NCET

Starting and running a business alone isn’t for everyone. If you’re up to the challenge, here are a few tips to make it work.What you need to know to launch a new company

So you’re sick of your corporate gig and dream of making a living as a solopreneur?

Actually, you’re not alone (pun intended). There are now more than 20 million single-person businesses in the United States, accounting for more than three-fourths of all U.S. businesses, according to recent U.S. Census data.

The prospect of running your own business has some obvious appeal. Being your own boss lets you set your own schedule – at least theoretically. This has some clear advantages for the family man or woman.

But be warned: working for yourself isn’t for everyone. “Just because you’re a great technician at what you do doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be a great entrepreneur, too,” says Marla Tabaka, a business coach who writes The Successful Soloist blog for Inc.com. “They’re two totally different hats to wear.” Read full story:

Technorati Tags: Peter Van Bos,Inc.,Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology,NCET,Nevada,business

The federal Bureau of Land Management has approved a company’s “fast-track” plan to build a 30 megawatt geothermal power plant in Nevada’s Pershing County.

The BLM says Ormat Technologies’ Jersey Valley Project will cover a little more than 13 square miles at a site about 120 miles northeast of Reno.

The BLM granted first-phase approval June 4 for a 15 megawatt plant. A second plant may be built next year.

Jersey Valley is BLM’s second geothermal fast-track project in Nevada.

The 49.5 megawatt Blue Mountain plant began operating in October 2009 in Humboldt County.

Nevada has 11 geothermal plants, including three on BLM-managed public lands. Officials say they produce more than 325 megawatts of electricity, or enough to power more than 200,000 homes.

Technorati Tags: Reno Gazette-Journal,Bureau of Land Management,Ormat Technology,Jersey Valley Project,Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology,NCET,Nevada,business

Engineering students at the University of Nevada, Reno excelled again, taking second place in the American Society of Civil Engineers’ highly competitive 23rd Annual National Concrete Canoe Competition that concluded Saturday at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

“We’re extremely proud of our performance, we now have the highest average overall placement of any team in the history of the National Concrete Canoe Competition,” Kelly Lyttle, advisor to the team said following their fifth consecutive year of national competition. “It’s an honor to represent our school, our state and our profession.” Nevada won the national competition in 2008.

The students, paddling their 224-pound canoe “Battle Born” in several races, placed fourth overall in the battle against wind, choppy water and the 21 other boats from around the country. The Wolf Pack team placed first in the technical design paper, second in the oral presentation and fifth place in the final product category.

The American Society of Civil Engineers’ National Concrete Canoe Competition provides students with a practical application of the engineering principles they learn in the classroom, along with important team and project management skills they will need in their careers.  The event challenges the students’ knowledge, creativity and stamina, while showcasing the versatility and durability of concrete as a building material.

Technorati Tags: University of Nevada Reno,American Society of Civil Engineers’ 23rd Annual National Concrete Canoe Competition,Kelly Lyttle,Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology,NCET,Nevada,business

It’s become a familiar lament: Where are the women in technology? It’s intriguing to contemplate. But Cindy Padnos, founding managing director of Illuminate Ventures, a high-tech focused, early stage venture capital firm in Oakland, Calif., has moved beyond introspection. She prefers action. Ms. Padnos recently discussed the “evil-minded men” myth and why Indian immigrant entrepreneurs should be role models for women. A condensed version of the conversation follows. CLICK HERE to read more.

Technorati Tags: Nevada,business,NCET,Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology,Cindy Padnos,Illuminate Ventures

Even in the heyday of Las Vegas growth, driven by the hottest job market in the nation thanks to burgeoning casino resorts, the concern was whispered in board rooms and government offices: Can Nevada continue riding a one-trick pony or does it need to diversify?

What if the gaming industry takes a hit? What will sustain the state, its workers and their families? Does the state have a fallback?

The question gained volume as Indian gaming casinos surfaced in California, threatening to retain many West Coast gamblers who otherwise might come to Nevada. Read full story:

Technorati Tags: Brian Krolicki,Richard N. Velotta,Las Vegas Sun,New Nevada Task Force,Commission on Economic Development,Nevada Department for Employment,Training and Rehabilitation,the Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization,Nevada Development Authority,Frank Woodbeck,Nevada,Business,NCET,Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology