Sophisticated International Industry Risk Analysis Now Available through BVR/Business Monitor International Partnership

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Business Valuation Resources (BVR) and Business Monitor International (BMI) are pleased to announce an agreement to deliver country-by-country international industry forecasts through BVR. BMI’s analysts continually update almost 1,100 country reports that cover all major global industries.

“We believe BMI produces the best forecast, competitive analysis, and risk assessment on all major developed, emerging and frontier markets,” said BVR President Lucretia Lyons, announcing the agreement. “Our goal is to make this proprietary research easily available to any analyst or researcher with global clients or business opportunities.” The data is particularly helpful for supporting international cost of capital and risk measurement decisions or conclusions as the basis for investment or valuation activities.

Each regularly updated BMI industry report covers all key global developments influencing company strategy, including country, regional and global supply and demand dynamics. “At its heart are BMI's proprietary 5- and 10-year country forecasts,” said Richard Londesborough, BMI Co-CEO. Closely integrated with country-by-country risk analysis is BMI’s proprietary country-comparative risk-reward Business Environment Rating. “This tool facilitates the critical evaluation of opportunities and operational risks in established, emerging and frontier markets, enabling clients to identify and evaluate global industry investment opportunities,” said Jonathan Feroze, BMI Co-CEO. “Our international industry analysis is completed by our comprehensive portfolio of company profiles that detail the activity and latest financials of all major companies.”

BVR, headquartered in Portland, OR, is the leading provider of data to the business valuation community. BMI, located in London, England, has decades of expertise in the dynamic combination of industry and country risk. BMI’s proprietary forecasting models use multi-linear regression analysis of both industry-specific and macroeconomic variables on a state-by-state basis to produce a 'bottom-up' model of industry prospects in each individual country. Reports are provided by BMI’s team of expert country business analysts.

Typical industries covered for nearly all of the world’s countries include:

For more information, contact BVR at: 503-291-7963 or visit www.bvresources.com/internationalrisk.

About BVR

Every top business valuation firm depends on BVR for authoritative market data, continuing professional education, and expert opinion. Our customers include business appraisers, certified public accountants, M&A professionals, business brokers, lawyers and judges, private equity funds and venture capitalists, owners, and CFOs, among others. For more, please visit www.bvresources.com.

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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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Small Business Executives Learn to Align Capabilities with Navy Missions through Upcoming Contracting Opportunities - Southern Maryland Online

By Mike Welding, NSWC Indian Head Division Public Affairs, and John Joyce, NSWC Dahlgren Division Public Affairs
Lt. Col. James Bachinsky, Joint Staff Comptroller Acquisition Management Branch Chief, briefs more than 250 executives representing over 100 companies at the 20th Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) "Small Business Opportunities Fair and Conference" held at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) Dahlgren campus May 8.
DAHLGREN, Va. -- A capacity crowd of small business executives discovered a myriad of partnering and prospective contracting opportunities at the first joint "Small Business Opportunities Fair and Conference" featuring two Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Divisions at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) Dahlgren campus May 8.

Top NSWC Indian Head Division and NSWC Dahlgren Division leaders representing command, technical, small business and contracts offices shared their knowledge and expertise with businessmen and women interested in becoming a partner or expanding their current partnership with NSWC.

"With the increased emphasis on competition in the current business environment, keeping an eye on small businesses and small business participation is critical," said Kris Parker, NSWCDD Deputy for Small Business. "Events such as this, help us (NSWCDD & NSWCIHD) determine who's out there from a partnering standpoint, and help small businesses determine what efforts are coming up and where they should apply their limited resources."

What's more, the Navy's current and potential small business partners learned precisely how they could align with the capabilities of the two warfare center divisions.

"I am extremely encouraged and optimistic about the future," said Earnest King, Chief Marketing Officer, II Corps Consultants, Inc. "Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of the conference was the open lines of communication and willingness of the small business advocates at both NSWC Dahlgren Division and NSWC Indian Head Division to assist small businesses with insight and forecasted opportunities to evaluate."

King was among approximately 250 executives representing more than 100 companies who enjoyed a series of "firsts" at the event, including:

-- A combined overview of both the NSWC Dahlgren Division and NSWC Indian Head Division Warfare Centers (NSWCIHD).

-- In-depth technical and business overviews presented by command staff from both NSWC Divisions.

-- A new UMW Dahlgren Campus location to allow for easier access and greater participation.

The businessmen and women also networked with professionals from other small businesses, large businesses and academia - furthering their opportunities for teaming and partnerships.

They listened to NSWCIHD Commander Capt. Andrew Buduo and NSWCIHD Technical Director Dennis McLaughlin as well as NSWCDD Commander Capt. Michael Smith and NSWCDD Technical Director Carl Siel present command technical and business overviews geared to helping small and large business executives and entrepreneurs guide their business decisions.

"The warfare centers complement one another," said Smith, pointing out that every Navy warfare center division has its own niche and collaborates closely. "For instance, Dahlgren Division tests products developed at Indian Head."

The event promoted service contract opportunities for small businesses with the Pentagon-based Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Maryland-based NSWC Indian Head Division and Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division as well as NSWC Dahlgren Division, headquartered in Virginia.

"Indian Head is a good place to do business," Buduo said. "Our work is projected to grow over the next several years."

It may seem counterintuitive during a time of declining defense budgets to expect growth, but it has a lot to do with Indian Head Division's mission beyond service contracts, explained McLaughlin.

"Developing energetics weapons systems is a very unique business," he added. "For instance, we are the only site that conducts substantive work in all phases of weapon energetics."

Chiefs of Contracts from NSWCDD and NSWCIHD - Pat Canciglia and Penny Kennedy respectively - provided procurement forecasts and explained how they handle changes in the procurement environment while focusing on small business.

"We are looking at our initiatives to improve our small business contracting," Kennedy said. "This is one reason we are doing things like industry days, to reach out to small businesses and educate them about what we do."

Both warfare centers partner with industry to bring innovative solutions and performance improvements to the warfighter at a reduced cost.

"NSWC Dahlgren is recognized for its leadership in systems integration," said Siel. "We rely on you to augment that leadership. The complex systems we develop and support require quick and ready access to new technology and unique skills in order to meet the needs of our warfighters. Sometimes the response time can be very short. Readiness is everything."

The capabilities of small businesses to provide rapid and cost-effective technological solutions are considered an invaluable resource by the event's leaders faced with challenges associated with reducing total ownership costs across the Navy.

"Without question, budget constraints are having an impact," said Smith. "But we continue to deliver critical technology and products and are recognized for our leadership in surface warfare and systems engineering."

NSWC Indian Head is planning to have another industry outreach day in January, 2013, one that will focus on the command's 144 technical areas. "We expect an uptick in work due to our unique technical capabilities," said McLaughlin. "Our manufacturing workload is already increasing and may offer an opportunity for contractor surge support."

The warfare centers' parent command, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), has also embarked on a larger initiative to promote competition on contracts. According to NAVSEA's Head of Contracts, Jerry Punderson, NAVSEA contract work totaled $36 billion last year, with much of it going to single competitive bid contracts.

NAVSEA wants to reduce the number of single competitive bid contracts for several reasons, particularly to improve buying power.

"From a total ownership cost perspective, hosting the event at the University of Mary Washington allowed Dahlgren to realize a savings of approximately $15,000," said Parker.

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Franchise My Business How to grow your business through franchising

If you have ever asked the question, how can i franchise my business? Then Synergy Franchise Soltions can help you to set up and operate your franchise business. Synergy have years of experience in franchising and have enable many companies to ejoy the opportunities that franching their businesses offers. Franchise my business advice is readily available and we offer a bespoke franchising service. So if you want advice about franchising a business contact www.franchisemybusiness.org.uk for more information

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Research and Markets: Gamification 2012 - 2017: Opportunities and Market Outlook for Next Generation Brand/Product Advertising through Embedded Gaming - CNBC

DUBLIN, Mar 22, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Dublin - Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/1e4981e5/gamification_2012) has announced the addition of the "Gamification 2012 - 2017: Opportunities and Market Outlook for Next Generation Brand/Product Advertising through Embedded Gaming" report to their offering.

Embedded gaming or "Gamification" is a next generation advertising approach in which gaming elements are integrated into a non-game environment.

Gamification represents a promising strategy for public and commercial brands to increase customer activity, build loyalty, broaden reach and monetize assets.

Mind Commerce projects Gamification growth to reach $3.6 billion by 2017. It is also estimated that by 2017, 80% of Global 2000 organizations will have gamified applications and/or processes.

The goal of Gamification is to maximum user brand/product engagement through facilitation of entertainment in which the user interacts with the brand in a fun/pleasurable manner. One of the keys to success is to assess user behavioral patterns as a precursor to deploying optimal game mechanics that that align user likes, dislikes, expectations and behaviors. Optimal design is based on research into extrinsic motivators, intrinsic values and facilitation of long term engagement.

This Research Includes: - Gamification business model analysis - In-depth analysis of Gamification solution and dynamics - Analysis of thirty two companies involved in Gamificiation - Case study analysis of brands capitalizing upon Gamification - Analysis of Gamification market trends and market projections 2012 - 2017 - Analysis of potential benefit metrics and non-metrics of Gamification for Brands - Gamification process analysis including game mechanics, design techniques, and features - Guidelines for Brands, Vendors, Service Providers, and Investors to realize optimal success with Gamification - Feasibility assessment of Gamification solutions across various industries (education, enterprise, healthcare, education, entertainment) Keywords: Gamification, Games in Application, Next Generation Advertising, In-game Advertising, Embedded Entertainment, Embedded Gaming, Gaming Brand Loyalty, Gaming Brand Engagement Companies Mentioned: - XBOX LIVE - FOURSQUARE - GOWALLA - GETGLUE - LINKEDIN - SALESFORCE - MINT - CHECKPOINTS - SHOPKICK - HALLMARK - STARBUCKS - NIKE - BUFFALO WILD WINGS - MICROSOFT - AMERICAN AIRLINES For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/1e4981e5/gamification_2012 SOURCE: Research and Markets CONTACT: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager. press@researchandmarkets.com U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): 353-1-481-1716 Sector: Gaming Copyright Business Wire 2012 -0- INDUSTRY KEYWORD: Entertainment

Electronic Games

Communications

Advertising

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Growing your business through acquisition - Miami Herald

Now is an interesting time to consider acquisitions. Baby boomers are beginning to retire, and their children may not have interest in the family business. As a result, plenty of opportunities will arise in the next few years as businesses change hands. This year may present additional opportunities because of uncertainty about tax increases on capital gains.

Many investment bankers and business brokers are working with businesses that are for sale. However, finding a business to buy — one that’s not already on the market for an exit — is a major challenge. There are ways to find these opportunities, such as talking to your competitors or your accountant, but this is like finding a needle in a haystack. Engaging an intermediary such as a mergers and acquisition attorney may be a wise choice.

Managing the risks involved in an acquisition can be equally complicated. Acquisitions might provide business owners with a way to grow and strengthen their companies, but they can also present unique challenges.

For a smooth acquisition process, get your strategy in place now.

Know why acquisition as a growth strategy makes sense for your business. You might think buying a business is only for large corporations, but this is not the case. An acquisition can jumpstart growth — buying an existing enterprise means the foundation is already in place. For example, the firm may have employees with talent and experience as well as a hard-to-replicate customer base. By finding a business with a good track record or a desired geographic footprint, you can improve your own company.

Stick to what you know. Looking for a business to acquire so you can expand? Choose wisely. While buying direct competitors is one way to approach acquisitions, you can also consider similar companies in different geographic areas or complementary companies for cross-selling purposes.

Don’t bet the farm. Be sure you have the financial resources available for the acquisition, which include integration costs and working capital. Be realistic about estimated costs and the time investment required to complete the deal. You cannot take your eye off your existing business or starve it for capital for the sake of an acquisition. Even the cost of lawyers, accountants, and other professionals who will assist during the due diligence phase can be a significant expense, and you don’t want to cut corners when it comes to professional guidance.

In most cases, it is not worth “betting the farm” — taking on too much debt or using all of your capital— to purchase another company. If it turns out that the deal isn’t as good as expected, your existing business may be threatened. And considering many business owners have the majority of their net worth in their business, excessive risk can threaten your financial security.

Research in advance. Acquiring companies can be a shortcut to growth, but there is risk involved. Before contacting the company you want to buy, get as much information as possible. Some of the best opportunities might be competitors you have known for years who are ready to sell. You may have an advantage over other rivals if you know the families and have an existing relationship.

Don’t rationalize buying a business. Be objective regarding what you are really getting and what it is worth. A team of experts can help you analyze your potential purchase, its value and its fair price so you do not overpay. Be careful not to get caught up in a deal simply for the sake of the deal. Many times it is better to just walk away, because the opportunity may reappear later on more favorable terms. A deal can be like a train – one might leave the station, but generally it will be followed by another train.

Plan your approach. As enthusiastic as you might be to expand, many small business owners feel threatened during initial contact. Even if you and your representatives experience a lukewarm reception, keep in mind you can see results in the future. Playing your cards right means you could be contacted in six months, one year, or later. It is important to stay in touch. Sellers generally need a reason to sell, such as illness, divorce, or retirement. Since they generally cannot replace their income with the proceeds of a sale, they need a triggering event.

Prepare an employee transition plan. Employees make up a significant part of a company’s value, so make sure they are on board with the transaction. Keep them informed and engaged to avoid hostility, anxiety or demoralization. Not only is a communications policy extremely important, but so is face-to-face interaction. Never underestimate the value of employees.

Know how you are going to pay for the business. Can you borrow? Do you have excess capital? If you don’t have the capital to fund an acquisition, you can also look at the assets or cash flow of the company you’re acquiring. The appropriate mix of equity and debt is deal-specific. Many times, sellers will be part of the solution by taking back seller financing. Creativity is a plus. Banks are eager to lend, but only in the right circumstances.

Plan the integration of your new business up front. Many companies don’t plan their post-acquisition integration strategy with enough foresight to anticipate changes in company culture. Without proper execution, the strategic advantages that attracted you to the deal in the first place may disappear. A poor integration plan can minimize the value of the acquired business as well as your own.

Let’s say that you’re not looking for acquisition opportunities at this time. Establishing relationships with businesses that you could acquire in the future will keep you informed about how you can leverage your business in your industry, and how certain geographic locations might be acquisition targets. You might also discover opportunities to buy a division or product line of a company.

Although companies are not always available when you are looking, sometimes you just need to be opportunistic. Don’t let them pass you by.

James Cassel is co-founder and chairman of Cassel Salpeter & Co., an investment banking firm headquartered in Miami that works with middle market companies.

Innovations in mobile technology and a smart acquisition strategy contributed to the South Florida tech company’s strong earnings growth and global expansion. The goal is to help people work and play — from anywhere. 1332164718

A Q&A as the Saturday deadline looms for this year’s competition. 1332160722

Even though gaming legislation died this session, the need for gaming lawyers is exploding in South Florida with no signs of a letup.

View the original article here

Growing your business through acquisition - Miami Herald

Now is an interesting time to consider acquisitions. Baby boomers are beginning to retire, and their children may not have interest in the family business. As a result, plenty of opportunities will arise in the next few years as businesses change hands. This year may present additional opportunities because of uncertainty about tax increases on capital gains.

Many investment bankers and business brokers are working with businesses that are for sale. However, finding a business to buy — one that’s not already on the market for an exit — is a major challenge. There are ways to find these opportunities, such as talking to your competitors or your accountant, but this is like finding a needle in a haystack. Engaging an intermediary such as a mergers and acquisition attorney may be a wise choice.

Managing the risks involved in an acquisition can be equally complicated. Acquisitions might provide business owners with a way to grow and strengthen their companies, but they can also present unique challenges.

For a smooth acquisition process, get your strategy in place now.

Know why acquisition as a growth strategy makes sense for your business. You might think buying a business is only for large corporations, but this is not the case. An acquisition can jumpstart growth — buying an existing enterprise means the foundation is already in place. For example, the firm may have employees with talent and experience as well as a hard-to-replicate customer base. By finding a business with a good track record or a desired geographic footprint, you can improve your own company.

Stick to what you know. Looking for a business to acquire so you can expand? Choose wisely. While buying direct competitors is one way to approach acquisitions, you can also consider similar companies in different geographic areas or complementary companies for cross-selling purposes.

Don’t bet the farm. Be sure you have the financial resources available for the acquisition, which include integration costs and working capital. Be realistic about estimated costs and the time investment required to complete the deal. You cannot take your eye off your existing business or starve it for capital for the sake of an acquisition. Even the cost of lawyers, accountants, and other professionals who will assist during the due diligence phase can be a significant expense, and you don’t want to cut corners when it comes to professional guidance.

In most cases, it is not worth “betting the farm” — taking on too much debt or using all of your capital— to purchase another company. If it turns out that the deal isn’t as good as expected, your existing business may be threatened. And considering many business owners have the majority of their net worth in their business, excessive risk can threaten your financial security.

Research in advance. Acquiring companies can be a shortcut to growth, but there is risk involved. Before contacting the company you want to buy, get as much information as possible. Some of the best opportunities might be competitors you have known for years who are ready to sell. You may have an advantage over other rivals if you know the families and have an existing relationship.

Don’t rationalize buying a business. Be objective regarding what you are really getting and what it is worth. A team of experts can help you analyze your potential purchase, its value and its fair price so you do not overpay. Be careful not to get caught up in a deal simply for the sake of the deal. Many times it is better to just walk away, because the opportunity may reappear later on more favorable terms. A deal can be like a train – one might leave the station, but generally it will be followed by another train.

Innovations in mobile technology and a smart acquisition strategy contributed to the South Florida tech company’s strong earnings growth and global expansion. The goal is to help people work and play — from anywhere. 1332126767

Even though gaming legislation died this session, the need for gaming lawyers is exploding in South Florida with no signs of a letup.

A Q&A as the Saturday deadline looms for this year’s competition.

View the original article here

Franchise My Business How to grow your business through franchising

If you have ever asked the question, how can i franchise my business? Then Synergy Franchise Soltions can help you to set up and operate your franchise business. Synergy have years of experience in franchising and have enable many companies to ejoy the opportunities that franching their businesses offers. Franchise my business advice is readily available and we offer a bespoke franchising service. So if you want advice about franchising a business contact www.franchisemybusiness.org.uk for more information

View the original article here

CANWE STUDIOS Raises $1.5 Million in Funding Through Private Investors to Launch CanWeNetwork Mobile App

AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwire -03/01/12)- CANWE STUDIOS LLC, a mobile application development company, today announced that it has secured $1.5 million in funding through private investors. The first application of the matching technology scheduled to come to market this summer is CanWeNetwork, which utilizes proprietary technology that will allow business professionals to meet and network with high-value peers seeking new business opportunities.

Founded in 2011 by Brooke Braswell and Dan Kloiber, CANWE STUDIOS is building a platform for social location-based apps that match individuals in the right context. The fundraising round was led by Kloiber, a successful angel investor and technology entrepreneur, who has founded and sold three software companies to Fortune 100 corporations, and currently sits on a number of technology start-up boards.

"The CanWeNetwork app meets a very critical demand in the marketplace today by having the ability to select and connect business professionals who would like to meet in real time and in person," said Kloiber. "The CanWeNetwork app is very different than other mobile social networking apps available today because it is designed to select high-value personal introductions that open up new opportunities for each individual that otherwise would have been missed."

"Our investors believe that the CanWeNetwork app will become a valuable resource for all types of professionals, across multiple verticals, to create real life intersection opportunities," said Brooke Braswell, CEO of CANWE STUDIOS. "With this app, no meeting will ever be a waste of time."

The CanWeNetwork app is currently accepting requests for its invite-only testing phase. It uses matching technology to ensure that business professionals are intelligently matched with other high-value business professionals seeking opportunities. It is expected to be available for the iPhone and Android phones this summer for download as a free app. The company will provide demonstrations of CanWeNetwork at the upcoming SXSW Interactive show.

ABOUT CANWE STUDIOS
Austin, TX-based CANWE STUDIOS is a mobile application development company building a platform for social geospacial apps that match individuals in context, including business, recruitment and nightlife. More information about the company can be found at http://canwestudios.com.

ABOUT CanWeNetwork
Developed by CANWE STUDIOS, the CanWeNetwork app is an innovative mobile app that is designed to select and connect business professionals with other business professionals ensuring there are no opportunities missed. It is a valuable mobile tool for individuals seeking high-value introductions.

For the latest updates, follow CanWeNetwork on Twitter at http://twitter.com/canwenetwork. More information can be found at http://canwenetwork.com

View the original article here

Franchise My Business How to grow your business through franchising

If you have ever asked the question, how can i franchise my business? Then Synergy Franchise Soltions can help you to set up and operate your franchise business. Synergy have years of experience in franchising and have enable many companies to ejoy the opportunities that franching their businesses offers. Franchise my business advice is readily available and we offer a bespoke franchising service. So if you want advice about franchising a business contact www.franchisemybusiness.org.uk for more information

View the original article here

Franchise My Business How to grow your business through franchising

If you have ever asked the question, how can i franchise my business? Then Synergy Franchise Soltions can help you to set up and operate your franchise business. Synergy have years of experience in franchising and have enable many companies to ejoy the opportunities that franching their businesses offers. Franchise my business advice is readily available and we offer a bespoke franchising service. So if you want advice about franchising a business contact www.franchisemybusiness.org.uk for more information

View the original article here