Resources and workshops of interest from the IEN Weekly Connection.
ELEVATE ILLINOIS - A STATE OF ILLINOIS AND MICROSOFT PARTNERSHIP
Introduction: The Illinois-Microsoft Elevate America program is a public-private partnership between the State of Illinois and Microsoft. The purpose of the program is to provide a no-cost opportunity for individuals to increase their technology skills. This is a national program and, for our state, Microsoft is providing 51,000 vouchers to be redeemed by individuals to complete Microsoft online courses and Microsoft business certification exams.Timeline: The distribution of vouchers takes place between July 31 - October 31, 2009. Individuals who are assigned online learning vouchers during that period must “redeem” their vouchers online before October 31st, but have 12 months to complete the online learning courses. Individuals who are assigned certification exam vouchers during the distribution period must complete their exam by October 31, 2009.
Courses and Exams: Individuals will choose specific voucher types to either complete select Microsoft online courses in two categories or to take Microsoft business certification exams. In each category there are many courses to pick from.
A voucher is good for one set of courses, called a course collection, for a selected Microsoft product. Individuals may wish to complete more than one course collection and, if so, will need a voucher for each collection. The estimated time to complete a course varies from a few hours to about five hours.
Accessing Elevate America: To access information about the program, online courses, and to find certification exam sites, go to: www.illinoisworknet.com and click on Individuals. You will find Elevate Illinois by scrolling down and looking in the left hand column on the page.
THE BUSINESS LEDGER - ENTREPRENEURIAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The Business Ledger Newspaper is accepting applications for the 10th Annual Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards Program. Award categories include: Early Stage, Growth, Innovation, Lifetime Achievement, Minority Entrepreneur, Outstanding Service, Regional Spirit and Young Entrepreneur (Under 40). Award recipients will be honored at an evening reception to be held on September 24th. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, July 31st. The Illinois SBDC is listed as a Marketing Partner for this program. To learn more about this awards program and to access the nomination form, please click on this link.
FAMEE FOUNDATION MARKETING TOOLS
The Foundation for the Advancement of Marketing Excellence in Entrepreneurs (FAMEE) Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit organization engaged in economic development through marketing education and consultation leading to sustainable, long-term customer revenue streams. They help entrepreneurs through partnership with economic development organizations like your SBDC.You can give your clients an inexpensive yet powerful way to collect outstanding information about their customers: One of the strongest marketing strategies is "post purchase follow up"--touching base with customers after the purchase. Learn more about this winning strategy in their book, CUSTOMER PILLARS (see Pillar #7). You can download the full electronic copy at no cost.
Do you work with start-ups? Need an idea for your next Entrepreneur / Start-Up workshop? Help your clients move into "urgent revenue generation" the minute they open their doors - look into our e-course Marketing Advice for Starting a Business - A Marketing Primer for Start-Ups.
FAMEE Entrepreneur & Consultant Programs - You will find numerous consulting tools and e-courses for your clients and you at www.FAMEE.org
FAMEE e-courses:
- were developed by a former SBDC center director
- use a self-study format that is very flexible for busy entrepreneurs
- are designed to be used in conjunction with your consulting
- are available right now and at no cost!
Comments