The U.S. Small Business Administration has begun posting informational videos on YouTube as it joins an increasing trend within the federal government to use the popular video-sharing web platform to reach a larger audience.
YouTube is a highly popular Web site, especially among younger people. SBA is intent on reaching this audience with its message of entrepreneurship, the importance of small business to the nation’s economy, and information on the agency’s programs and services.
"With millions of visitors, most of them under 35, YouTube offers a prime opportunity to use current technology and the appeal of a popular online platform to further promote the agency’s programs and services," said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. "By expanding its outreach, SBA will be providing more current and potential entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to start, grow and succeed in their businesses."
The SBA YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/sba) debuted with a 60-second introduction to SBA, its programs and services, and a 10-part "Delivering Success" series co-produced with the U.S. Postal Service.
Future content will include a variety of videos with more in-depth information about SBA programs and services to inform current and potential entrepreneurs. Topics will cover how small businesses can take advantage of the Recovery Act loan programs, government contracting opportunities, exporting to increase market share, counseling and training on how to start and grow a small business, and small business success stories.
George Foreman, successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, & former world heavyweight boxing champion will be the special guest speaker at the 10th Annual Rice Alliance Kick-off Celebration Thursday, Sept. 3.
The first 400 registrants will receive a free copy of Foreman’s new book: Knockout Entrepreneurship, My Ten-count Strategy for Winning at Business.
People first knew George Foreman as the two-time Heavyweight Boxing World Champion.
Today, he is best known as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, recognized as the smiling pitchman for the best-selling electrical appliance in history: George Foreman’s Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machines. His portfolio boasts the George Foreman Grill, George Foreman’s Knockout Cleaner, a line of clothing with Casual Male, fitness videos, Elgin watches, and many more. He is a frequent speaker at nationwide events and a New York Times bestselling author. George is also an ordained minister and father of ten.
Foreman, born in Marshall, Texas, had an impoverished childhood, but was saved by the Job Corps, a program for troubled youth. In 1968, he won an Olympic Gold Medal in boxing. He won his first world heavyweight title in 1973 by beating Joe Frazier.
He regained the title in 1994 at age 44, the oldest fighter ever to win the heavyweight crown. By the end of the 1990’s, he was well on his way to a successful business career.
How did Big George go from King of the Ring to King of the Grill? In Knockout Entrepreneur, Foreman shares his success secrets with aspiring and current entrepreneurs.
Come meet Foreman, hear the story of his success, and learn his strategy for winning in business. Foreman will be available after his talk to sign copies of his book.
$45: General Registration is $45 and includes copy of his book. Walk-up Registration – which also includes a copy of his book unless sold out – is $55.
There is no charge for 2009-2010 Rice Alliance Members or current full-time Rice faculty/staff/students
The Environmetnal Protection Agency is awarding $9 million in Recovery Act funds to support the SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program in the Houston-Galveston area.
The Recovery Act grant will spur innovative clean diesel projects that protect air quality and create and retain jobs through an innovative financing program that will promote the purchase of new, cleaner or retrofitted vehicles and equipment at the Port of Houston. The Recovery Act funds will work to reduce premature deaths, asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments, lost work days, and many other health impacts every year.
"Recovery Act dollars will help the Port better protect air quality and the health of nearby communities," said Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. "Investing in clean diesel puts people to work and keeps them working, which helps our economy and our environment."
Overall, the Recovery Act allotted $300 million for the National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC). President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) on February 17, 2009 and directed that the Recovery Act funds be implemented with unprecedented transparency and accountability.
For information: visit: http://www.epa.gov/recovery, and http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel.