NCET

Funding hasn’t been harder to come by in decades, and throngs of deserving entrepreneurs are downright starved for it. That’s where angel investors–loosely gathered groups of well-heeled individuals with an eye toward the juicy returns that can come from investing in early stage companies–come in.

Not that you should jump at any angel willing to scratch out a check. Their deep pockets notwithstanding, some angels are more intractable and demanding than others–even while bringing less to the table in terms of expertise and guidance. That’s why entrepreneurs should know what they’re getting into before betting their fortunes on one of these benefactors. Read full story:

Technorati Tags: Entrepreneurs, Forbes.com., Jim Casparie, angel investors, venture capital, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology

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In two weeks, the 60th Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) will be in full swing at the Reno Sparks Convention Center. Happening May 10-16, 2009, the event will feature 1,600 scientists and engineers of the future, bring an estimated 6,000 visitors to the region and generate an estimated $6.6 million in tourism revenue.

JUDGES from all fields of science and engineering will evaluate the exhibits and interact with the students. Intel ISEF judges must have a doctorate degree or a lesser college degree plus six years experience in a field equivalent to that being judged. There are 17 judging categories and judges are still particularly needed for the following: animal sciences, environmental management and sciences, energy and transportation, mathematics, plant sciences, and microbiology.

Judges must be available May 12-13. Registration and training take place Tuesday and judging takes place on Wednesday. Lunch and dinner are provided, as well as free parking.

INTERPRETERS are needed throughout the week, but particularly on May 12-13 during the judging. With student finalists and visitors coming from nearly 60 countries, this will be the most international Intel ISEF to date. A myriad of languages will be spoken and, at this point, there is a particular need for Czech, Portuguese, Russian, Thai and Vietnamese interpreters.

GENERAL VOLUNTEERS can fill a variety of duties ranging from providing directional assistance to greeting visitors at the airport. A real plus is the potential for a group representing a business or organization to adopt a particular task or day.

Intel ISEF is hosted by Gathering Genius, a Nevada nonprofit organization, and the City of Reno. Join us as we welcome the world. Public Visitation Day will be May 14, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The finalist students will be present at their exhibits between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. For more information, or to register to volunteer, visit www.isefnevada.com.

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Mashable, a popular blog covering social media and Web 2.0, recently offered its take on the top 10 social networks for entrepreneurs:

1. Entrepreneur Connect: From the producers of Entrepreneur Magazine, Entrepreneur Connect provides the opportunity to create your own profile, explore the community, share ideas with other entrepreneurs and network. 

2. Partner Up: This social network for entrepreneurs who are searching for people and resources for business opportunities.   In this network, you can ask or offer advice, find commercial real estate and find service providers like accountants and marketers for your business. 

3. Startup Nation: Features include articles, forums, blogs, on-demand seminars and podcasts to provide entrepreneurs with the resources required to make better business decisions.

4. Linked In: Whether you’re searching for a job, trying to network with like-minded individuals or build a company, LinkedIn offers many resources for entrepreneurs, such as groups, including the very popular “On Startups” group that has over 54,000 members. 

5. Biznik: The Biznik community is composed of freelancers, CEOs and the self-employed. Like the other networks, this is a place for you to share ideas, instead of posting your resume. 

6. Perfect Business: From business networking to a video center where you can learn from successful entrepreneurs, a business plan builder and even an investor center, you’ll have most of the resources you need to create or regenerate your business. 

7. Go BIG Network: The Go BIG Network embraces job seekers, in addition to funding sources, service providers and entrepreneurs.  In this social network, you post requests for help, which are then routed to other people in the network that can answer your questions or support you. 

8. Cofoundr: The Cofoundr network is made up of idea makers, entrepreneurs, programmers, web designers, investors, freelancers and executives.  The primary purpose of joining this network is to start a new web venture. 

9. The Funded: This online community of entrepreneurs who research, rate and review funding sources.  Entrepreneurs can view and share terms sheets to assist each other in finding good investors, as well as discuss the inner workings of operating a business. 

10. Young Entrepreneur: This community appears as a discussion forum, with topics such as e-commerce, search engine optimization, marketing, IT & Internet, and franchising.  Aside from their main forum and threads, there is a popular blog and some great videos. 

Technorati Tags: Mashable, entrepreneurs, Entrepreneur Connect, Entrepreneur Magazine, Partner Up, Startup Nation, Linked In, Biznik, Perfect Business, Go BIG Network, Cofoundr, Young Entrepreneur, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology

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UNLV’s radiochemistry program, though only 5 years old, is partnering with national lab researchers and drawing students from universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Administrators say this is the type of program they want to grow: research-intensive and sustainable with limited state funding. And radiochemistry, the study of the chemical and physical properties of radioactive elements, is particularly relevant in a region home to a nuclear test site, a proposed nuclear waste repository and a fledgling cancer research institute. Read more:

Technorati Tags: Las Vegas Sun, UNLV, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology

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University of Nevada, Reno students have been getting an up close and personal look at the world of business this semester that is culminating in the Governor’s Cup final competition and awards ceremony April 22-23.

The Governor’s Cup is an annual competition among students from all Nevada colleges and universities to create the best business plan. Students submitted proposals in mid-March, and finalists were announced in April. A record thirteen out of eighteen finalist entries in the Governor’s Cup and the Lt. Governor’s Cup, which recognizes the business plan that best employs clean, renewable or efficient energy technologies and services, are from the University of Nevada, Reno this year.

On Wednesday, the finalists gave their final oral presentations for the judges, and the competition winners will be announced Thursday at an awards banquet at the Peppermill Hotel Casino. First prize is $20,000; second is $10,000; and third is $5,000. Read full story:

Technorati Tags: Skyler Dillon, University of Nevada Reno, NCET Governor’s Cup, Yantao Shen, Appliance 2.0 Solutions, Nelson Publicover, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology

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