The CUBE is proud to present: Money Smart for Small Business. This program was developed by the FDIC and our local program is being sponsored by Charles Schwab Bank.  Starting February 2, 2013, one Saturday a month for five months, small businesses and entrepreneurs considering establishing a small business will learn the basics of the financial aspects of running a small business.

If you are a small business with one to 20 employees are you are an entrepreneur thinking of starting a business, this course if for you! This is your chance to meet local experts and get answers to your nagging questions.

Seating is limited. So register today for all five session and save 50%. Your cost includes course manual for you to keep as well as refreshments to keep you going! Click here for registration and  more details

Synergy Technology has offered its services as our latest sponsor providing FREE one hour consultation sessions at the CUBE offices for those in need of product based engineering and design.  Contact Lynne Keller at (775)622-9900 x104 to schedule an appointment.

Synergy Technology provides services for product-based businesses that need design and engineering expertise on a flexible basis. Synergy’s multi-disciplinary team of experts works closely with clients that range from start-up companies to global enterprises and quickly become a natural complement or extension to their in-house teams.  For additional information visit http://www.synergytec.com/.

We are proud to present our new sponsor, Holland & Hart, “The Law Out West”.   They will be giving one hour of their time each week FREE to CUBE’s entrepreneurs and friends of the CUBE!.   That’s right, FREE one-on-one legal services every Tuesday from 9:00 am to 10:00 am here at the CUBE’s offices.   Each week, a different attorney with a different field of expertise will be available on a first-come/first-serve basis.   If you want an appointment, contact Lynne Keller at (775) 622-9900  x104.

There is a fine balance between “staying the course” and “being flexible” when faced with a decision to pivot your business when a change may be needed. Knowing the difference can mean the life or death of your company. Since “real” crystal balls are no longer for sale, we must rely on our own thinking and the thinking of those around us.

When I have come to this fork in the road, I first do a self-exam to determine where I am at before asking my advisors. You should do this because it is imperative that whatever you decide, it MUST align with where you want to take your company. Remember, it is ultimately YOUR company and at the end of the day, you need to know that you are comfortable with whatever decision you make. I would ask myself:

1.  What are my options? Think of all the “what if” that might be possible.

2.  What are the pros and cons of each? Write them down. Be honest with yourself!

3.  Look at them and circle the “pros” that align with your vision and “cross out” the ones that don’t.

4.  Sleep on them over night and look at them the next day with fresh eyes.

5.  Make your decision.

6.  Then take it to your closest friend, mentor or whomever you trust to talk straight with you and explain it to them. See what they say.

7.  Once you decide, go with confidence……….until the next pivot point emerges.

Building a business can be fun, but it certainly has its share of challenges. Good luck!

Free Consultation the first Thursday of every month (9am to 10am)….

Buy-Sell Agreement–What is it and why is it important for all businesses? Things like death, disability, disinterest, departure and divorce are typically things that are not considered when creating a business. However, these things can cripple and even destroy a business if there is no game plan in place to deal with them. Set your appointment today to meet with Brian Wheeler to ask your questions and learn why you should not wait to incorporate a buy-sell for your business. Contact Lynne Keller at (775)622-9900 x104 for your appointment. It could save your business, and your investment.

What persuades an investor to write a check for an entrepreneur’s raw idea? We spoke with active angel investors and venture capitalists, as well as scouring the Web, to compile a list of some of the best startup pitches ever. Click here for the Best Startup Pitches We’ve Ever Seen.

Whether you are trying to raise money for your business or just want to perfect your business strategy, a solid elevator pitch is an essential tool for achieving your goals.  An elevator pitch can be delivered either verbally, ideally in 60 seconds or less, or as a one-page overview of your business. Think of the elevator pitch as an executive  summary that provides a quick overview of your business and details why you are going to be successful. Click here for 7 key components that every elevator pitch should contain.

Are you ready to present your plans to an investor who will not share your level of expertise or passion for your chosen domain? Professional investors are skeptical and, in most cases, generalists. Your job as the entrepreneur is to take your vision and make it as tangible and credible as possible. In the process, you are selling yourself – your market knowledge, product prowess, management ability, adaptability, and flexibility.  You’ve got 30 minutes (or less) and about a dozen prepared slides to get the job done.  Click here for some advice for preparing to raise capital from investors.

Taking money from a venture capitalist is the worst way to finance your start-up. So which sources of capital are better? Click here for the seven rungs on the ladder of start-up financing – from the bottom to the top.