I’ve had a number of investors tell me that the first element of a business proposal they look at is the depth of the management team. They say something like, “I can make money with a good management team and a modest business plan, but the opposite is not true.”

The statistics of small business performance tell us that “unbalanced experience” and related factors account for 87 percent of business failures.* Investors know this from direct business experience.

 Your first step: identify the generic structure and key positions required to support your business model. It’s important to have related industry experience to fill the key positions. Initially, part-time support or support from a consultant to cover a specific area can help you stretch the budget.

As a pre-seed stage company, Cargo Solutions has a five-member management team consisting of a combination of full- and part-time contributors. The key roles we’re covering include president and CEO, CFO, sales and marketing, engineering and supply chain management.

 A staffing plan that extends beyond the management team will convey to investors that you understand the overall head count needed to launch your business.

Building a diverse advisory board is another important element of the expert team you will need.   Don’t forget the importance of sales and distribution expertise on the board. Optimally, your investors also will bring related experience to the team.

Know that building a mangement team will be a work in progress during the early stages of building your business.  Investors will accept this but will expect that you clearly understand where the key gaps exist.

–Paul Chapman, President and CEO, Cargo Solutions, LLC

*Running a Profitable Small Business, 2001 E. King

 

For all you veggie and salad lovers in Midtown, you won’t have to travel far to get a tasty salad.  Beginning May 12, the Java Exchange Cafe will begin carrying fresh salads from Salad Creations. 

 

And for our customers who love to get some sun and fresh air, we’ve added some tables and chairs for you.  You can sit comfortably outside on our new patio and enjoy one of our delicious menu items anytime of the day.

 

We’ve heard everyone’s request loud and clear!  Beginning May 7, we’ll begin our ice cream service again.  We will be selling soft-serve and toppings, and various ice creams bars.  We invite you to come and try it out.  Also, for the kid in you (or just for your kids), we will carry fun ice cream flavors like Strawberry Shortcakes, Lick-A-Color and Dora the Explorer, to name a few.

 

Don’t forget–the Java Exchange is also Midtown’s coolest spot for poetry readings.  Our Poetry Night is every Friday, so bring your poetry and come by for an entertaining time.

 

Then there’s the Detroit Metro Real Estate and Entrepreneur Matrix (DREEM) at the Java Exchange on May 12. DREEM is where business and real estate owners, operators and investors swap ideas and provide support for each other.We invite everyone to visit our new Web site for the latest information and happenings at the Java Exchange Cafe: www.javaexchangecafe.com  Your feedback is very important to us as we grow and try to meet your needs.  Please complete this survey to help us serve you better! http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2abv1vuffl63bms/start

–Ramone Crowe, Java Exchange Cafe owner  

 

Back in 1997, Dr. Bellamy, my technology professor at Eastern Michigan University, said that the average person uses only 30 percent of the full functionality of their cell phone. To my knowledge, no official study has been done to prove that this statement is true. Based on my personal observation, I would say that the statement has some validity, and the percentage is even lower with the advancement of mobile hand-held technology.

Besides killing the English language and creating more acronyms, SMS (Short Message Service) or texting is the latest cell phone craze. It has become such a huge selling point with various cellular conglomerates that phones have been created with the SMS user in mind.

What is the technology behind texting? An SMS is nothing more than an e-mail message sent through the Internet to your cell phone. The average user is probably not aware that when an individual is given a phone number for their phone, he or she is also given an SMS address.

Let’s say that my phone number is (123) 777-9311. Since my service provider is AT&T, the SMS address would be 1237779311@txt.att.net. If I was using the Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), a standard for telephone messaging systems that sends messages including multimedia objects (images, audio, video, rich text), the e-mail address through AT&T would be 1237779311@mms.att.net.

The MMS method of contacting someone usually involves paying an additional fee to receive such messages. Also, the average phone may break up the message in various parts if the e-mail is longer than 150 characters. If you plan on e-mailing someone, use the SMS method, because chances are they may be charged additional, or may not receive the message altogether if they only have the basic texting plan.

You can find out cell phone SMS or MMS domain names by going to this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMS_gateway

–Anthony Garrett-Leverett, Black Data Processing Associates–Detroit

Carbon Credit Environmental Services (CCES) is on the leading edge of energy and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction programs. One of CCES’s business programs is performing energy and GHG audits.

Energy and GHG audits are conducted to help you understand your energy use and identify direct actions you need to take to reduce your energy costs without negatively impacting the operational needs of the organization.

There are several types of audits we perform. Depending on your company’s facility and needs, it could start with a basic audit leading up to more a comprehensive one. Once your facility has been assessed, CCES will provide recommendations on lowering energy use and reducing your current electricity and gas costs. CCES will then perform a GHG audit assessing direct stationary GHG emissions, transportation emissions and indirect emissions.

CCES then generates a customer report for you that will include our recommendations on how to save energy by replacing inefficient equipment, lighting, etc. with high efficiency equipment. By implementing these recommendations, you will reduce your energy bill and GHG emissions and also limit your environmental liability by reducing the potential opportunity for lawsuits.

CCES will then highlight a report on the direct and indirect GHG emissions and help your company offset these emissions with our “Carbon Offset” programs, improving your bottom line and making your company GHG/CO2 neutral.

Some of the projects you could be a part of by offsetting your GHG/CO2 emissions are: the 2008 Olympics, the Detroit Regatta Gold Cup Boat Races, the Woodward Dream Cruise, the Greening of Detroit, the Friends of Belle Isle, and the Detroit Zoo. Carbon offset programs for these projects could include renewable energy, methane recovery and reforestation.

If your company would like to be a part of one of our programs, feel free to view CCES’s Web site at www.getcarboncreditco2.com, call us at (313) 879-1158 or email us at inquiry@getcarboncreditco2.com

 –Dona Dolkowski, Carbon Credit Environmental Services

The fight for a clean environment and sustainable energy continues. Cleaning products can be helpful tools to rid your home or office of grime and bacteria, but can they be a danger in themselves? Suspicions of hidden dangers have led to an increase in studies to determine the possible risks of common cleaners. In addition to individual harm, there is a growing concern regarding the impact the use of these products has on the environment. From the burden containers impose on landfills to the negative impact on air quality and other environmental factors, the focus is towards “green,” environment-friendly products.

Advice on how to clean the home using common, non-toxic household items is plentiful. Items such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and even toothpaste are recommended for cleaning. The problem with these items is that while they may be effective for light cleaning, their impact on common household jobs is minimal. Now more than ever, people everywhere are looking for effective cleaners that won’t harm the planet or their homes and families.

EZ-Bey Electronic Industries has the proven solutions for everyone. Products such as Super 10®, LDC®, NCB,™ and G-One™ Laundry Compound are based on low-dose, low burden formulas. Maximum cleaning performance can be achieved with a minimum amount of product, which is better for the environment and better for your wallet! Both Super 10 and LDC are manufactured in Europe where the standards for “green” criteria are the highest in the world. Additionally, the versatility of these products replaces a cupboard full of specialty cleaners. With 100% biodegradable formulas, no toxic fumes, and no harsh chemicals, you can feel comfortable bringing these products into your home.

Most people keep their houses clean to create a comfortable and safe environment for their families. It would be a sad irony if the very methods used to eliminate unsafe germs and bacteria were in fact creating possible health risks. You can use harsh chemicals to facilitate the cleaning of your home and run the risk of impairing the health of you and your family members, you can use lemons and vinegar to freshen up your home semi-effectively, or you can use these powerful yet gentle cleaning products that will get the job done without creating hardship on you or the environment—YOU decide!

EZ-Bey Electronic Industries invites you to be a part of Earth Day on April 22nd. Pledge to help the environment by reducing, reusing, recycling, buying recycled products, using renewable energy, conserving energy and water and protecting our air and water. Learn more about Earth Day or earth friendly products by visiting our website: www.ezbeyelectronicindustriesllc.4t.com.

–Cheryl Marks, Executive Administrative Director of Operations, EZ-Bey Electronic Industries

This is probably the most discussed topic amongst entrepreneurs.  Why? Because it is the number one reason for failure.  I’m going to ignore the operating side and focus on raising initial rounds of capital for a start-up endeavor, like my company, Cargo Solutions.

The nature of your business and your product will influence your experience; the basics, however, are the same. The assumption here is that you have already developed a complete business plan and set of pro-forma financials. If you don’t know how much you need or when you need it, and can’t defend how you are going to spend it, you won’t be able to convince investment sources even to consider your proposal.

I’ll cover the range of groups we have talked with as we’ve learned the ropes. I’m doing so in general terms; don’t consider this list inclusive….

1. Founders funding–you; investors expect you to have skin in the game, the more the better.

2. Friends and family–these are people who will invest in you and your idea. Raising capital is a humbling experience; expect to approach this group.

3. Angels–best place to look for funding beyond founders and friends. A high net worth investor who will invest in early stage companies. They will invest in industries they understand or feel offer a significant emerging opportunity. Expect to search for the right fit; angels can be either individuals or groups.

4. MEDC–the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is dedicated to improving the economy in Michigan. Small business development is a key focus area. For a successful company, access to pre-seed funding can be acquired through the Smart Zones (e.g., TechTown) and other MEDC sources.

5. Venture capital–this is a catch-all category covering investment funds comprised of other people’s money. They have deliberate investment criteria, tend to be industry-focused and require significant returns. Commercialization rounds can be acquired through this source.

6. Asset-based lenders–early loans to cover inventory; high interest rates. May also involve “selling” your accounts receivable to the lender.

7. SBA–Small Business Administration 7A loan guarantee program. The loan program is administered by the banks and despite the SBA’s 70% default guarantee, the banks will use standard lending criteria given that they are providing the actual funding. Expect the bank to look for collateral and a personal guarantee.

8. Banks–you will need hard assets and an operational track record to obtain a bank loan. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked for a personal guarantee as well.

9. Private equity–typically only interested in viable existing businesses. Possible investor exit strategy source through acquisition.

The money won’t come all at once. Get comforrable with milestone planning and the related stress management. Investment rounds or stages involve your company delivering a series of accomplishments intended to further prove the viability of your business and reduce the associated risk for investors.

You can expect to progress up the scale of investment sources as your company matures. The objective is to be bankable just as soon as possible.

–Paul Chapman, Cargo Solutions Group

Academic Computing Environments (ACE) has completed a joint project with  Carnegie Mellon University’s Cognitive Tutor group to deliver its algebra and other products to LINUX based computers and thin client systems.  ACE customers Highland Park Schools and Detroit Public Schools wanted to be able to access Cognitive Tutor Products via the web from non-Windows computers.  This capability is now available because of an interface developed by Charles Hale of ACE and the Cognitive Tutor development team.

The thin client version of the Cognitive Tutor Product is now working at Northwestern High School and the Highland Park Career Academy.

What Cognitive Tutor provides Detroit-area students:

Success in Algebra I can launch students into more advanced math and science courses, and can boost their confidence throughout their secondary school careers. The Cognitive Tutor Algebra I curriculum is based on 20 years of research at Carnegie Mellon University into the strategies students use to solve algebra problems.

Our Algebra curricula uses students’ intuitive problem-solving abilities to help them comprehend and master higher-order mathematical concepts.

Algebra I Topics

• Patterns and Multiple Representations
• Proportional Reasoning, Percents and Direct Variation
• Solving Linear Equations
• Linear Functions and Inequalities
• Writing and Graphing Linear Equations
• Lines of Best Fit
• Systems of Equations and Inequalities
• Quadratic Functions
• Properties of Exponents
• Polynomial Functions and Rational Expressions
• Probability
• Statistical Analysis
• Quadratic and Exponential Functions and Logic 

–Jim Hare, Academic Computing Environments

I was recently asked if I would be interested in participating in our governor’s televised town hall meeting in Grand Rapids.  Of course I said yes….  As a minority woman, owning and operating a small business in TechTown, I couldn’t refuse an opportunity to meet our wonerful governor.  So, I picked up my daughter from school and headed to Grand Rapids.  I didn’t know what to expect at the meeting, and by the end of the night, I was glad I went. Our governor was very gracious to everyone in the room and showed an equal concern for all.  My question was about the 21st Century Jobs Fund, because I am concerned that technology-based educational companies such as mine receive increased access to capital in order to grow. 

The governor has publicly placed great importance on education.  In the 21st Century Jobs program, however, four technology areas are singled out for state support–life sciences, alternative energy, homeland security and advanced engineering. I own an educational company, GradeCheck, specializing in helping outstanding student athletes qualify for college scholarships. By being housed in an MEDC-supported Smart Zone, we receive financial support, but we need access to additional capital.  Wouldn’t it be a good idea to broaden the 21st Century Jobs Fund criteria to support any company that creates jobs, including educational companies like mine?

Being headquartered here at TechTown continues to open up lots of doors and opportunities to meet like-minded people.  I would encourage you to take advantage of our First Friday networking parties and the additional resources that are being put in place to support our start-up business endeavors.  What kind of resources have you been looking for to help your business grow?  TechTown might be the place for you….

 –Sheila McBride, GradeCheck founder and chief executive officer

 

 March 20th, 2008

 Well, my trip to Ecuador started out with a lot of excitement, recent volcano eruptions and floods in 13 of the country’s 24 provinces.  This is not likely to let up until the end of April.  Ecuador has been hit by the heaviest rains in 25 years on account of the La Nina phenomenon.

The floods have affected between 250,000 and 300,000 people so far, of whom 100,000 are in need of immediate assistance.  More than 13,000 people are in temporary housing.

 The planting of 150,000 trees by our company, Carbon Credit Environmental Services, will assist Ecuador in many ways.  First, it will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, and it will also act as a rain collector and will entrap the water rather than letting it run off the open soil.  This will assist globally as well.

The insect and animal life in the area is phenomenal.  It would be an engaging trip for nature lovers, let alone professionals of the environment. Would you like a guinea pig for dinner? Ironically enough, it was a very good and tasty stew.

The trip from Ecuador’s capitol Quito was adventurous in itself; it took over three hours to arrive in our planted forest to tag the trees and log each tree’s longitude and latitude spot. After we had tagged each tree over several days, it took over six hours to return to Quito to fly out, due to massive flooding and mud slides.

I will be putting this documentation together to present Ford Field with a certificate, pictures and logs of the trees planted for them.  They offset the GHG and CO2 emissions from the last Thanksgiving football game.

Suggestions for anyone traveling to Ecuador: bring garlic oil to keep bugs away (this is an earth-friendly, safe bug deterrent). Bring high boots, at least ones that cover up to your knees, in case a coral snake is on the ground or behind you while tagging trees…. Yes, there was one behind me, then I heard the machete from an Ecuadorian!  Bring lots of mosquito netting for night. Wear long sleeves if you are in the jungle, for there are little beetles that fall from the trees. And, did I mention, they bite all over your arms.

Other than that, it was adventurous, fun and challenging. See you soon on the next trip!!!

–Mike Dolkowski, President, Carbon Credit Environmental Services

www.getcarboncreditco2.com

 

Renewable energy is becoming increasingly important in these times of rapidly rising energy prices and warnings of irreparable damage to the planet.  I realize that more consumers than ever before are becoming aware of the importance of being environmentally friendly.  And what is known as “renewable energy” can offer a major boost to the environment.

Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends more than $1,600 a year on home utility bills?  Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted.  And the electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars.

The good news is that there is a lot you can do to save energy and money.  Start with making small changes today.

The key to achieving these savings in your home is creating a whole-house energy efficiency plan.  Taking a whole-house approach to saving energy ensures that dollars invested in saving energy are spent wisely.

Energy-efficient improvements not only make your home more comfortable, they can yield long-term financial rewards. Reduced utility bills more than make up for the higher price of energy-efficient appliances and improvements over their lifetime.  In addition, your home could bring in a higher price when you sell.

You have more options for using renewable energy at home, from solar-powered outdoor lights to buying renewable energy to even producing solar electricity at home with photovoltaic (PV) cells.

Many U.S. consumers buy electricity made from renewable energy sources like the sun, wind, hydroelectric or PV sources. This power is sometimes called “green power.”

If you’ve made your home as energy efficient as possible, and you have very high electricity bills, you might want to consider generating your own electricity by using PV cells from EZ-BEY Electronic Industries, L.L.C.

For more information on sustainable energy and EZ-BEY’s products and services, go to www.ezbeyelectronicindustriesllc.4t.com

–Cheryl Marks, Executive Administrative Director of Operations, EZ-Bey Electronic Industries