December 2016 Newsletter – Changing the funeral industry, LLC vs S-Corp, and more!

View our full December 2016 Newsletter (PDF download)

In this update: Changing the funeral industry * LLC or S-Corp – Why not both? * Meet an Advisor * Meet a Partner

Maine SBDC Client Changing the Funeral Industry
Meet Kasey Smith, owner of EterNavNews
Kasey Smith Owner of ETERNAV

With a background in technology startups and personal experience dealing with loss, Kasey Smith saw an opportunity to help those experiencing one of life’s toughest challenges, navigating the unexpected loss of a loved one.
She has created 21st century technical tools and a step by step process that helps guide families through the practical tasks and action steps that follow the loss of a loved one. Her solution, called EterNav (short for eternal navigation), offers affordable, personalized and convenient bereavement solutions – working either with and without a funeral home. 

Smith enlisted the help of Betty Egner and Ann McAlhany, business advisors at the Maine SBDC at CEI, to help launch and grow her business. Read more…
LLC or S-Corp…why not both? Info

From Business Advisor Peter Harriman
sign LLC or SCORPCongrats! You are thinking of getting into business! Or you are in business already but wondering if your business is operating under the right type of business! 
 
You are looking online to try to figure out the insand outs of which business entity formation is best for you, and you are coming to a road block. There are a lot of choices; sole proprietor, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), c- corp, etc. The complexity of the topic should prompt a call to some kind of legal professional to ensure you understand the decision and how it will affect you and your business. 
 
One business entity you might want to discuss during this conversation is the LLC that is taxed like an S-Corp.  Read more…

 

Janet Roderick Portrait Photo
Meet a Business Advisor: Janet Roderick Advisor
Janet Roderick

Maine SBDC Business Advisor since 1995
 
Territory: Kennebec, Somerset and Waldo Counties
 
Office in: Fairfield
 
Janet works directly with small business owners and managers on matters relating to business startup, expansion and survival. She specializes in financial management, Quickbooks, business planning, and internal controls. Janet also specializes in agricultural and food-based businesses. 
 
Some of her past clients include The Maine Meal and The Milkhouse. For more information on Janet including her bio, click here.

 Or to connect with a business advisor closer to you, click here.

 

MEET OUR PARTNER:  Maine Center for Entrepreneurial DevelopmentPartner

At the Maine SBDC, we consider ourselves the hub of an entrepreneur or small business’ journey through self-employment. Part of our success is knowing the many resources available to you — to connect you to the resources that can help your business succeed. 
This month we introduce you to Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development (MCED).
MCED LogoWhat does MCED do? MCED helps innovators fill the gaps between their deep industry expertise and the strategic business skills critical to launching a scalable, sustainable venture. They provides an array of relevant training and quality mentorship to encourage business growth and sustainability. 
How can they help you/your business?  MCED hosts training on various topics in several different formats. Shorter programs include  Lunch & Learns and Table Talks . Longer term, more intensive training includes their popular Top Gun program (they are currently accepting applications!), Top Gun Prep, and PreFlight (both of which give entrepreneurs a glimpse of what is covered in the more rigorous Top Gun program). 
MCED also runs the Maine Mentor Network, a group of vetted industry experts who volunteer their time and talent to accelerate the success of Maine companies. 
To learn more about what MCED does, their membership options and more, visit their website or give them a call at 207-774-8111.
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