MANATEE -- Businesses that want to get their piece of the $2.5 billion in federal funding available annually for research and development of new technology and products are invited to attend an application workshop from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 4 at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee.
The day-long workshop will provide step-by-step instruction on how to craft a proposal to win government grants and contracts for research and development through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. The agenda includes an overview of the programs, proposal strategies, drafting the Phase I proposal, reviewing and debriefing the Phase I proposal and a critique of an actual proposal.
The workshop is geared toward entrepreneurs and small business owners and anyone interested in learning how to access this funding to start or expand their business.
Jim Greenwood of Greenwood Consulting Group will lead the workshop. Participants will receive a binder with all materials presented at the workshop. In addition, Greenwood will critique a draft or previously submitted proposal for any attendee at no cost up to one year from the workshop and will, within reason, respond to e-mail questions from participants.
The cost is $100 per person and includes continental breakfast, lunch and snacks. Register online at www.edcsarasotacounty.com/calendar.asp, or call 309-1200, ext. 110, or send email to lkotwicki@ edcsarasotacounty.com.
Annual manufacturers summit begins Nov. 30
ORLANDO -- The Florida eighth annual Manufacturers Summit and Marketplace is planned for Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel in Orlando.
There will be educational and conversational forums addressing a skilled workforce, new markets, state incentives and ways to improve business.
Manufacturers and others will showcase their products for sale domestically and internationally.
Chris Hart, chief executive officer of Workforce Florida, Inc. and Florida Sen. Jeremy Ring will be attending.
Sponsors and exhibitors are still being accepted. Sign up at www. mafmfg.com.
Attendance is $300 for members and $350 for non-members. Contact Nancy Stephens at nancy@ mafmfg.com or call (850) 402-2954, or visit www.mafmfg.com.
Sarasota YMCA CEO leaving
SARASOTA -- Sarasota Family YMCA Chief Executive Officer Paul Smith has resigned.
He was in the position for two years, coming from Kansas City where he was the CEO of the YMCA there.
“We are grateful to Mr. Smith for his focus and pragmatism during these extraordinary times,” Ed Landis, chairman of the YMCA board of directors, said.
Business celebrates with student art contest
PALMETTO -- Wave Zone Skimboards, 1508 18th Ave. Drive E., Palmetto, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a student art contest.
The contest is open to all college and high school students in the U.S. Complete contest guidelines are available at http://www.wavezoneskim.com/artcontest. Students are invited to submit their own unique art by Oct. 23 to Wave Zone at www.facebook.com/wavezoneskim.
The first place winner will be awarded a $400 Hydro Tech custom skimboard with his or her winning art on it and will be added to Wave Zone’s stock art gallery for 2012.
-- Herald staff reports
