NCET

The Reno-Sparks region produces more than its share of the nation’s economic activity, says a new study by a federal agency.

And another newly released set of figures show that family incomes in the region grew only modestly during 2007.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis says the region ranks 99th among the 567 metropolitan areas in the nation in economic output, producing goods and services valued at an estimated $18.9 billion during 2006. The region’s population, however, ranks only 120th among the nation’s metropolitan regions. Read full story:

Technorati Tags: Northern Nevada Business Weekly, John Seelmeyer, Reno-Sparks, Bureau of Economic Analysis, The Census Bureau, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology

…

When a venture capitalist invests in an early-stage company, the structure set forth in the term sheet is usually in preferred stock. These securities have a variety of protections—such as liquidation preferences and voting rights—that provide venture capitalists with downside protection and control. Because of the high risks involved in startups, the VC wants the opportunity to get a big return when a company is eventually sold or goes public.

At the same time, there are a growing number of venture firms that don’t just focus on equity investments—they will also provide startups with something called venture debt financing. Venture debt usually comes as a part of a Series A or Series B investment and will be 20% to 30% of the total. Often it is for companies with strong financial backing, such as from VCs. Or it could suit non-funded companies that have a customer base. Venture debt is also available from other funders, not just VCs. Read full story:

Technorati Tags: Business Week, Tom Taulli, venture capitalists, angel investing, Ryan Roberts, The Startup Lawyer, SVB Silicon Valley Bank, Western Technology Investment, Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Square 1 Bank, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology

…

C4CUBE announces the introduction of two new ventures in Northern Nevada that are focused at creating jobs, increasing fundable deal flows, and building new companies into sustainable business entities. 

The Center for Unique Business Enterprises (CUBE), which is a non-profit, privately funded business incubator located in Reno, NV, will assist in the development of early stage businesses by providing a broad range of support and services. 

C4 Venture Accelerator (C4) integrates the discipline of The CUBE with a strong business focus to deliver investment driven solutions for building sustainable businesses that empowers local entrepreneurial communities, integrates the strength of nation-wide investor interests, and reaches world-wide for joint product and market developments.  

C4CUBE will focus on Clean & Green Alternative Energies, Security, and Nutraceuticals and other synergistic industries with a simple business model; identify Clients with a coachable team and a unique solution to address a large market opportunity, mentor them through a disciplined program within a controlled environment, and provide successful Clients with access to world-wide markets and investors. 

For more information on C4CUBE, contact Ky Good at Ky.Good@C4CUBE.com or Norman Smith at Norman.Smith@C4CUBE.com

Successful flooring and tech entrepreneur Damien Patton recently launched www.FindAnyFloor.com. The site brings together flooring customers and flooring professionals and aims to give consumers the most comprehensive information source available for purchasing or maintaining virtually any kind of floor surface. FindAnyFloor.com also boasts handy buying and installation guides, a glossary of flooring terms, and a listing of frequently asked questions. Partner sites Pro.FindAnyFloor.com is aimed at industry professionals and Green.FindAnyFloor.com demonstrates the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility. All three sites will be Section 508 compliant and fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Technorati Tags: Entrepreneur, Damien Patton, www.FindAnyFllor.com, Pro.FindAnyFloor.com, Green.FindAnyFloor.com, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology

…

Sierra Pacific Resources’ utility subsidiaries Nevada Power Co. of Las Vegas and Sierra Pacific Power Co. of Reno are changing their names, but questions are being raised over the effectiveness of the name change.

The company is also proposing a statewide rate plan, but Chief Executive Michael Yackira said it was unclear what effect that would have on rates in Southern Nevada.

Effective Monday, both electric utilities will be called NV Energy, except on some legal documents.

The holding company needs shareholder approval to change its name to NV Energy Inc., change its corporate charter and replace SRP with a stock symbol that sounds more like the new corporate name. Sierra Pacific Resources intends to send out a proxy to shareholders this week, calling for a vote to make the holding company changes. Read full story:

Technorati Tags: Sierra Pacific Resources, Nevada Power Co., Sierra Pacific Power Co., Michael Yackira, NV Energy, Jack Schibrowsky, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Tim Hay, Eric Witkoski, John G. Edwards, Las Vegas Review-Journal, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology

…