Economic Clusters as a means to growth

One idea that is firmly entrenched in current economic development thinking is the idea of 'economic clusters' - related firms that build on and leverage a specific skill set or market segment. One definition (there are many) comes from the Harvard Business School's Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness; "Clusters are geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, specialized suppliers, service providers, and associated institutions in a particular field that are present in a nation or region. Clusters arise because they increase the productivity with which companies can compete."

In the 2011 budget request, the concept of economic clusters is seeded throughout various agencies. This has potential to blossom into new jobs, and only time will tell if the concept passes the budget review process and is successfully implemented by the agencies. The New Republic provides a useful summary of the agencies and the amounts, along with hyperlinks to the specific agency budgets. Here is the link to that article.

Tax Preparation Help for Small Business Owners

Live Web Chat with AICPA Vice President of Taxation Thomas P. Ochsenschlager Wednesday, December 16, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., ET

WASHINGTON – The SBA’s Web Chat series picks up in December, as the 2009 tax filing season approaches. Small business owners can begin to prepare now with useful year-end tax tips and information. Business owners can learn more about tax savings tips and mistakes to avoid.

WHO: Thomas P. Ochsenschlager, Vice President of Taxation, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) will host the SBA’s December Web chat on “Tax Preparation for Small Business Owners.” Ochsenschlager will answer questions about the importance of year-end tax planning and preparation.

WHAT: SBA’s Web chat series, providing small business owners with an opportunity to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Chat participants will have direct, real-time access to the Web chats via questions they submit online in advance and during the live session, with instant answers.

WHEN: December 16, 2009, 1 p.m. ET
Ochsenschlager will answer questions for one hour.

HOW: Web chat participants can join the Web chat on December 16 online at https://eweb1.sba.gov/livemeeting/Dec09. They also can post questions for Ochsenschlager in advance online at the same URL.

To review archives of past Web chats, visit online at http://www.sba.gov/tools/monthlywebchat/index.html

US SBA Advisory Number: MA09-14