America's Entrepreneurs Access Hollywood's Red Carpet With Launch of OPENForum.com

Several of Hollywood's leading lights and business owners are assembling at the Los Angeles Film Festival to share tips and insights with America's entrepreneurs on how to use the power of networking to build a business -- whether on Sunset Boulevard or Main Street.

Tonight, Peter Bart [pictured], editor-in-chief of Variety, is moderating a panel with the Academy Award-winning director, Sydney Pollack; Nancy Meyers, whose ground-breaking first film was "Private Benjamin" and recently wrote, produced and directed "The Holiday"; and Lawrence Bender, producer of the Oscar-winning film, "An Inconvenient Truth."

In their role as business owners and producers, the panelists will share ideas and insider advice business owners can use, no matter what type of small business they run. The live broadcast begins at 7:30 p.m. PDT on OPENForum.com, the newly launched portal featuring exclusive content, networking and marketing opportunities.

Business owners participating in the event can ask panelists questions and chat with OPEN from American Express President Susan Sobbott, and small-business marketing expert and award-winning blogger John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing. Starting today, Jantsch is one of many small-business problem-solvers who will be featured on OPENForum.com in order to provide busy business owners with actionable information to succeed in business.

OPENForum.com content includes a mix of information developed by OPEN from American Express -- including videos and information from its educational platform; interactive commentary from business owners; as well as a stream of fresh, relevant small-business content which is provided, in part, through media alliances with best-in-class small-business news providers, such as the New York Times, Fortune Small Business, Entrepreneur and Inc.com.

"Business owners want easy access to insights and connections that will help them solve problems specific to their business," said Susan Sobbott, president, OPEN from American Express. "OPEN Forum is a collaboration with and among America's entrepreneurs, and serves as a meeting place for business owners based on industry, region and business interests."

In addition to the launch of its online community today at OPENForum.com, OPEN from American Express is celebrating the success of the business owners it has partnered with over the past 20 years by releasing "OPEN Book: A Practical Guide for Business Growth."

"OPEN Book" is a concise guide offering actionable information to lead entrepreneurs through key business decisions, and help them recognize and avoid pitfalls along the way. It features cardmember profiles representing a diverse cross-section of entrepreneurial America.

They're "coolpreneurs," corporate workers who've decided to go it alone; "greypreneurs," retirees who've opted to start a new chapter in their working lives; "mompreneurs," mothers who've found new and fulfilling ways to meld their working and personal lives; and "ethicalpreneurs," those who've aimed to use their business as a platform to influence or affect social change.

Found among the colorful collection of small-business personalities in "OPEN Book" are:
* Chris McIntyre and Jeff Brown of EagleRider in Los Angeles, Cal., who operate a Harley-Davison Motorcycle tour company and "give people the chance to live the American myth";
* Lenie Ramos of Little Twig in Manhattan Beach, Cal., who creates organic baby bath products used by celebrity and ordinary Moms;
* Jinsoo Terry of Advanced Global Connections in San Francisco, Cal., who truly represents the American dream, and runs a consulting company that trains immigrants in leadership and communication skills by "overcoming weakness and setbacks and helping people unlock their potential";
* Alpaca farmers Connie and Thomas Betts of Cascade Alpacas of Oregon in Hood River, Ore., who discovered their inner entrepreneurs after retirement;
* Daniel Leader of Bread Alone in Boiceville, N.Y., owns an artisanal bread company and has established community-based micro-bakeries in South Africa to help improve the nutrition of malnourished people there; and
* Dr. Lynn McMahan of Southern Eye Center in Hattiesburg, Miss., an eye surgeon who, two days after Hurricane Katrina, loaded up two vans with equipment and drove through the devastated area to treat people in shelters whose eyes had been damaged by flying debris.

"'OPEN Book' showcases the lives and success stories of customers who inspire us every day," said Sobbott. "'OPEN Book' provides concise and actionable information business owners can apply to critical decisions related to cash management, branding, customer service and other challenges to help promote and grow their businesses."

OPEN's small-business experts share actionable content in six specific business areas:
* Raymond Joabar, senior vice president, addresses cash management;
* John Steward, senior vice president, covers customer service;
* Qing Lin, vice president, provides advice on how to use credit;
* Gina Taylor, vice president, speaks to sales;
* Marcella Shinder, vice president, talks about the importance of branding; and
* Diego Scotti, vice president, addresses advertising.

"OPEN Book" was edited and designed by Winkreative and magazine maverick Tyler Brule.

OPEN is the American Express team dedicated exclusively to the success of small-business owners and their companies. The OPEN Team supports business owners with unparalleled service. With tailored products and services, the team delivers purchasing power, flexibility, control and rewards to help customers run their business.

Specifically, business-owner customers can leverage an enhanced set of products, tools, services and savings -- including charge and credit cards, convenient access to working capital, robust online account management capabilities, plus savings on business services from an expanded lineup of partners.

To obtain more information about OPEN, visit www.OPEN.com, or call 1-800-NOW-OPEN to apply for a card or loan. Terms and conditions apply.

GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express Company is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

Sources: American Express Company, USA TODAY [photo]
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Kerry-Snowe Legislation Expands Venture Capital Opportunities for Small Business

Senators John Kerry [D-Mass.] and Olympia J. Snowe [R-Maine], chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, introduced two bills this week to foster more equity investment in America’s small businesses.

Yesterday, Kerry hosted a roundtable discussion with venture capital experts, business groups, venture capital firms, and successful small businesses that have received capital through government-backed private equity funds to get input on legislation to improve the Small Business Investment Company [SBIC] and New Markets Venture Capital [NMVC] programs.

“Massachusetts ranks second in the country in venture capital financings -- with more than 37,000 employed by government-backed small business investments,” said Kerry. “If not for the Small Business Investment Company program, many of these small businesses would not have access to venture capital funds. But Washington can do more to foster public-private partnerships that leverage critical venture capital for small businesses.”

“Our proposals will attract new investors to back great ideas and stimulate economic development in impoverished rural, urban and low-income areas. This will help small businesses jump-start local economies, create thousands of jobs, develop new technologies, and keep our country competitive in the global marketplace.”

“For entrepreneurs and other aspiring small-business owners, a self-evident truth since the founding of our country is that it takes money to make money,” Snowe noted. “Our legislation makes that goal a little easier for aspiring small-business owners by ensuring that our entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need, so they can continue to drive America’s economic growth and job creation.”

Since 1958, when the SBIC program was created, more than 100,000 small businesses have received $48 billion in investments. Last year, SBIC financing totaling more than $21 billion supported more than 2,000 small businesses, which employed 286,000 people.

The program was designed to help small businesses acquire venture capital through government-backed private equity funds when capital through banks and other traditional sources was not obtainable. Companies like Intel, Quiznos, Jenny Craig, Federal Express, and Outback Steakhouse are all SBIC success stories.

The Small Business Venture Capital Act of 2007 will reauthorize the SBIC program through 2010, ensuring the continued availability of needed venture capital for small firms. It will also simplify the program’s regulations, encouraging new and existing investors to increase their involvement.

Kerry and Snowe also introduced the Securing Equity for the Economic Development of Low Income Areas Act of 2007, or the SEED Act, to promote venture capital investment in rural, urban and low-income areas. The bill improves the NMVC program, which Kerry helped create in 1999.

The NMVC program was designed to promote economic development, business investment, productive wealth and stable jobs in communities where there is little to no sustainable economic activity, but many overlooked business opportunities. Unfortunately, the program expired last year.

Specifically, the SEED Act will reauthorize the program for the next three years until 2010, making it possible for the Small Business Administration to license up to 20 more NMVC funds. These funds will have the potential to leverage a total investment of $250 million in small businesses in low-income areas, with $150 million backed by the government.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
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Committee Examines Workforce Issues for Small Businesses in Renewable Energy

Instability in oil-producing regions and rising energy prices have made it clear that America needs to move towards energy independence. To meet this demand, the renewable-energy sector is increasing rapidly, with small businesses at the forefront of this expansion. Just last year, biodiesel production reached 225 million gallons. Today, with 148 biodiesel plants in operation, and close to 100 factories under construction, this industry is expected only to grow.

During yesterday's hearing, the House Committee on Small Business reviewed the state of the renewable-energy industry, and potential barriers that could limit its expansion -- including access to a well-trained, skilled workforce, and possible solutions to these obstacles. A bill introduced by committee member Bruce Braley [D-Iowa, pictured] provides funding for bioenergy workforce education.

"This field is still in its infancy -- but it is having significant economic impact," said Rep. Braley, chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology. "The potential for new business and job creation is huge.

"Without a qualified workforce, the renewable energy industry will have difficulty filling open positions and will run the risk of falling short of its full potential. That's why new training programs are crucial."

Many small producers don't have the capacity to conduct adequate onsite training, yet a skilled workforce is essential for their survival. To surmount this obstacle and encourage continued growth in renewable energy, Braley has introduced the National Endowment for Workforce Education in Renewables and Agriculture [NEW ERA] Act of 2007, which will provide funding and programs to expand the renewable-energy workforce.

Under the bill, grants would be awarded to community colleges to create renewable-energy workforce education and training programs, allowing for increased investment in human capital. These initiatives will provide a new set of bioenergy workers, ensuring that the expansion of the renewable-fuel industry will have adequate support from skilled professionals equipped with the tools to stay competitive in the field.

"In order for this growing industry to truly flourish, our workforce must have the skills and knowledge necessary to stay on the cutting edge of new technologies," Braley noted. "Proper training will ensure that the renewable-energy sector will continue to develop in a sustainable way."

The renewable-energy industry not only serves as a strong alternative source of energy, but it also creates thousands of jobs nationwide. In 2006 alone, the ethanol industry created over 160,000 new, good-paying jobs -- many of which included retirement and healthcare benefits. The industry's growth also helps to replace some of the 3.1 million manufacturing jobs that have been lost in the U.S. since 2000.

During the hearing, committee members examined ways to ensure that there is "smart growth" within the industry -- including implementation of the NEW ERA Act. Members also heard expert testimony on the importance of ensuring the availability of a strong workforce, and viable ways to go about doing so.

"With the vast potential for renewable-energy production right here in the heart of our own country, we have the critical opportunity to reduce our dependence on foreign oil while creating jobs; it's a win-win situation," Braley said. "For the security and prosperity of our nation, it's time to shift our energy dependence from the Middle East to the Midwest."

You can view parts of yesterday's hearing by visiting YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=B90F9338F9143970.

Sources: Congress Merge, GovTrack.us, U.S. House Committee on Small Business

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