Semi-finalist Q&A: Teresea Carson, LMP

Teresea Carson, LMP is an outdoor aroma massage spa. They offer people an opportunity to get away from it all, to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and to relax. Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Semi-finalist Q&A: Artist for Hire

Artist for Hire offers personalized engraving on glass and metal (wine glasses with the names of the couple and wedding date are her most popular item); some murals; other customized art as negotiated. Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Also, don't forget to cast your vote! YOUR vote will determine which entrepreneurs most deserve to be amongst the finalists.

Semi-finalist Q&A: Blackwell Family Resources, LLC

Blackwell Family Resources provides remarried parents guidance and tools to establish strong, happy stepfamilies. Her parenting coach works with parents 1:1 or in small groups, in person and via teleconferencing to help them define their family roles and realistic expectations so they can avoid a second (or third) trip to divorce court.

Semi-finalist Q&A: Dynasty West

Dynasty West makes and manufactures Potty pony Pals: children's potty training underwear and media DVD. Their product is organic cotton , made in the USA, and has re-usable packaging. They use visuals printed on the inside of the underpants and the DVD to teach the toddler to keep their underpants dry. Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Semi-finalist Q&A: Live Web Search

Live Web Search will search the internet for you when you can't. Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Semi-finalist Q&A: Bella Vita Designs

The first semi-finalist Q&A presentation is for Bella Vita Designs, a company, that specializes in quality, fine, hand-painted furniture. Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

The “Why” behind Go Green Go

If you read last month's update you know “HOW” Go Green Go came into existence. If you are new to Idea Café or have just stumbled upon this blog – you need to go back and read the “Evolution of Go Green Go. It’s a spellbinding and thrilling account of how Go Green Go came into being…….Ok, so I tend to exaggerate just a little.

So, without any further delay – on to the next riveting chapter in the Evolution of Go Green Go – the “WHY” behind the “HOW” of the company. On the surface, one would tend to answer the question of “Why?” with “That’s a no-brainer –to make money.” Not so fast. While that may be the main purpose of most companies, it was not the defining motive to start Go Green Go.

I’m Not a Salesman … Or Am I?: 10 Tips for Maintaining Your Professional Image

As a thoracic (chest) surgeon, Aaron was used to working on hearts and lungs.

He’s a gifted surgeon, with a wonderful bedside manner, impeccable skills, and true caring for his patients’ lives and families. But the truth was, his case volume was down, and so too was his income. What to do?

Aaron was surprised to realize that he had a sales problem.

And the Semi-Finalists for the Eighth Idea Cafe Small Business Grant are...

We're proud to announce the semi-finalists for Idea Café's current $1,000.00 Small Business Grant. It was tough since there were so many super candidates. But now we've selected the cream of the crop from almost one thousand exceptional applicants. 40 Grant Applicants impressed us with their inventive business vision and their intent to leverage their business and personal talents to help others. (Read below for short descriptions of their businesses and ideas.) Congratulations to the semi-finalists, and a sincere "Thank you" to everyone who applied for the Eighth Idea Cafe grant!

The Faith Versus Fear Mindset

A small business startup expert reveals the lessons learned, and how they apply to small business owners, when she went skydiving and had to rely on faith instead of opting for fear.

Several years ago, I went skydiving. Obviously falling out of a plane 10,000+ feet above ground isn't the safest thing you can do. To limit their liability and make sure everyone understood the waiver we were required to sign, skydiving companies have participants sit through an hour long presentation that details the things that can go wrong with your parachute and possible (but not probable) ways to fix those while plummeting to the ground at warp speed.

Syndicate content