Another year will soon be over and everyone will start thinking about income taxes. Why wait? Prepare now and you will be surprised at how much easier 'tax time' will be.

First and foremost, don't procrastinate.

1. Are you tracking all of your business expenses carefully?
2. Have you separated your personal and business accounts?
3. Have you met with your accountant recently?

There are a few simple steps you can take right now to manage your tax liability and avoid problems. Click here to read more.

If you need help setting up a good manual record keeping system or computerized bookkeeping program, please give us a call. In Memphis call 901- 312-9797 and in Arkansas call 870-535-0011.

On July 1, 2006, we launched LELIC to provide training and assistance to four rural non-profits assisting them in the implementation of local microenterprise programs that will support and spur local small business development. LELIC is supported by a grant from the USDA's Rural Community Development Initiative with the match provided by ECD.

One of our four partner organizations is the Tunica County CDC (TCCDC) located in Tunica, MS.

James Dunn, Executive Director of TCCDC, says of LELIC "This will put TCCDC in a position to help small business owners in the community and we hope this will energize the small business community. Through this program we will be able to develop the trained staff and resources that local businesses need."

TCCDC has developed a detailed workplan to create their microenterprise technical assistance program over the next 3 years.

Keep watching for more updates.

As we prepared for our 2007 Strategic Planning, we sought the guidance of our clients and formed a Client Advisory Board.

Six clients volunteered to serve on our Client Advisory Board. We held our first meeting on August 9, 2006 in Brinkley, AR with clients driving from as far as south Arkansas and Mississippi to attend.

We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the following Client Advisory Board members for their commitment and their open, honest feedback to make us a stronger organization. Their input also shaped our Benefits Picture (please see article below).

Geraldine Cherry	HealthCare Plus	Cleveland, MS
Willie Cherry	Hospice Health	Cleveland, MS
Joe King	King Disposal	Palestine, AR
Deidre Malone	Carter Malone Group	Memphis, TN
Ron Powell	Quest Corporation	Pine Bluff, AR
LaQuita Rainey	Elder House Adult Day Care	El Dorado, AR

alt.Consulting is participating in Success Measures, a participatory, outcome based evaluation process that seeks input from key stakeholders to develop a Benefits Picture as well as clear outcomes and measurable indicators.

After completing a facilitated discussion with our client advisory board, staff, board of directors, partners, funders, and potential funders, alt.Consulting developed the following Benefits Picture:

alt.Consulting works with local business owners and entrepreneurs in rural Delta and minority communities to examine, diagnose, start and rebuild businesses. We provide tailored support, skill building, and access to capital to enhance business performance, leading to growth and self-defined success.

We act on our ethical and social principles, empowering entrepreneurs to overcome racial, gender, socioeconomic and geographic barriers. We believe this leads to vibrant, entrepreneur friendly and just communities.

Through its comprehensive, affordable assistance to small businesses, alt.Consulting raises the standard of living by enabling profitability for new and growing businesses and preventing business failures. We demonstrate the contributions of healthy small businesses to growing communities with more jobs, wealth building opportunities and a stronger tax base.