Google Drive vs. Dropbox, SkyDrive, SugarSync, and Others

Google has just introduced "Google Drive" an online storage service. For an overview of  it and comparison to 12 of the other most popular online storage servers: http://goo.gl/KfvPf.

New Titles for Start-up Businesses

We have some new titles at MPPL for start-up business issues - I invite you to come check them out!

The Founder's Dilemmas: Anticipating and Avoiding the Pitfalls That Can Sink a Startup by Noam Wasserman

It's Your Biz: The Complete Guide to Becoming Your Own Boss by Susan Wilson Solovic

How Excellent Companies Avoid Dumb Things: Breaking the 8 Hidden Barriers that Plague Even the Best Businesses by Neil Smith and Patricia O'Connell

Results Without Authority: Controlling a Project When the Team Doesn't Report to You by Tom Kendrick

All Business Is Local: Why Place Matters More Than Ever in a Global, Virtual World by John A. Quelch

Fearless Referrals: Boost Your Confidence, Break Down Doors, and Build a Powerful Client List by Matt Anderson

Illinois Tax Rate Finder

Interested in where your sales tax goes when you make a retail or food purchase?  The Illinois Tax Rate Finder tracks the breakdown of state, county, and municipal taxes for all cities and towns in Illinois. Additional definitions for what specific taxes mean are in their online glossary.

Career Gateway: Job Seekers Guide offered by JVS Chicago

Job hunters will no doubt benefit from taking a good look at The Career Gateway: Job Seekers Guide, produced by JVS Chicago.  Jewish Vocational Service crafted an easily searchable online tool which directs job seekers to accomplish steps they need in their search.  Excercises are simple to follow, but essential in identifying contacts, giving realistic advice and encouragement to network with confidence.  There are helpful guides to develop writing and computer skills, prepare for phone and in-person interviews, personal budgeting, and sample scripts to start conversations with potential hiring managers.

While The Career Gateway is an excellent job site, it by no means takes the place for the personal service and consultation offered by JVS.  They have convenient locations and professional career guidance staff to help job hunters from all levels.  Their main office is at 216 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60606. Please call or email for an appointment: jvschgo@jvschicago.org or (312) 673-3400.

Be the Next New Business Success Story - Join us at Canta Napoli on 1/24/12

The Village of Mount Prospect is seeking new businesses – with a focus on retail and restaurants. The Village is teaming up with the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center, Mount Prospect Downtown Merchants Association and the Mount Prospect Public Library to help new businesses get established in Mount Prospect by providing a package of innovative economic development resources. Tools to help ensure business success in Mount Prospect - education, mentoring, marketing opportunities and contact with successful existing business owners - will be available through this program.

The groups are holding an information session for potential new business owners – an “Entrepreneur’s Café” – on Tuesday, January 24, at 9 a.m., at Canta Napoli Restaurant, 90 E. Busse Ave., Mount Prospect.

At this kickoff session Bonnie Richter, Director of Illinois Small Business Development at Harper College, will review the steps for launching a new business, explain where to look for funding sources, provide business plan templates, and address common issues faced by owners looking to start a new venture. The Village will then introduce its initiative to help ensure your success here in Mount Prospect. With the assistance of the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Merchants Association, and the Library, the Village has put together a package of innovative economic development resources that include education, mentoring, and marketing opportunities. There are also financial incentives for businesses interested in a downtown location.

For more information or to RSVP for the January 24 event, contact Clare O’Shea at 847/818-5312 or coshea@mountprospect.org.

Using Census Data to Help Your Business

Participate in this online class right from your desk over your lunch hour.

Learn the basics about the layout of the new American Factfinder Census Data Tool. This webinar will focus on where to find demographic and economic data about geographies of your choosing, which will help make informed decisions when it comes to starting or managing a small business.

This program is free and open to all. Registration is required. Register online or by telephone at 224-543-1485. Email address required. After registering you will receive an email containing information about joining the webinar approximately one week prior to the event.

Presented by the US Census Bureau for the Vernon Area Public Library.

Treasury to End Over-the-Counter Sales of Paper U.S. Savings Bonds in 2012

The Bureau of the Public Debt announced this summer that as of January 1, 2012, paper savings bonds will no longer be sold at financial institutions. This action, which supports the U.S. Department of the Treasury's goal to increase the number of electronic transactions with citizens and businesses, will save American taxpayers approximately $70 million over the first five years.

But savings bonds, introduced in 1935, are not going away. Electronic savings bonds in Series EE and I will remain available through purchase in TreasuryDirect®, a secure, web-based system operated by Public Debt – where investors have been purchasing savings bonds, available 24/7, since 2002.

Those currently holding paper savings bonds can continue to redeem them at financial institutions. Bonds, which have not matured, but were lost, stolen or destroyed, can be reissued in paper or electronic form.

Series I paper savings bonds remain available for purchase using part or all of one's tax refund. For more information on this feature, visit www.irs.gov.

For more information about the elimination of paper savings bonds and how to enroll in TreasuryDirect, visit http://www.treasurydirect.gov/.

 

Every Business Should Have a Plan

The Mount Prospect Fire Department offers ways to keep local businesses and their employees safe in our community.  Assistance with emergency planning and preparedness kit for your Mount Prospect business is available at no cost. Please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 847-818-5252 for more details on programs.

Small Business Jobs Act and the IRS

On Sept. 27, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Small Business Jobs Act, a significant piece of small business legislation. The tax provisions intended to lend support, tax cuts, and other opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners.  Tax Information for Small Businesses also have a link for Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center.

 

Additional info regarding detailed credits and translated IRS sites follow:

  

Hiring Credits:

English http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=220326,00.html

Spanish http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=220499,00.html

 

Health Care Tax Credit:

English http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=223666,00.html

Spanish http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=224438,00.html

 

Spanish

Business Page (Spanish): http://www.irs.gov/espanol/content/0,,id=162902,00.html

Spanish Information for Individuals & Businesses: http://www.irs.gov/espanol/

Standard Mileage Rates

WASHINGTON: 12/3/10 — The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2011 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2011, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

• 51 cents per mile for business miles driven
• 19 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs as determined by the same study. Independent contractor Runzheimer International conducted the study.

A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

Revenue Procedure 2010-51 contains additional details regarding the standard mileage rates.