Testify about Excessive Federal Regulatory Enforcement -
SBA Hosts Hearing for Small Business Owners

SBA National Ombudsman Nicholas Owens, members of the Region IX Regulatory Fairness Board and representatives of Federal regulatory agencies will hear concerns, comments and complaints about federal regulatory enforcement and compliance . Small business owners, representatives of community organizations and trade associations, and business leaders are invited to testify about compliance and enforcement of regulations by any Federal agency.

To create a more cooperative regulatory environment among federal agencies and small businesses, Congress has directed the SBA National Ombudsman to hold Regulatory Fairness Hearings across the United States. Concerns and complaints aired at this hearing will be directed to the appropriate Federal regulatory agency for a high-level review.  If any small business, non-profit organization, or small government entity believe they have experienced unfair Federal regulatory enforcement or compliance actions they may submit their comments to our office and at hearing.  The National Ombudsman requests the particular Federal agency to conduct a high-level review of the specific issues and respond to our office within a specified time period.  In many instances the Federal agency has reduced or waived particular penalties and/or compliance actions.  At a minimum, the agencies conduct a review of the enforcement action to ensure fairness.


The Small Business Administration offers a variety of classes for business owners in our Entrepreneur Center, located at 455 Market St., 6th Floor in downtown San Francisco.

To register for classes, go to http://www.acteva.com/go/sba

Food Safety Certification - Golden Gate Restaurant Association (en Espanol)
10/6
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
California Assembly Bill 1978 requires that specified food facilities employ at least one person who has successfully passed a California State approved and accredited food safety certification exam. As of January 1, 2000, certification is mandatory and re-certification is required every three (3) years. Registration and information is available at www.ggra.org <http://www.ggra.org> This class will be conducted in Spanish.

Restaurant Series: Checklist for Starting a Restaurant
10/6
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
We’ll discuss the specifics of opening and running a successful restaurant. Topics will include business plans, food and beverage vendors, market research, location, pricing strategies and operating plans. $30 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Importación y Exportación a Mercados Emergentes
10/7
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Aprenda los recursos disponibles desde su computadora para investigar mercados internacionales, especialmente Latino América y México. Escuche a expertos en comercio internacional, aprende el uso de la computadora en su investigación, y del programa de comercio internacional de SBA. En Español. Gratis.

How to Build a Fearless Brand:   How Your Brand Can Help You Sell
10/7
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
This highly interactive workshop gives you new tools that will teach you sell (and market) more effectively.  You will learn new ways to differentiate your business from the competition; your business’s strengths and unique  value (that you might be overlooking); identify your ideal clients and learn what they really need; segment your market to make prospecting and selling more efficient; create a powerful selling message that speaks to the head and the heart. You will learn how you to strengthen your value proposition – and leverage your brand to help you sell. 

Unleashing Mastery Performance in Small Business
10/8
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What Level is your business performance? The majority of business owners are surviving, few are thriving, and even less are flourishing. At some level we are all challenged by issues, fears, and concerns about limited time, people, and money. You will leave with powerful “Mastery” practices and distinctions that allow you to start to create audacious missions, visions, values, and goals that propel you into explosive action; detect and remove the habitual thinking patterns that create limiting doubt and fear; attract people with skills, resources and money who can accelerate your business ventures; complete more projects with less effort and in shortened time frames; cause self, colleagues and customers, to experience the WOW factor.

Government Subcontracting
10/9
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This class is for prime contractors who are managing subcontracts and for subcontractors who are working with primes or managing other subcontractors. Discussion includes obtaining consent to subcontract, project management and controls, subcontract administration, marketing to prime contractors, common errors, and payment issues from the perspective of both primes and subs. Presented by the Federal Technology Center in conjunction with the SF SBDC. Register for free at www.theftc.org <http://www.theftc.org/>

Basic Bookkeeping, Part Two
10/9
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Designed for entrepreneurs intimidated by financial records, this course will cover balance sheets, incomes statements, cash flow and working capital. Participants should have completed Basic Bookkeeping, Part One, or be familiar with the concepts covered in that seminar. $30 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Making Personal PR Work For You
10/9
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Why do some employers show favoritism to certain employees? Why does a potential client choose one contractor over another who offers the same services? The answer is personal PR: the art of positive influence and interactions. This workshop will teach you how to unleash and utilize your personal PR powers to instantaneously establish connections and build long lasting relationships that will benefit your career. Highly recommended for those in the entertainment industry.

Marketing:  Building Awareness and Driving Sales
10/14
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Understand the fundamentals of marketing strategy (the four Ps; price, product, promotion and physical distribution) and how good market planning can have a meaningful impact on your business.  Learn how to develop a cost effective marketing plan, how to execute the plan, and measure its effectiveness.  $35 advance or $40 at the door.  For information, contact SCORE at (415) 744-6827, register at www.acteva.com/go/sfscore < file://www.acteva.com/go/sfscore >

Marketing Research - Discover Your Niche
10/14
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
As a startup business owner, you can market your business more effectively the more you know about the customer you are targeting. Topics include finding the customer’s key characteristics, understanding why they would buy, and determining your competitive advantage.

Secrets to Buying a Business or Franchise
10/14
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Jump-start your self-employment dream.  Get the advantage of owning a franchise or existing business.  Learn how to begin, how much they cost and when you have found the right business for you!   $20 registration fee. For information, contact SCORE at (415) 744-6827, register at www.acteva.com/go/sfscore < http://www.acteva.com/go/sfscore >

State Wage, Hour and Payroll Tax Seminar
10/15
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Jointly conduced by the Employment Development Department and the California state Department of Labor Standards Enforcement, this class will cover California recordkeeping and reporting requirements including employer obligations and payment requirements; common wage and hour laws; employer and employee rights and responsibilities; and the basics of how to distinguish between an employee and an independent contractor.  More information at (866) 873-6083, register at www.edd.ca.gov/taxsem < http://www.edd.ca.gov/taxsem >

Network and Nosh Roundtable
10/16
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Build connections for your business and meet other entrepreneurs: (byo brown bag).  Moderated by ElGraph Design Group, Inc. Co-sponsored by SFSU College of Business

Basic Bookkeeping, Part Three
10/16
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Learn how to find out where all your cash has gone and how to forecast how much cash you will have in the bank. Topics include developing a budget, statement of cash flow analysis, and developing a cash forecast. Participants should have complete Basic Bookkeeping Part I or be familiar with the concepts covered in that seminar.  $30 registration fee.  Presented by the SF SBDC.

Using Mobile Technology to Empower Your Workforce
10/16
 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Mobile workforces are no longer a differentiator for small businesses – they are a requirement. This brand new class will help you navigate the mobility revolution. You will learn: how to use the right laptop; how to use smart phones and PDA’s in your business; how to use VOIP and unified messaging to compete with large enterprises; how to set-up remote access to your company network; simple but secure ways to share data on the Internet; using portals to collaborate with staff, customer and suppliers, and much more. Registration is $30 online, $35 at the door. Presented by SBDC