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Free Tools to Help Arizona Small Businesses Win Government Contracts

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Microsoft

In past years, the U.S. federal government spent more than $500 billion annually on private contracts with 23 percent of those funds mandated for contracts with small businesses. Even with the recent sequester cuts, contracting funds available across federal, state, county, and city governments can represent a massive revenue opportunity for small businesses.

While winning a government contract could be transformational to a small business’ growth, the process and regulations may seem initially daunting to tackle. To help, Microsoft recently launched Braddock’s Procurement Opportunities Guide.  This e-guide (free for download here) demystifies the government procurement process by providing invaluable, practical information about:

  • The criteria government uses in awarding contracts,
  • Effective government marketing strategies,
  • The role technology can serve in scaling your business for dramatic growth, and
  • Special programs for small businesses who want to work with the government.

After reviewing the guide, the next best step is to visit one of Arizona’s Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), which are funded by the government to specifically help small businesses successfully compete for federal, state and local government contracts.  PTACs offer one-on-one counseling, training programs and matchmaking events with different government agencies.

The pursuit of a government contract isn’t for everyone; even with support, it requires diligence and stamina. But, winning a government contract and the potential to build a long-term customer relationship can propel your business to new heights and you do not have to do it alone. Access the Procurement Opportunities Guide now and reach out to one of Arizona’s PTAC offices to get the support your business needs to help make the government your customer.

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Posted in Business Essentials Program, Entrepreneurship | Leave a comment

Support Sonoran Science Academy’s CRUSH Robotics Team

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Merry Lake Merrell | @merrylake

Since 2002, Sonoran Science Academy’s robotics team, CRUSH 1011 (Creating Robots Under Severe Heat) has been spreading our love of science and engineering to a vast audience, which includes not only the robotics members and mentors, but also many students and parents in the Tucson area. During the first week of January, a 45 day build season begins, in which robotics teams throughout the country design and construct a robot that fits the requirements for that year’s game, set by FIRST robotics. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics is an organization dedicated to inspiring young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in mentor-based programs. During the build season students design, cut, assemble, wire, and program a 120 pound robot in our school shop. Every spring, at the conclusion of the build season, robotics team travels to at least one regional robotics competition where they compete with other teams in the region. Some of our current major sponsors who make the program possible include M3 Engineering, Hanlon Engineering & Architecture, IBM, Sonoran Science Academy, and Asarco. But team CRUSH not only builds robots, they also help students form invaluable relationships with each other and their mentors, which encourages teamwork and instills good work ethics. Through CRUSH, a love for science and technology develops, and provides students with the knowledge and skill set they need to be successful in college and their future career.

Team CRUSH has been working very hard to make a bigger impact with FIRST in the Arizona community. For the past seven years, they have been holding an event called Robolympics: a free, open to the public event where teams compete in different games with their robots from the previous year. In the past, this event has been held in the Sonoran Science Academy’s gym and has attracted an average of four other Arizona FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) teams, in addition to the FLL (FIRST Lego League)and FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) teams, and is well attended by members of the public. For Robolympics 2013, CRUSH already has a commitment from 10 FRC teams, as well as FLL and FTC teams andthey are looking forward to our biggest event ever. This great news means they must find a new venue for Robolympics, as it has outgrown the school’s gym. This is a very exciting expansion and Team CRUSH is currently in contact with its sponsors and local media to help raise the funds necessary.

If you or anyone you know may be interested in helping Team CRUSH please contact Fiona Hanlon at fiona.crush1011@gmail.com or 520-405-7607.

Posted in Education, STEM, Tucson | Leave a comment

A Quick Primer on The High Technology Business Investment Fund

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Kate Kretschmann

You may have noticed that the AZTC is actively supporting Arizona House Bill 2646 this legislative season. Sponsored by House Speaker Andy Tobin, H2646—also known as the High Technology Business Investment Fund—aims to bolster early-stage tech startups with $50 million in venture funding. (In this case, an “early-stage” firm is one that has completed development and is ready to begin full-scale operations.)

The bill would support innovation and development in sectors that have been proven to offer the highest average annual salaries, including the health science, bioscience, semiconductor & electronics, IT, energy, aerospace, and defense industries. The Council posits that investing money in higher wages will result in healthy economic growth for Arizona.

Here’s how H2646 works: Insurance providers are given a dollar-for-dollar tax credit against insurance premium revenue for their investment in the fund. Decisions regarding the investment funding will be assigned to a professional fund manager. Provisions in the bill require that when profits from these investments begin flowing back, the state will receive a refund of the entire $50 million before any other profits are distributed.

With the combination of this proposed funding and Arizona’s excellent R&D tax credit program, the AZTC is predicting that additional capital of up to $250 million will eventually migrate into Arizona for high-tech investments once the bill is passed.

At this point, the bill has successfully made it through the House but remains on hold while legislators finish negotiation on the state budget. Until then, the AZTC hopes that Arizonans support the local tech community by contacting State Senators and the Governor’s Office in support of the bill’s passing. You can send Arizona legislators a quick electronic note here.

Posted in Public Policy | Leave a comment

Windows 8 Delivers Productivity Straight to Your Fingertips

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft serves millions of small and medium-sized businesses in the U.S., helping them start, grow and thrive by leveraging today’s powerful and affordable technologies. At the top of these technologies lies cloud computing, in which Microsoft has  years of experience and understands how to meet the demands of SMBs for simplicity and impact, with enterprise-grade capabilities, flexibility and affordability in a familiar environment. For more information on Microsoft technologies for small and medium-sized businesses, visit MicrosoftBusinessHub.com.

Time is rarely on our side, and if you run a small business you can attest to the fact that it’s a great commodity.  No matter how wonderful your product or service is, efficiency and productivity are essential to making sure your business measures up to its full potential.  Technology innovations made life easier on small-business owners, transforming formerly time-consuming tasks into much more efficient ones.

Therefore, it makes sense to take a moment and consider how to save some time by making a few technology upgrades that can improve your processes and make this year your most enjoyable and productive yet.

Business functions like accounting, marketing, inventory tracking and communicating with customers have become immensely more efficient thanks to technology. But it can be challenging to determine which technology solutions can enhance your company’s efficiency, and ultimately your bottom line. As you look for ways to improve your business through technology, it pays to consider four key areas:

Improved personal productivity – The operating system on your business computers plays a huge role in improving efficiency and work flow. New software can allow you to start the year off on the right foot with improved organization of your important emails, calendar reminders or your go-to accounting tools.

Security - Although a security breach is problematic for any business, it can be downright catastrophic for a small business if it results in substantial losses, tarnishes your reputation with customers or shuts down your business for a period of time. And contrary to what you might think, small businesses are frequent targets of data thieves. Updating your software and security features can help you avoid becoming a victim.

Mobility – Many small-business owners strive for the ability to work remotely and check in on business matters from home after the kids have gone to bed or keep tabs on what’s happening while they’re out of town. Finding mobile solutions that allow you to work most effectively when you are on the go can help you become even more efficient when you’re away from your store or office and when your office isn’t a store or physical office.

Performance – When you need to update that slow-moving computer or outdated software, the beginning of the year is a great time to do so. Technology companies are looking to move inventory from the previous year by offering great deals on products. By taking advantage of these sales, you can position your business to leverage new technology and become more efficient. In addition, come tax time next year that new technology can be a nice write-off.

By upgrading to your technology systems, you can look forward to improved productivity and performance, whether you’re in the office or on the road. And with more efficient processes in place, you’ll be able to achieve an even greater balance between your work life and your home life by simplifying the way you do business and injecting some extra hours into your day. For more information on how technology upgrades like the new Windows 8 Pro can help simplify the way you do business, visit microsoft.com/en-us/windows/business/default.aspx.

Posted in Information Technology, Software | Leave a comment

Why Immigration Reform Matters to Arizona Tech Companies

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Merry Lake Merrell | @merrylake

Arizona science and technology companies need the best and brightest minds to stay competitive in the global marketplace. Reforming our immigration system, as the U.S. Senate is now trying to do, will help give Arizona firms access to more high-performing employees, regardless of their country of origin.

The immigration reform plan put forward by the bipartisan Gang of Eight includes strong border security upgrades, a pathway to citizenship for undocumented workers and a worker verification system. It also expands H-1B visa allocations to make more foreign-born college graduates available to U.S. technology firms.

Increasing H-1B visas will directly benefit Arizona tech companies, and many other Arizona industries as well.  Studies show that, on a nationwide basis, every job created in the high-tech sector eventually creates 4.3 additional jobs in the local economy. The brainpower provided by foreign-born workers can help grow our tech companies and the new employment opportunities they spin off.

Some of the biggest names in the high-tech community are working hard for immigration reform. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has helped launch the new pro-reform group FWD.us. The organization’s many backers also include Microsoft’s Bill Gates, Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt and a host of other top tech executives.

For more information on how to get involved locally, please contact Paul Layeux at 602.955.2186 or email at FWD.US.AZ@gmail.com

Posted in International, Legal, Talent | Leave a comment

PIII Playbook Proposal Training Weekend Coming to Tucson

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Kate Kretschmann

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is hosting another PIII Playbook SBIR/STTR proposal writing training session on June 10-11 in Tucson.

PIII Playbook offers training and assistance for small technology firms to effectively compete for SBIR/STTR Phase I and Phase II awards. Twenty-three hours of courses will be available to registered attendees, including programs on research and proposal writing, maintaining cost accounting systems required by federal agencies, and protecting intellectual property.

We at AZTC are happy to act as an event sponsor and offer a six-month trial council membership to companies completing the training. Additional benefits include opportunities to participate in AZTC and Arizona Small Business Association events, plus a “Ready to Submit” proposal review and introductions to additional ACA business development tools.

This is the second of four PIII Playbook weekends this year, with additional sessions scheduled in Phoenix on August 12-13, and again in Tucson on September 26-27. Those interested in attending should submit an application here. Upon completion, an invitation will be sent to complete the PIII Readiness Assessment online.

For more details on the event, make sure to check the Innovation Arizona website or contact ACA’s Bennett Curry at 602.845.1246.

Posted in Tucson | Leave a comment

Practice Patent Law Without A Law Degree?

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Merry Lake Merrell | @merrylake

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University has created a Patent Practice emphasis within its Master of Legal Studies program to offer a unique opportunity for non-lawyer patent agents in today’s economy.

The College of Law is accepting applications for the new program created in response to law firms and other employers that told school officials of plans to boost hiring of patent agents. The emphasis in Patent Practice will go beyond preparing students for the patent bar exam by providing essential training in patent law and other forms of intellectual property, and hands-on patent drafting and prosecution skills.

Applications for the 12-month program will be accepted throughout the summer, with students starting classes in August. For more information, visit law.asu.edu or e-mail MLSASU@asu.edu.

Posted in Marketing, Member News, Talent | Leave a comment

Universal Avionics Equipment Helps Horizon Air Achieve New Milestone

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Merry Lake Merrell | @merrylake

Universal Avionics and Horizon Airplane ImageTucson-based Universal Avionics celebrated with regional airline Horizon Air on the success of its recently upgraded fleet of Bombardier Q400 aircraft. The aircrafts’ avionics upgrade included Universal’s advanced Flight Management System (FMS), the UNS-1Ew, featuring advanced GPS navigation via the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS).  WAAS technology provides greater accuracies than GPS alone; accuracy is a must when flying approaches in poor weather.

With all aircraft in the fleet now equipped with the WAAS-FMS, Horizon was able to seek Required Navigation Performance (RNP) 0.3 Authorization Required (AR) and Cat III (two engine and single engine) approval from the FAA. This authorization provides the Horizon Air fleet with navigational accuracy, offering increased safety, including reduced Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) risk compared to other types of situational awareness equipment. This assists pilots in avoiding mountainous terrain during inclement weather. Flights operated by Horizon Air now have improved access to airports, resulting in fewer weather-related delays and diversions, saving Horizon considerable costs.

The completion of the final Universal Avionics WAAS-FMS upgrade for the Q400 fleet marks an important milestone for Horizon Air, as it firmly places the airline as one of the premier and advanced airlines in the industry.

A high-tech company with corporate headquarters based in Tucson, Universal Avionics is a leading manufacturer of innovative avionics systems. Serving customers worldwide, Universal’s team of regional company sales and support representatives are positioned at strategic locations throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Singapore.

Posted in Aerospace and Defense, Member News, Tucson | Leave a comment

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