Shred your Business Expenses

UPDATE:
Here are the two presentations from this event as PDF's:
SR&ED Presentation by John Visser
Legaties of a New Media Business by Adam Herstein

On Monday, October 4, 2010, from 9 am - noon, we are hosting the first in a series of business development training for New Media companies. 

The Twitter hashtag for this event is #nmmshred Use this hashtag to tweet your questions, comments, and share links to other online resources!

SIGNIFICANT TAX INCENTIVES FOR YOUR NEW MEDIA BUSINESS

On Monday, October 4, we will share a way for new media entrepreneurs to access a federal tax incentive that is becoming increasingly more popular in Manitoba: It's the Canadian Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax credit (SR&ED) - pronounced "Shred," and it's a way for you to quite literally get up to 50% of your labour and staff costs refunded for qualifying technology projects.

This particular program has been around for some time but it's been utilized more by research and development firms and the I.T. sector. Unbeknownst to most new media companies however, is that many (perhaps all) of the projects you've been working on could qualify to receive this generous tax incentive.

To help you sort through the eligibility criteria, we've invited John Visser and Ed Bergen from Meyers Norris Penny to explain the SR&ED program and how to claim your eligible project costs (even if you are the sole owner/staff member). John and Ed have helped a number of local I.T. and new media companies get access to the credit and are experts at showing new media firms the money. :)

THE LEGALITIES BEHIND IP AND RUNNING A NEW MEDIA BUSINESS IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA AGE

Also on October 4 we are featuring an expert to help solve the legal issues of creating your own intellectual property and running a business. Adam Herstein from Pitblado is one of Winnipeg's top Intellectual Property and Information Technology lawyers. He will guide us through some of the fundamental contracts that every new media business owner should have in place when creating projects for yourself or other clients.

Adam will be covering:

• Intellectual Property, Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents,
• Trade Secrets What is IP and if you have IP, how do you protect it?
• Incorporation: Should you do it?
• Employees and Independent Contractors: What's the difference?
• Terms of Service and End User License Agreements: What are they and do you need them?
• Privacy: Do you collect, store, disclose or transfer personally identifiable information? If so, how do you comply with the law? Do you need a privacy policy?
• Social Media: What are the unique legal issues posed by social media, and what do you need to think about?

In order to help shape both of these amazing presentations we ask that you fill out a brief 5 minute survey with the kinds of questions you might ask either of our presenters. The 6 question survey can be found online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NMMLegal

Don't forget to mark Monday October 4, 2010 on your calendar and remember the Twitter hashtag for this event is #nmmshred

This presentation runs from 9 am - 12 noon at our training facility on 1000 Waverley Street and includes breakfast. Cost is just $9.95 and you can register online.

I hope to see you out!

Kevin Hnatiuk
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Bios:

Adam R Herstein 
Adam Herstein is a partner at Pitblado LLP, a leading business law firm in Winnipeg Manitoba. Adam practices in the area of corporate commercial law with a particular emphasis on information technology and intellectual property law. In that capacity, Adam advises creators and users of technology with respect to its use, protection and commercialization. His clients include companies involved in internet marketing, search engine optimization, IT security, software development, website development, providers of technology services, videogame developers and many other creators of technology.

A good part of Adam's practice also involves providing advice to business users of technology in industries such as financial services and health care. Adam is the incoming chair of the Technology and Intellectual Property Law Section of the Manitoba Bar Association, a position he held from 2003 to 2008. Adam is also a former director of IT.Can, the Canadian Technology Lawyers Association

John Visser, BA 
John Visser, BA, is an IT Technical Specialist with MNP specializing in Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credits. Working out of the Winnipeg office, John helps maximize SR&ED claims for web development firms and other companies of all sizes from across the country that are developing software or enhancing legacy systems with modern interfaces.

Working as part of the client’s team, John uses his technical experience to carefully analyze their information technology activities and align them with SR&ED requirements and objectives. He considers himself a partner to each and every client and is committed to educating clients about the process of filing for the tax credit as well as to keeping them apprised of next steps so they are always aware of the state of their claims.

John’s assistance is very hands-on, involving careful analysis of expenditures, accumulating required information and handling the many details of the claim. His goal is to ensure a successful claim that stands up to the rigorous scrutiny of the Canada Revenue Agency and provides the client with the highest possible returns, which can then be used for future innovations.

Ed Bergen, CGA 
Ed Bergen, CGA, is a Senior Manager with the Taxation group in MNP’s Winnipeg office. Ed specializes in helping businesses in all industries maximize Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credits so that they can harness the power of innovation for future growth.

Whether assisting with a one-time SR&ED claim or working with long-term clients who engage in continuous research and development, Ed works closely with clients and his team at MNP to deliver strong advice and any necessary training on program-related law and policy issues. A specialist in the financial aspects of the tax credit program, he prepares high-quality SR&ED claims that stand up to government scrutiny and ensure clients get the most benefit.

Prior to joining MNP, Ed worked in the SR&ED program with the Canadian Revenue Agency for over 25 years in a financial audit role and management capacity. This unique experience contributes to his extensive financial and administrative expertise in all aspects of the program including law and policy.