of your own is already hard and then to add to that weight the burden of having to overcome issues in a customers head can cause many Black businesses to fail or never start in the first place. The obstacle is significant because, in the marketplace it translates to, "you can't do business with Black folks"; "they over charge"; "they give poor customer service"; "they do shoddy work"; "I heard bad things from a friend of a friend, who had a cousin, whose neighbor said...". Or some prospects who are fully capable and can afford what you're offering to say, "why do I have to PAY that for YOUR merchandise? Why can't I have it for FREE" or "Where's the "hood" DISCOUNT?" or "You too HIGH". The hidden meaning in FREE is, its not worth paying for anyway. Give a "brotha/sista a break" or the "hook up". "High" is relative to the product/service being offered and how, when and where else you can get it. The hood Discount refers to a belief that "why should I pay you retail when you stole ir or paid wholesale for it. Why you gonna try and make a profit off me?". This is a major problem and as Black people, we are either a part of the perpetuating of the problem or a part of the solution. Ask yourself where you side. Are you still programmed and conditioned by invisible/internal "mental triggers" that when stimulated cause a certain predetermined behavior? Or have you been awakened and can "see" for yourself what really is going on all around you and to the people you care about deeply? The National Black Business Trade Association (NBBTA), continues to grow and endure because there are some in our community that have, by whatever means, been able to break or outgrow, that mental grasp that continues to hold many others of us down and out (of control). They have cleansed and reconditioned their minds to be strong enough to withstand the attack from within (their own minds and from their own families and friends). How they did it, I don't know. I suspect only by the grace of God. They are home-based, full-time and part-time business owners, entrepreneurs, conscientious consumers, corporate and government workers and others in our commUNITY. They are our real heroes and sheroes. They have decided, for whatever reason, to not only do good for themselves and their families, but to do right by the community by starting a business. Or as consumers, to work to recycle Black dollars. Ultimately, they want to be solely responsible for their own destiny and financial well-being and not dependent upon someone else for earning a living or for access to the products/services of their own choosing. Many have already started and are working to grow a successful business, the right way to provide for themselves, their families and the general community at large. They provide goods and services that are as good, if not better, than the same or similar products/services offered by other groups. They give good quality service at a fair price, while earning a reasonable profit. As a point of unification and solidarity, many have joined the National Black Business Trade Association (NBBTA). Not because we have the most technically proficient or best graphically designed website. Not because we have the biggest names in the business world associated with us. Not because we have celebrity endorsements or the biggest budget; or because of, or inspite of me. They mainly join us because, membership in NBBTA makes a statement. It says, that the member has made a concerted effort and conscientious choice to be identified as a "Black Business Advocate". They have put their money where there mouth is and decide to be counted among the ranks of those seeking to become a part of the solution and not remain a part of the problem. They understand the importance of organization and the need to come together in harmony around business, financial and community issues. They know that they could probably start their own organization but choose rather to join one that has been around for over 13 years. That is nationally and internationally recognized, debt and (mental) disease free. They want to unify and work with serious (but fun) people who are real everyday folk, but who are about real business. And not just start another membership website (anyone can do that). They understand that membership in a trade association is typical for any industry and that NBBTA membership represents the interest of Black people who are mostly home-based, small office, retail, entrepreneurs and business owners. They understand that as solo business owners and entrepreneur there is value in establishing an extended network of contacts and resources. Together, our goal is to help stem the tide of negative images, stereotypes, rumors and inuendos, that have cast a less than positive light on Black business. By increasing our membership roles, we want to show that at this point in history, we have reached new heights in this "free enterprise" system. The news media, currently is highlighting this fact all the time now. We want to continue to expand positive exposure for Black businesses. Its time for us to tell our own story and have that story have a happy ending. We are writing the "story" every day. Its not just about us, but future generations coming behind us. The story is, we are more than just "mom-n-pop" operations and we do more than trade in only ethnic items with limited distribution or customer bases. We do more than work out of the basement of our homes. Or the trunks of our cars. Or with our kids crying in the background while we're on the phone. We do more than run Fortune 1000 franchises. Of all sizes and annual revenues. We do more than just sing. We run record labels and manage talent. We do more than walk run-ways, We create fashion shows and design clothing. We do more than network marketing/MLM. We create extraordinary incomes. We do more than invent great products and create great new services. We provide the world with significant contributions. The fact of the matter is ... We do it all! And the best is yet to come! We have moved from the streets to the suites, back to the house and now around the world. We take pride in our businesses and will protect and nurture them by uplifting, empowering and inspiring tools for their success and growth. Also on the other side of this advocacy, we won't let anyone hide behind the "Black thing". Be they rich or poor, Black or white. Whatever. There are some who pretend to be a Black owned business when that's not the case. There are some who are taking advantage of our trend-setting gift and get to market first using us as front men. We will have to compete and win. There are some who use "Black" as an excuse for poor service and higher than necessary pricing. We're not having it! We will hold Black businesses accountable and will leave no Black business behind that seeks to grow using proper business principles. There is no scarcity, but universal abundance for all who adhere to the universal laws of success. We want all Black businesses to prosper. The marketplace is rapidly changing. We have made some historical miscalculations that have caused us to get off track. Its time to make the necessary corrections and move full speed ahead. For example, just a few short years ago, when you bought a Black book you bought it from a Black bookstore. You had no other choice. The major chains and bookstore outlets didn't carry very manyBlack books at all. You couldn't go to Border's or Barnes and Noble to buy. You could only find the best Black books in Black bookstores. Why, because for years those and other large chains, would not carry Black books, with Black subjects and written by Black authors. They didn't see a market for it. Black bookstore owners were the enlightened entrepreneurs and retailers at the forefront of making a way for creating and growing a whole industry of Black writers, editors, printers, publishing and distribution companies. Black bookstores got cut out of the loop when the large book chains saw the hand writing on the wall. This is a Black business tragedy and market miscalculation. Now large chains have whole sections dedicated to "African American" literature, when just a few years ago their general concensus was Black do not read. What happened? They changed their minds. Their "perception" has changed because it made good business sense. Black readers represented for them a new market. They took the market. Black bookstores could not compete without its old customer base who was lured away from them and so many Black bookstores have disappeared. Those that remain, do so with a dogged determination to still help de-program Black minds. And we should buy from them. When we buy from them we are not "supporting" them as in making a charitable donation. We are doing business with them. Their price is the price of the book. Yes, the chains can knock off a few pennies here and there, but should we sell out our Black bookstore for a few pennies? How do you see that? Sometimes Black consumers only see doing business with Black businesses as charity. They equate "support" with "charity". So when you ask the Black consumer to "support Black businesses". The "mental trigger" of that (programmed) consumer reacts with ... "when I buy from a Black business I am not really doing a business transaction, I'm helping a brother/sister out." While that may be true, its true also when you do business with anyone. Who you spend your money with is who you help out. But that doesn't stop the programmed mindset. The "mental trigger" makes one believe, "because I'm helping you out (negro), don't charge me the full price. Throw something "extra" in the bag, give me the 'hood' discount, or else I won't come back and will tell everyone I know ... you high!" This is not the case and we need to deal with this as a line item issue when helping Black consumers become more aware of Black businesses. I know, I've gotten off track but, if you are still reading (thank you). So back to perceptions. Our perception (of ourselves) has not changed and makes no sense (or cents). We still talk about Black people not reading. Barnes and Nobles has changed their perception, and all other large chains have changed their perceptions. Is this progress? Or what? Black bookstores lead the way to open opportunities for others to advance and get a foothold in this economy. They provided access to good information in the form of reading materials, research and history resources, posters and Black art, by and about us. They allowed us to use their stores after hours for book clubs and community meetings. They served us well. They helped to feed and free our hungry Black minds. They didn't think or even imagine that we would abandon them just to go to the mall. Another example. During the Civil Rights era, there were some who lead the way for the masses to enjoy better public accomodations and equal access. For those too young to remember, Black folk couldn't drink from water fountains in public parks or use public toilets or sit in certain seats on buses or in movie theaters. That newly legislated "access" led to a depletion and decline of most Black businesses left in the path of the flight "downtown" to spend (give away) our money. The leaders of the day hoped to find more education (enlightenment) for our people in colleges and universities, that we could not have historically attended. This shift and trend, caused a "Brain drain" in our communities nationwide and within historically Black colleges. The trend also created a slow down in the development of Black businesses. People took corporate jobs under what were then called "pacification programs". The call of the day was to "get a good job", move out of the old neighborhood and find a new set of (white) friends and spend all of your money while trying to impress. In the process, we abandoned those who helped us get ahead. So, have we progressed as a result? How far have we gotten? How much further do we have to go? What's our next biggest challenge? I say its economic and financial development and Black consumer awareness. Its tackling the "free enterprise system" with a vengence and using it to better leverage our position here as a people. So as to ensure that future generations will not be put back, put out or put under because of us misreading the times or the intent of those in our midst. As consumers, we need to be more responsible (response able) and not merely reactionary (trends come and go). Being reactionary has only caused us more harm then good in the long run. We tend to jump quickly when that "mental trigger" is activated. As business owners and entrepreneurs, we need to stay on top of forecasts and trends and not assume loyalty just because we're Black. We need to win back Black consumers' confidence. We need to "fight fire with fire". We need to be the best in all that we do. We need to lead and not follow. We need to take charge and lead by example. Showing others the way to financial success. We are now living in the "Information Age", the age of the Internet and digital/telecommunications. We are heading toward the "Nanotechnology Age" and we should also be preparing for it now. So there's still plenty ahead of us to do. Now is the time for us all to awaken and establish ourselves in the right positions and build a strong foundation. There's a lot of work to be done. Until the Black business sector is fully operational and contributory, we as a people, will continue to suffer from all the negative historical programming and miscalculations that still exists. The National Black Business Trade Association is spearheading the call for Black business development as a hedge against other market, historical and political conditions. We are seeking to find like minded people to join us as we move forward with us. We know we can't be all things to all people. We know our niche. Its home-based, small office, full and part time, entrepreneurs. business owners and sales distributors. We are helping Black people start, grow and develop across all business lines. We do this by providing access to good information in the form of benefits, resources and networking. Enabling them to ignite the flame of the "entrepreneurial spirit" within Black people everywhere. We want our members to transfer learned skills and behavior, within family units and provide entrepreneurship as a viable alternative to job taking. Membership helps us accomplish our mission and goals. Our aim is to put a new positive spin on Black entrepreneurship. We believe that every month is Black business awareness month. We are building a Black business and consumer network. We invite all to participate. Peace and Blessings, Lee Green, Chairman, lee@nbbta.org National Black Business Trade Association (NBBTA) http://www.nbbta.org IBSA is a proud member of the National Black Business Trade Association ======================================================= Download the Black focused Toolbar Here!

http://www.capitalaccessproject.org/Certification.html

As a small business, every "leg up" you can get will help. That's where getting your business certified as a small, emerging, disadvantaged or minority business is crucial.

Certifying your business is not a guarantee of contracts, loans or business success, but it is an opportunity for greater success that you can't pass up. Getting your business certified with local, state and national agencies is like playing the lottery- playing does not guarantee you will win, but you are guaranteed not to win if you don't play. Certification is not a guarantee of contracts or loans, but it can help you win contracts and loans.

We've included some certificaton applications below. We also host certification training sessions in conjunction with the city's Office of Supplier Diversity and the New Orleans Chapter of the National Black MBA Association. Visit our Calendar of Events for the training schedule.

Applications:

Louisiana Uniform Certification Program (LUCP). The U.S. Department of Transportation has created a Unified Certification Program (UCP) for certifying small, socially and economically disadvanteged businesses. By receiving LUCP certification, your firm will automatically be certified with over 45 state municipalities and agencies. A complete list appears in the Louisiana Uniform Certification Program, Plan and Process Description.

LUCP Application Package (20pgs.)- Includes All Forms

http://capitalaccessproject.startsmart.com/f/LAUniformCertificationApplication2006.pdf

Louisiana Uniform Certification Program, Plan and Process

http://capitalaccessproject.startsmart.com/f/Uniform_Certification_Program_Description.pdf

Individual LUCP Forms:

Instructions for Completing the Application

http://capitalaccessproject.startsmart.com/f/UniformCertiAppInstructions2006.1.pdf

Supporting Documention Checklist

http://capitalaccessproject.startsmart.com/f/SupportingDocsChecklist2006.2.pdf

LA Uniform Certification APPLICATION ONLY

http://capitalaccessproject.startsmart.com/f/UniformCertifApplication2006.pdf

SBA Personal Financial/Net Worth Statement (Fill-In PDF Form)

http://capitalaccessproject.startsmart.com/f/SBA413-PersonalFinancialStatement2006.pdf

City of New Orleans Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Application (note: Certifying with the City of New Orleans also certifies your business with the City's Sewerage and Water Board and the non-Federal portion of Armstrong [New Orleans] International Airport). http://capitalaccessproject.startsmart.com/f/DBE_Certification_Application_for_City-SWB-Non-Federal_Airport.pdf

Small Entrepreneurship Certification Application Certification through the Louisiana Department of Economic Development that was created to provide additional opportunities for Louisiana-based small entrepreneurships to participate in contracting and procurement of goods and services with state agencies. It is a race and gender neutral, goal-oriented program, encouraging state agencies and contractors who receive state contracts to use certified Small Entrepreneurships. http://capitalaccessproject.startsmart.com/f/LASmallEntrepreneurship.pdf

To participate, small entrepreneurships must meet the following qualification requirements and be certified by Louisiana Economic Development (Application) http://www.te-dev.com/asec:

• Independently owned and operated
• Not dominant in its field of operations
• Owned by and has officers who are citizens or legal residents of the United States
• Owners domiciled in Louisiana
• Principal business office is in Louisiana
• Fewer than 50 full-time employees
• Average annual gross receipts not exceeding $5 million for construction businesses, and $3 million for non-construction businesses, for each of the previous three tax years.

For more information visit www.lded.state.la.us

U.S. Small Business Administration 8a Business Development ONLINE Certification Application

http://sba8a.symplicity.com/applicants/guide

SBA 8(a) Business Plan [Form 1010(c)]

http://capitalaccessproject.startsmart.com/f/sba1010c.pdf

Armstrong International Airport Federal DBE Certification Application

http://capitalaccessproject.startsmart.com/f/2_Armstrong_Airport_FEDERAL_DBE_Certification_Application.pdf

RTA DBE Program Description

http://capitalaccessproject.startsmart.com/f/RTA_DBE_1.pdf

Regional Transit Authority DBE Certification Application

http://capitalaccessproject.startsmart.com/f/RTADBEApp.pdf

If you are interested in doing business with state and federal government agencies, we also encourage you to register your business at the following website addresses:

http://www.accesslouisiana.gov (a Directory of Louisiana Businesses)

http://www.state.la.us/osp/osp.htm (Office of State Purchasing)

http://www.dotd.louisiana.gov (Department of Transportation)

www.la-ptac.org (Procurement Technical Assistance Center)

http://www.lambc.org (Louisiana Minority Business Council)

http://www.wbcgulfcoast.org (Women's Business Council)

http://www.sba.gov/8abd/ (SBA 8(a) Business Development)

http://www.ccr.gov (CCR(Central Contract Registration)

http://www.fedbizopps.gov (FedBizOpps)

http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/ (U.S.Army Corp of Engineers)

http://www.comcol.la/ (Coalition of Minority Contractors of Louisiana)

The following sample business plans are provided as starting points to create your own business plan. These and other sample plans are available through Palo Alto Software, Inc. For other samples or information about Palo Alto Products visit www.bplans.com.

Restaurant Business Plan

Catering Business Plan

Sports Bar Business Plan

Record Company Business Plan

Construction Company Business Plan

Cleaning Service Business Plan

Consulting Company Business Plan

Manufacturing Company Business Plan

Lawncare Business Plan

Wedding Planning Business Plan

Day Care Center Business Plan

Beauty Salon & Spa Business Plan

Event Planning Business Plan

Retail Clothing Business Plan

Student Center Click on the links under Student at the left to access feature-related activities. Section Resources Section Resources include Section Summaries and Reading Organizers. To access the Section Resources, select a chapter from the chapter pull-down menu at the left, then select a section from the section pull-down menu. Textbook Resources Click an item at the left under the heading Textbook Resources to access business plan project resources, including the Business Plan Project Template and links to sample business plans and business plan resources.

Today is the first day of Black History Month. How are you going to take advantage of the time to promote your business?

Will you be attending any special events? Will you do any mailings highlighting Black accomplishments? Are you offering any discounts, coupons or "specials" for your customers or client base with a Black History theme? Will you be networking with other Black business owners and consumers in your area?

Don't let McDonald's and other fast-food establishments get all the benefits of promoting Black History Month. Take it upon yourself to find ways to express yourself as a Black business owner and share your who you are and what you do with the world. As James Brown proclaimed, "Say it Loud �. ".

http://kansassmallbizpromotions.com/black.htm