Freelance Camp

Proposal makes businesses tax collectors

// February 25th, 2010 // Comments // Uncategorized

Call to Action: Proposal makes businesses tax collectors and forces small biz to make interest-free loans to state.

California continues to have a severe budget crisis – $20 billion in the hole. Unfortunately, one of the solutions being proposed in Sacramento is yet another budget gimmick – an onerous 3% independent contractor withholding mandate on businesses and public agencies.

Any business/agency hiring an independent contractor (anyone who receives a 1099-MISC) will have to reduce every payment by 3%, and is responsible for remitting that money to the Franchise Tax Board, the state tax collection agency.

· Almost all companies, agencies and non-profits of any kind will have to withhold.

· Almost anyone who receives a 1099-MISC will be withheld upon, including builders, plumbers, real estate agents, attorneys and health care providers.

Under This Proposal:

· The 3% will be withheld even if the business owes no income taxes for the year due to losses/slim profit margins.

· The state gets to use the money-interest free until tax return time the next year.

· Money is taken out of the pockets of businesses that is needed to keep business afloat, make payroll and pay bills.

· Implementation will be extremely costly and complex for businesses and state and local government agencies.

· The mandate is ongoing and permanent for businesses/agencies.

All for a one-time money grab that is merely an acceleration/borrowing that generates very few new revenues for the state!

Call to Action

1. Add your business’s name to the growing coalition against this proposal! To be added, simply e-mail laurie.lively@calchamber.com. Your business’s name will be added to the coalition fact sheet.

What’s your most important strategy for 2010?

// October 26th, 2009 // Comments // Uncategorized

How are you going adapt to the changing economic climate? What’s the key to business success in 2010?

(see full article at www. Entrepreneur.com)

http://econnect.entrepreneur.com/group/7/discussion/3100/8912/

Freelancers and Entreprenuers

// October 26th, 2009 // Comments // Uncategorized

Utilize your internet resources:
http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/

FreeLance Camp

The concept is easy. Show up. Express interests and ask questions. Break into small groups and exchange knowledge. Become a better freelancer…
Freelance Camp is a place to discuss and explore the different approaches to running a successful freelance business / service company. We have based our events on the Barcamp format, which is a network of user generated participatory events whose content is fully provided by the participants. Anyone with something to contribute or with the desire to learn is welcome and invited to join.
Some of the events are free (thanks to our sponsors) while other charge a token fee to help cover overhead. Each camp is run by a local team of volunteers and is put on for the benefit of the community (not profit). Any left over proceedes are donated to the organizer’s charity of choice. All the events to date have included breakfast, lunch and an after party.

Who should come? If you sell your services (or are considering it), you are a perfect fit: developer, designer, accountant, blogger / journalist, realtor, lawyer, carpenter, engineer, financial adviser, marketer, sales, musician, artist, inventor… Historically, the bulk of attendees are from hi-tech. We encourage all types of owners to come to provide a balanced perspective to business.

* Get experience based answers to your questions.
* Network and meet people running successful freelance businesses.
* Form partnership and collaborate.
* Find clients.
* Help others and be a person of influence.

Planning begins for Vancouver, CA

// October 20th, 2009 // Comments // Uncategorized

The founders of the network hub, gorgeous coworking space up in Vancouver have announced they plan to run a freelance camp early in 2010. If you are up in the area and are interested in helping to plan the event, drop a comment and we will put you in touch.

31% of Americans are Freelance, Temp or Self Employed

// October 8th, 2009 // Comments // Uncategorized

When people asked me 10 years ago what I did (freelance developer), most nodded their heads but couldn’t relate. Well it seems that a whole lot more people do now. According to money magazine, 31% of Americans are now freelancing, part time workers or self employed. Personally, I don’t get the difference between the first and third, but that point aside, holy cow that’s a huge shift in our economy and the work life balance.

Reno moved to Nov 7th

// October 7th, 2009 // Comments // Uncategorized

We are very excited to bring the Freelance Camp event to Reno-Tahoe but unfortunately we have to postpone the event. Freelance Camp Reno-Tahoe will now be taking place on November 7th. Our new venue is being finalized this week but the event will be taking place in downtown Reno.

RSVP for Freelance Camp Reno-Tahoe

This is a small blessing in disguise as we are confident that Reno Collective will be opening its doors on November 1st and we may be able to host the event at our building.

Santa Cruz Fires Suck – But They Won’t Stop Us

// August 14th, 2009 // Comments // Uncategorized

For those of you coming to the event tomorrow, it will be a hot one. Forecast is well into the 80s. Nice day for the beaches. While the fires are dramatic, they have not affected any of the major thoroughfares and are miles away from downtown. We are excited to see you and have a dynamic dialog.

In case you want more detail, below is an interactive map of where the fire is.

For more info visit the Mercury News.

Santa Cruz After Party at Motiv

// July 28th, 2009 // Comments // Uncategorized

After a long day of figuring out how to make more money running your business, come hang out, have drinks, east food and be merry. Motiv, a new upscale club / restaurant has thrown open their doors with open arm. Doors open for us at 5pm. DJ comes on at 9:30pm if you want to party and dance the night away.

MOTIV is the vision of two SC natives committed to operating a more refined establishment. Our interest stems from recognizing a type of venue absent from downtown Santa Cruz: A responsible restaurant/bar/nightclub with a safe, fun and engaging atmosphere for mature adults. We will host art shows, political forums and other social events as well as DJ’s from all over to combine culture with entertainment while maintaining a safe and responsible environment. We firmly believe our conscientious business model will satisfy a need within the community as well as raise the expectations of downtown patrons, encouraging the other businesses in the area to follow suit. 1209 Pacific Ave., Between the Gap and Bad Ass Coffee.