Government Business Grants for Women – Learn what Opportunities Exist Through Government-Grant.biz - PR-USA.net

2012 ? Government-Grant.biz is a special site dedicated to those who are interested in taking advantage of the seemingly limitless number of grants available through the US government and private sponsors. The site gives information and advice regarding the step-by-step grant process and what to expect. When it comes to various types of government business grants for women, Government-Grant.biz explains the different opportunities that abound for women in business, and those seeking to improve their respective careers.

There is no denying the fact that historically, women have suffered from a distinct disadvantage when it comes to business and trade. Fortunately, times have changed, and women now have more opportunities to expand their careers and business paths than ever before. Women are actually encouraged nowadays to delve into business and enhance their natural abilities by going into a career that is right for them.

Government-Grant.biz is one site that is a source of valuable information for women wanting to attain government business grants. The site knows that there are plenty of opportunities for women in business ? if they know where to look. As such, Government-Grant.biz gives a bevy of recommendations and advice about the entire grant application system in the country.

Government-Grant.biz attests that there are indeed government business grants for women ? but not in the form they might expect. The federal government gives grants that come in the form of occupational-specific awards which cover extended research ventures, technology design, and agriculture. However, there are grants for women in business that come from family foundations, national foundations, and corporate foundational entities. There are also community-level, private foundation grants for women who demonstrate leadership and exceptional accomplishments. One example of this is the Ann Bancroft foundation, which awards grants for women in business.

It is clear that although there is no specific form of small business grant for women through the federal government, women still have plenty of opportunities to expand their careers and delve into different industries. Thanks to Government-Grant.biz, women have a better idea of where to go and what to expect in order to attain business success.

If you?d like more information about government business grants for women, visit http://www.government-grant.biz/women-business-grants/

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Harper Government Connects Western Canadian Businesses With Shipbuilding Opportunities

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire -05/23/12)- Today the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver and Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and for Western Economic Diversification, opened the Western Canadian Shipbuilding Summit, outlining the Harper Government's continuing support for Western Canada's shipbuilding industry.

"Our Government's first priority is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said Minister Yelich. "Today's event, which is part of Western Canada's Shipbuilding Action Plan, is just one of the many ways we are connecting small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with new business opportunities."

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and Seaspan Marine Corporation partnered to host this event, which allowed western Canadian SMEs to learn about the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and the business opportunities available to the West, and to Canada.

The summit allowed nearly 600 business representatives from the West and all across Canada to establish valuable business connections in the shipbuilding industry and to connect with Seaspan Marine Corporation and Irving Shipbuilding, the prime contractors under NSPS.

"Seaspan is proud to partner with WD on this event," said Brian Carter, President - Seaspan Shipyards. "Moving ahead we look forward to building relationships with the supplier community and working with WD and other government departments and agencies across Canada in engaging with potential suppliers and other stakeholders."

"Today, we have more than 30 companies from Western Canada supplying Irving Shipbuilding," said Jim Irving, CEO of Irving Shipbuilding Inc. "Information sessions like today's event help educate businesses on a range of issues, including the requirements for becoming a supplier to Irving Shipbuilding. Furthermore, these sessions have enabled Irving to source new business contacts and identify the first steps for industry to prepare for future opportunities."

The summit marks another important step in the implementation of Western Canada's Shipbuilding Action Plan. The Action Plan was highlighted in Economic Action Plan 2012 and will support western businesses in taking advantage of opportunities presented by the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy

Western Economic Diversification Canada works to create jobs and economic growth in the western Canadian economy. By promoting new economic opportunities, WD is securing a more diverse and prosperous future for the West while advancing Western interests at the national level.

For Broadcast Use:

Western Canada's shipbuilding industry was in the spotlight today at the Western Canadian Shipbuilding Summit. The event was co-hosted by Western Economic Diversification Canada and Seaspan Marine Corporation and allowed nearly 600 business representatives the opportunity to connect with companies such as Irving Shipbuilding and Seaspan Marine Corporation to discuss key business opportunities.

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A stronger West. A stronger Canada

Backgrounder

Western Canadian Shipbuilding Summit

The Western Canadian Shipbuilding Summit, hosted by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and Seaspan Marine Corporation on May 23, 2012 in Vancouver, brings together small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with key stakeholders of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).

The summit provides western Canadian SMEs the opportunity to connect with key shipbuilding players, while allowing a sharing of information on key elements of the NSPS and the opportunities it presents for Western Canada's shipbuilding industry. The summit includes presentations by Seaspan Marine Corporation, Irving Shipbuilding, WD, NSPS Secretariat, the Shipbuilding Association of Canada, Industry Canada, Lloyds Registry of Canada, among others, and concludes with a networking reception.

This event marks an important step in the implementation of the Harper Government's 30-year, $33 billion National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. Economic Action Plan 2012 highlighted Western Canada's Shipbuilding Action Plan, which will support western businesses in taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the Strategy.

Summit Participants at a Glance

The nearly 600 participants representing approximately 360 businesses (including about 320 that have offices or are based in western Canada) at the Summit offer a wide range of expertise and services that will be required under the shipbuilding strategy, including:

 -- Design-- Integration technology-- Parts supply-- Fabrication-- Machining-- Coatings-- Safety products-- Electronics

What is Western Canada's Shipbuilding Action Plan?

Western Canada's Shipbuilding Action Plan was launched in February 2012 and is a concrete step towards making Western Canada's shipbuilding industry internationally competitive and sustainable.

As outlined in Economic Action Plan 2012, Western Canada's Shipbuilding Action Plan will:

 -- Ensure that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have all the information they need to take advantage of opportunities arising from the building of federal ships;-- Promote the active participation of small- and medium-sized businesses in the supply chains that will result from the building of the ships;-- Create economic growth and highly-skilled jobs throughout the region.

Over the coming months and years, WD will undertake a number of activities to support business, including:

 -- Shipbuilding Bootcamps - WD will host Shipbuilding Bootcamps across Western Canada to help businesses navigate federal procurement processes and prepare them to take advantage of these new opportunities.-- Supplier Development Tours - WD will lead tours that showcase Western Canada's shipbuilding capabilities and link western businesses to key decision makers.-- Investment - WD has invested over $1 million to support the training of highly skilled workers in British Columbia. The Department will continue to examine opportunities for investment that will further develop and grow Western Canada's shipbuilding industry.-- Advocacy - WD will act as the champion for Western Canada's shipbuilding industry, promoting its strengths ensuring its long-term competitiveness.

Businesses or individuals can register on the WD website (www.wd-deo.gc.ca) to receive updated information related to WD shipbuilding activities.

More on the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy:

The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy's selection of the two shipyards represents the largest procurement sourcing arrangement in Canadian history. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. has been selected to build the combat vessel work package, and Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd. has been selected to build the non-combat vessel work package. The Strategy is expected to create thousands of high-value jobs across the country and will have significant economic benefits in shipbuilding and related industries across Canada. The total value of both packages is $33 billion and will span 20 to 30 years.

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An Investment From the Government of Canada Creates Opportunities for the Use of Agricultural Biomass

SAINT-ALEXIS-DE-MONTCALM, QUEBEC--(Marketwire -02/27/12)- Thanks to an investment by the Canadian government, Canadian producers will have access to new business opportunities for agricultural biomass. Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced an investment of up to $126,400 in Biofour Inc., through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), to test an incinerator for agricultural biomass combustion.

"This project offers producers new opportunities and will generate positive economic benefits while reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and the contamination of the water table and soil," said Minister Paradis. "The marketing of this technology in other industries could generate an interesting diversification of the sector. The green economy is creating jobs and shows promise for the entire country."

Biofour Inc. will use this investment to test a boiler incinerator that burns biomasses other than those derived from forest products. The goal is to verify its effectiveness and its economic value in the sector's daily applications. This trial will attempt to evaluate the energy potential of various biomasses. The project will supply a poultry house and will allow for use of the incinerator in a heating network supplied by crop residues and poultry litter.

This project will have a positive impact on the agricultural sector by giving producers new ways to profit from agricultural residues, either by marketing their raw materials in organized markets or by acquiring an oven and reclaiming the residues.

"These funds will help support our efforts to develop technologies that add value to agricultural and agri-food residual materials," said Marilou Cyr, Director of Marketing, Communications and Business Development at Biofour Inc. "Our goal is to provide an alternative heating and residue management solution for Canadian agricultural and agri-food businesses, thus helping to simultaneously reduce production costs and greenhouse gas emissions."

CAAP is a five-year program (2009-14). It has a budget of $163 million and aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive. The measures included in the next phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan, combined with other Government of Canada programs and initiatives, such as CAAP, will continue to help farmers by emphasizing job creation and strengthening the economy. The investments in new business opportunities will help to further reinforce Canada's agricultural sector and economy for the future.

For further information about CAAP, please visit the following website: www.agr.gc.ca/caap.

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Onvia Reveals Two New Innovative Government Business Intelligence Tools Giving Companies More Opportunity to Win in the Competitive Government Market - ThomasNet Industrial News Room

Search Tool gives access to government procurement database. - ThomasNet Industrial News Room

Seattle-based Company Launches New Database Search Tool 'Onvia Navigator' and Shows Solid First-Quarter Results

SEATTLE, May 4 / -- In groundbreaking news for companies nationwide wishing to bolster their sales to government, clients of Onvia (NASDAQ:ONVI) can now direct their own research using Onvia Dominion(TM), Onvia's unparalleled government business sales intelligence database, in tandem with Onvia Navigator, the Seattle-based company's new, state-of-the art search tool. The move by Onvia to make its entire proprietary database -- consisting of millions of government procurement records gathered over five years -- directly searchable, customizable, and readily accessible with a cutting-edge search tool comes as welcome news to the company's 16,400 clients.

Onvia Dominion, a "gold mine" of qualified government contracting intelligence and hard-to-find historical data, is recognized by companies throughout the U.S. as the industry's leading government procurement database. The proprietary, ever-expanding database currently contains over 2.7 million categorized and linked procurement records, across 71,000 purchasing offices, representing 292,000 buyers, and connecting more than 181,000 companies. The breadth and depth of government contracting opportunities and intelligence, contact information, and logistical details for current and historical purchases within the Onvia Dominion database is unequalled - even within government itself. Onvia's reputation for providing cohesive, critical government business intelligence continues to grow, as companies see bottom- line success through researching competitors, exploring new or emerging markets, working to identify potential partners, or building sales pipelines for renewing annual contracts.

The millions of records within the Onvia Dominion database now are directly searchable online through Onvia Navigator, Onvia's new search tool which went live on April 3rd of this year. Onvia Navigator allows user-driven access to Onvia Dominion; it enables users to focus their research by rapidly drilling down into search results, and narrowing their research by groups such as industry, procurement type, contract location, agency, and contract value. Unlimited access to the database allows clients to find information critical to making business decisions that would otherwise be difficult-to-impossible to access without an extensive network of business contacts, a historical archive of government purchasing transactions, and a substantial investment of time and resources.

Prior to Onvia Dominion, companies often were simply unable to find the difficult-to-locate opportunities and necessary strategic intelligence they were seeking. When they were able to locate these opportunities, companies had to meticulously build, archive and sift through government contract information themselves -- missing out on countless opportunities, limiting their scope, and often locating opportunities too late and wasting precious hours of research time in the process.

Businesses nationwide have been quick to reap the rewards offered by Onvia Dominion and Onvia Navigator, such as Dunn Lumber, a Seattle-based, family- owned building materials chain founded in 1907.

"In under one year since subscribing to Onvia, we've increased our government contracts-related business using intelligence from the Dominion Database from $100,000 annually to nearly $3 million," according to Kelly Fox, Dunn Lumber's Store Manager. "In such a short timeframe we've won sizable government contracts and dozens of smaller contracts, as well.

"The Dominion Database and Onvia Navigator have added up to the solution we needed to proactively find the important intelligence we needed and secure contracts," Fox added. "In particular, Onvia Navigator is user-friendly, and it easily lets us customize and tailor our searches of Onvia's database for the many pieces of information we need, such as really solid leads, contact information, and contracts awarded annually. It's also definitely trimmed down on the amount of hours we spend researching; what used to take us 20 hours now takes us only three. We have so much more time now for other areas of our business, such as store management and personnel issues."

The Onvia Navigator search solution is the most recent in a host of user solutions that optimize the valuable intelligence that makes up the Dominion Database. In addition to Onvia Navigator, for example, clients also may easily research owners, buyers, vendors, and project histories for specific government procurement opportunities through Onvia Business Builder. Additionally, the popular Onvia Guide delivers leads and other important procurement data from thousands of federal, state, local and education agencies daily.

"There are literally millions of pieces of valuable data in the Onvia Dominion database that can translate into concrete government contracts for U.S. businesses," noted Onvia CEO Mike Pickett. "There's a reason so many businesses today are teaming with Onvia. What we're doing is different from any other company in the industry. We're offering a way for companies to 'mine' this incredibly large database of government procurement opportunities, which gives them an enormous advantage. They can now very easily tailor their searches for qualified leads, contract information, valuable business-to- business opportunities, even research their competitors -- and save an impressive amount of time in the process. All told, we're offering hundreds of millions of dollars in government contract opportunities for businesses today through our Onvia Dominion database. And that number is just waiting to be capitalized on by our clients."

On the financial front, Onvia has reported first-quarter results and metrics, showing 12 percent growth in annual contract value growth and 7 percent in revenue over the prior year. "Our results clearly reflect that Onvia recognized an unserved market need, and we are strategically tackling that opportunity," according to Pickett. "Companies nationwide were demanding more organized access to all of the government procurement intelligence and opportunities that exist today, and Onvia has been able to provide the solutions they've needed, plain and simple. Our results this quarter are a solid reflection of this dynamic."

About Onvia

Onvia (NASDAQ:ONVI) helps companies identify and win government business across such diverse markets as architecture, engineering, construction, IT/telecom, consulting services, operations and maintenance, office equipment, transportation and medical equipment. More than 16,600 Onvia clients across the United States enjoy significant competitive advantage through access to Onvia's Dominion(TM) database, the most comprehensive source of actionable government procurement intelligence available. With ever-expanding coverage of more than 71,000 federal, state and local purchasing entities, Onvia delivers timely, in-depth information and insight on requests for proposals and quotes, agencies, decision-makers, vendors and project histories to help companies focus their sales resources on the best opportunities and convert them into awards. Onvia was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

CONTACT: Jen Beltz of Infotech Strategies, +1-207-899-2750, jbeltz@itstrategies.com

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An Investment From the Government of Canada Creates Opportunities for the Use of Agricultural Biomass - Yahoo Finance

SAINT-ALEXIS-DE-MONTCALM, QUEBEC--(Marketwire -02/27/12)- Thanks to an investment by the Canadian government, Canadian producers will have access to new business opportunities for agricultural biomass. Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced an investment of up to $126,400 in Biofour Inc., through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), to test an incinerator for agricultural biomass combustion.

"This project offers producers new opportunities and will generate positive economic benefits while reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and the contamination of the water table and soil," said Minister Paradis. "The marketing of this technology in other industries could generate an interesting diversification of the sector. The green economy is creating jobs and shows promise for the entire country."

Biofour Inc. will use this investment to test a boiler incinerator that burns biomasses other than those derived from forest products. The goal is to verify its effectiveness and its economic value in the sector's daily applications. This trial will attempt to evaluate the energy potential of various biomasses. The project will supply a poultry house and will allow for use of the incinerator in a heating network supplied by crop residues and poultry litter.

This project will have a positive impact on the agricultural sector by giving producers new ways to profit from agricultural residues, either by marketing their raw materials in organized markets or by acquiring an oven and reclaiming the residues.

"These funds will help support our efforts to develop technologies that add value to agricultural and agri-food residual materials," said Marilou Cyr, Director of Marketing, Communications and Business Development at Biofour Inc. "Our goal is to provide an alternative heating and residue management solution for Canadian agricultural and agri-food businesses, thus helping to simultaneously reduce production costs and greenhouse gas emissions."

CAAP is a five-year program (2009-14). It has a budget of $163 million and aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive. The measures included in the next phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan, combined with other Government of Canada programs and initiatives, such as CAAP, will continue to help farmers by emphasizing job creation and strengthening the economy. The investments in new business opportunities will help to further reinforce Canada's agricultural sector and economy for the future.

For further information about CAAP, please visit the following website: www.agr.gc.ca/caap.

View the original article here

An Investment From the Government of Canada Creates Opportunities for the Use of Agricultural Biomass - Market Wire

SAINT-ALEXIS-DE-MONTCALM, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Feb. 27, 2012) - Thanks to an investment by the Canadian government, Canadian producers will have access to new business opportunities for agricultural biomass. Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced an investment of up to $126,400 in Biofour Inc., through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), to test an incinerator for agricultural biomass combustion.

"This project offers producers new opportunities and will generate positive economic benefits while reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and the contamination of the water table and soil," said Minister Paradis. "The marketing of this technology in other industries could generate an interesting diversification of the sector. The green economy is creating jobs and shows promise for the entire country."

Biofour Inc. will use this investment to test a boiler incinerator that burns biomasses other than those derived from forest products. The goal is to verify its effectiveness and its economic value in the sector's daily applications. This trial will attempt to evaluate the energy potential of various biomasses. The project will supply a poultry house and will allow for use of the incinerator in a heating network supplied by crop residues and poultry litter.

This project will have a positive impact on the agricultural sector by giving producers new ways to profit from agricultural residues, either by marketing their raw materials in organized markets or by acquiring an oven and reclaiming the residues.

"These funds will help support our efforts to develop technologies that add value to agricultural and agri-food residual materials," said Marilou Cyr, Director of Marketing, Communications and Business Development at Biofour Inc. "Our goal is to provide an alternative heating and residue management solution for Canadian agricultural and agri-food businesses, thus helping to simultaneously reduce production costs and greenhouse gas emissions."

CAAP is a five-year program (2009-14). It has a budget of $163 million and aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive. The measures included in the next phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan, combined with other Government of Canada programs and initiatives, such as CAAP, will continue to help farmers by emphasizing job creation and strengthening the economy. The investments in new business opportunities will help to further reinforce Canada's agricultural sector and economy for the future.

For further information about CAAP, please visit the following website: www.agr.gc.ca/caap.

View the original article here

An Investment From the Government of Canada Creates Opportunities for the Use of Agricultural Biomass

SAINT-ALEXIS-DE-MONTCALM, QUEBEC--(Marketwire -02/27/12)- Thanks to an investment by the Canadian government, Canadian producers will have access to new business opportunities for agricultural biomass. Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced an investment of up to $126,400 in Biofour Inc., through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), to test an incinerator for agricultural biomass combustion.

"This project offers producers new opportunities and will generate positive economic benefits while reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and the contamination of the water table and soil," said Minister Paradis. "The marketing of this technology in other industries could generate an interesting diversification of the sector. The green economy is creating jobs and shows promise for the entire country."

Biofour Inc. will use this investment to test a boiler incinerator that burns biomasses other than those derived from forest products. The goal is to verify its effectiveness and its economic value in the sector's daily applications. This trial will attempt to evaluate the energy potential of various biomasses. The project will supply a poultry house and will allow for use of the incinerator in a heating network supplied by crop residues and poultry litter.

This project will have a positive impact on the agricultural sector by giving producers new ways to profit from agricultural residues, either by marketing their raw materials in organized markets or by acquiring an oven and reclaiming the residues.

"These funds will help support our efforts to develop technologies that add value to agricultural and agri-food residual materials," said Marilou Cyr, Director of Marketing, Communications and Business Development at Biofour Inc. "Our goal is to provide an alternative heating and residue management solution for Canadian agricultural and agri-food businesses, thus helping to simultaneously reduce production costs and greenhouse gas emissions."

CAAP is a five-year program (2009-14). It has a budget of $163 million and aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive. The measures included in the next phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan, combined with other Government of Canada programs and initiatives, such as CAAP, will continue to help farmers by emphasizing job creation and strengthening the economy. The investments in new business opportunities will help to further reinforce Canada's agricultural sector and economy for the future.

For further information about CAAP, please visit the following website: www.agr.gc.ca/caap.

View the original article here

Government purchases: A good market for Maine small business - Bangor Daily News

As our nation and state work to move out of a recession, many businesses are identifying new markets for goods and services.

We live in a global marketplace, with opportunities to sell goods, products and services to China, India, Eastern Europe and other expanding markets. However, in order to really compete in that arena there needs to be knowledge of exporting systems, tariffs and an awareness of distinct cultural differences. Instead, Maine businesses should consider the real, immediate opportunities on our own shores with one of the country’s largest consumers — the U.S. government.

Based on the most recent data from www.fedspending.org, fiscal year 2010 provided federal contracts nationwide in excess of $500 billion. In Maine, federal contract obligations were in excess of $1.6 billion to more than 700 contractors. Approximately 20 percent of those were awarded as the result of full and open competition, meaning that our Maine businesses were competing with the rest of the country and winning.

Further, federal contract obligations in excess of $1.3 billion were awarded to more than 300 Maine contractors who work on projects in our state and across the country. Twelve percent were awarded as the result of full and open competition — proof that this market provides opportunity for Maine businesses to diversify their market base and provides opportunities for growth and additional awards.

So, how does a business learn about the government marketplace? How do you find out what’s being asked for and how are bids and proposals developed?

Fortunately, Maine is part of a nationwide network of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, or PTACs. The statewide Maine PTAC program is financially supported by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, the U.S Department of Defense and Eastern Maine Development Corporation. The program currently has offices and experienced counselors located in Augusta, Saco, Bath, Portland and Bangor. Maine PTAC also works in partnership with Androscoggin Council of Governments in Auburn and Northern Maine Development Corporation in Caribou.

The PTAC counselors work with Maine companies interested in selling products and services to local, state or federal government agencies, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. PTAC services are provided to a wide range of businesses, from professional service providers like architectural and engineering firms to manufacturers and suppliers.

In 2010, Maine PTAC worked with more than 600 Maine-based businesses. In turn, these businesses reported sales in excess of $194.8 million in goods and services from government awards. A total of $81.2 million of those reported awards came from subcontracts.

Who are the businesses successfully working with the government? Meet just a few …

Maine Rebar Services Inc. of Windham is a woman-owned small business with more than 15 years of experience specializing in quality placement of concrete reinforcing steel for the building of bridges, highways and other structures. Its superb track record of having participated in the construction of major projects throughout New England has earned it an excellent reputation as a safe, competent and experienced rebar installer. The result has been a steady stream of subcontract awards since 1995.Northeast Civil Solutions Inc. of Scarborough is a service disabled veteran-owned small business that became a PTAC client in 2007. The firm cemented its role as a prime contractor and in June 2010 was awarded its first Coast Guard contract and has subsequently begun receiving delivery orders under that contract. In late 2009, NCS was approached by a national engineering firm to work with them on a sizable surveying and engineering contract at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, for which Cianbro was the prime contractor.OTT Communications of Bangor is a premier voice and data telecommunications provider, operating throughout New England. As a result of the Maine PTAC bid match service system, OTT Communications experienced success in being awarded state and local government contracts such as providing voice and data communications services to the Maine State Legislature for a five-year period.

The PTAC story doesn’t end with a government contract award. EMDC, through its nationally recognized model of integrating business development with work force development, now works with successful businesses to connect them with employees who have the skills necessary to help their businesses grow. These are examples of building relationships with Maine’s business community to help them expand markets and for people to get jobs with businesses that are growing.

Maine PTAC is providing real results for Maine businesses looking to grow. Their partnership with organizations like EMDC, ACG and NMDC provides another level of service that goes beyond securing a single project. It’s about a network. It’s about relationships. It’s about working together to make Maine the best it can be.

To learn more about Maine PTAC, go to www.maineptac.org and check out Maine PTAC’s free online workshop, “Introduction to Government Contracting.” In the coming weeks, Maine PTAC is offering two opportunities for area businesses to learn more about government contracting, on Monday, Feb. 27, in Dover-Foxcroft and Thursday, March 8, in Bangor. For information on times and locations or to register to attend one of these sessions, go to the Events Calendar on the Maine PTAC website.

Michael W. Aube is president of Eastern Maine Development Corporation in Bangor. He is a past commissioner of Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development and former state director of Maine USDA Rural Development.

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Business quality certification encouraged by government

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech during his visit to St Anthony Woodworks.Quality certification could increase international business opportunities for local enterprises and the new Quality scheme could allow businesses to be refunded for expenses incurred after investing in certification.

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech today launched the new scheme which is EU funded and could allow small and medium enterprises to invest and expand.

“The initiative created by the government and the Malta Enterprise aims to provide incentives for businesses to expand, improve, create employment opportunities and contribute to strengthening economic stability,” Fenech said.

Fenech explained that this would allow local enterprises to equally compete on an international level to export local products.

Visiting St Anthony Woodworks in Mosta, one of the enterprises to benefit from the government scheme, Fenech said the company proved how beneficial the scheme could be.

“Upon entering the EU, the furniture manufacturing industry was expected to be at greatest risk due to the increased availability of international furniture. St Anthony Woodworks contradicted this and invested, using the ERDF scheme, to expand, successfully improve its efficiency and product,” Fenech said.

Chairman of the Malta Enterprise Alan Camilleri said that through the Quality programme, enterprises could benefit from a 150% deduction from taxable income of the value of their approved investment.

“This means business owners can be refunded up to half of the amount invested in the enterprise. The scheme is not only available for the manufacturing sector and different certificates are available,” Camilleri said.

The scheme is also applicable for those companies who want a license to franchise and those exercising due diligence to get the license to participate in a particular market.

The ME chairman also said that advisory services would also be provided by Malta Enterprise which would allocate consultants to different companies.

The eligible costs of up to €20,000 include consultancy and training expenses, and costs of auditing or verification of certification.

Among others, companies can be eligible for Quality assistance when gaining certifications and quality marks such as ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, MS1500:2004, Hazard Analysis Critical and Control Point (HACCP), BSI Kitemark and the CE Mark.

St Anthony Woodworks is one of the local companies which has already taken the initiative and achieved the ISO 9001:2008 quality certification after implementing several procedures for quality administration.

The company’s accounts and administration executive, Brian Zammit said: “Our products are all for the local market and although we were faced with challenges when entering the EU, the Malta Enterprise ERDF grant scheme has improved our services and efficiency.”

With every new machine purchased for the company, Zammit said in-house training was provided for different persons to operate each machine.

Zammit added that the company was MSA certified for quality management and while it was not easy to achieve, the investment and certification improved their business opportunities.

To date, 570 business owners have collectively benefited from €35 million provided by industry aid schemes co-financed by the EU funds for regional development and almost €80 million has been invested by owners for new projects. 

View the original article here

Business quality certification encouraged by government

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech during his visit to St Anthony Woodworks.Quality certification could increase international business opportunities for local enterprises and the new Quality scheme could allow businesses to be refunded for expenses incurred after investing in certification.

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech today launched the new scheme which is EU funded and could allow small and medium enterprises to invest and expand.

“The initiative created by the government and the Malta Enterprise aims to provide incentives for businesses to expand, improve, create employment opportunities and contribute to strengthening economic stability,” Fenech said.

Fenech explained that this would allow local enterprises to equally compete on an international level to export local products.

Visiting St Anthony Woodworks in Mosta, one of the enterprises to benefit from the government scheme, Fenech said the company proved how beneficial the scheme could be.

“Upon entering the EU, the furniture manufacturing industry was expected to be at greatest risk due to the increased availability of international furniture. St Anthony Woodworks contradicted this and invested, using the ERDF scheme, to expand, successfully improve its efficiency and product,” Fenech said.

Chairman of the Malta Enterprise Alan Camilleri said that through the Quality programme, enterprises could benefit from a 150% deduction from taxable income of the value of their approved investment.

“This means business owners can be refunded up to half of the amount invested in the enterprise. The scheme is not only available for the manufacturing sector and different certificates are available,” Camilleri said.

The scheme is also applicable for those companies who want a license to franchise and those exercising due diligence to get the license to participate in a particular market.

The ME chairman also said that advisory services would also be provided by Malta Enterprise which would allocate consultants to different companies.

The eligible costs of up to €20,000 include consultancy and training expenses, and costs of auditing or verification of certification.

Among others, companies can be eligible for Quality assistance when gaining certifications and quality marks such as ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, MS1500:2004, Hazard Analysis Critical and Control Point (HACCP), BSI Kitemark and the CE Mark.

St Anthony Woodworks is one of the local companies which has already taken the initiative and achieved the ISO 9001:2008 quality certification after implementing several procedures for quality administration.

The company’s accounts and administration executive, Brian Zammit said: “Our products are all for the local market and although we were faced with challenges when entering the EU, the Malta Enterprise ERDF grant scheme has improved our services and efficiency.”

With every new machine purchased for the company, Zammit said in-house training was provided for different persons to operate each machine.

Zammit added that the company was MSA certified for quality management and while it was not easy to achieve, the investment and certification improved their business opportunities.

To date, 570 business owners have collectively benefited from €35 million provided by industry aid schemes co-financed by the EU funds for regional development and almost €80 million has been invested by owners for new projects. 

View the original article here