Blogs

STOPfakes.gov was launched to serve as a one-stop shop for U.S. government tools and resources on intellectual property rights (IPR). The federal agencies behind STOPfakes.gov have developed a number of resources to educate and assist businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as consumers, government officials, and the general public.

Communications before, during and following an emergency is bi-directional. Stakeholders or audiences will ask questions and request information. The business will answer questions and provide information. This flow of information should be managed through a communications hub.

Contact and Information Centers form the “hub” of the crisis communications plan. The centers receive requests for information from each audience and disseminate information to each audience. Employees from multiple departments may be assigned to communicate with a specific audience.

The “contact center” fields inquiries from customers, suppliers, the news media and others. The contact center should be properly equipped and staffed by personnel to answer requests for information. The staff working within the contact center should be provided with scripts and a “frequently asked questions” (FAQ) document to answer questions consistently and accurately.

Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is the U.S. Government’s development finance institution. It mobilizes private capital to help solve critical world challenges and in doing so, advances U.S. foreign policy. Because OPIC works with the U.S. private sector, it helps U.S. businesses gain footholds in emerging markets, catalyzing revenues, jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC achieves its mission by providing investors with financing, guarantees, political risk insurance, and support for private equity investment funds.

What is the SBC?

Building on OPIC’s outreach efforts to the small business community, the Small Business Center offers qualified small businesses the opportunity to utilize OPIC’s resources with improved customer service, flexible coverage and easier access through a streamlined approval process. Recognizing the financing needs facing many small businesses, the Center is committed to considering all applications within a 60-day period. The SBC is made up of experienced OPIC personnel who are dedicated to working with small businesses.

Beginning on September 19 through the 22^nd, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) hosted the 42^nd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) in Washington, D.C. The conference, with the theme of Inspiring Leaders/Building Generations, brought together leaders of industry, policy, education, and the population at-large to discuss issues of importance to the African American community.

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) was proud to participate in two discussions during ALC focused on empowering African American communities through economic opportunities both at home and abroad. On Day two of the conference, Kimberly Marcus, Associate Director for the Office of Legislative, Education, and Intergovernmental Affairs, participated in a panel hosted by Mid-Tier Advocacy examining challenges faced by small and emerging businesses in federal contracting. Marcus spoke to the resources provided by MBDA specifically the recently launched Federal Procurement Center as well as online tools such as the Phoenix-Opportunity Database. She was joined on the panel by Bridget Bean of the Small Business Administration, Ben Gaither of IBM, and Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04).

Planning what to do in case of a disaster is an important part of being prepared. The IRS encourages taxpayers to safeguard their records. Some simple steps can help taxpayers and businesses protect financial and tax records.

Security in Electronic Recordkeeping

Many people receive bank statements and documents electronically. This method allows for easy backup to ensure secure record keeping. Files can be copied to a portable electronic storage device, such as a flash drive, or onto a CD or DVD.

In addition, you may scan your paper documents (W-2s, tax returns and other records) to create electronic files for safekeeping.

Be sure to store these backup files in a safe location, apart from your business, in case your normal backup systems are destroyed. Convenience to your home should not be your primary concern. Remember, a disaster that strikes your home may also affect other facilities nearby, making quick retrieval of your records difficult and even impossible.

Document Valuables and Equipment

Publications 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook, and 584-B, Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook, can help you compile a room-by-room list of your belongings or business equipment. This will help you recall and document the market value of items for insurance and casualty loss claims. You can also photograph or video the contents of your home and/or business, especially items of great value.