Small Business Development Center
Monthly Update
August 2012
The SOU Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides in-depth, confidential, one-on-one guidance to businesses and prospective entrepreneurs at no fee. We can help you gather information, evaluate, plan, and create systems for your business that lead to greater profit, job creation, and job retention.
Call 541-552-8300 for more information

August SBDC Workshops

Smart Start

August 9, 6:00-9:00 PM  
OR  
August 23, 9:00-12:00 PM 

  

Get the important information you need to know before you start your business in southern Oregon. This 3-hour workshop provides the "nuts and bolts" and more to help you succeed.     

More Information on Smart Start
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Business Plan Workshop  
August 16, 6:00-9:00 PM


Are you in the process of writing your business plan? Have you put it off because you don't know where to begin? Are you wondering, "Why write a business plan?" Attend this 3-hour workshop and get the answers.

 
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Small Business Networking Opportunities

Ashland Chamber Greeters Meetings
Every Friday,
8:15-9:30 am



Medford Chamber Greeters Meetings
Every Thursday,
8:00-9:00 am


Phoenix Chamber
Greeters Meetings
First Tuesday,
8:30-9:30 am



Talent Chamber
Greeters Meetings

Third Wednesday,
8:30-9:30 am



Heart of Medford Association
First Wednesday,
8:00-9:00 am



Jefferson Grapevine
Bi-monthly,
5:00-7:30 pm


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'My Dashboard'
Have you accessed your dashboard yet on bizcenter.org If not, click here for a handout to learn how. 
 
Gain access to a variety of resources (including those from other centers), recommended documents from your advisor, and access LivePlan Business Plan Software at no cost (Note: Advisor must sign you up first to receive the software at no cost). 
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Testimonials Coming Soon!

 

Do you have a success or milestone achievement that you are willing to share? Have we helped? The SOU SBDC is seeking testimonials from our clients to feature in both our monthly update and website.   

 

In addition to demonstrating how SBDC services have helped businesses in the Rogue Valley, your testimonial will also showcase your business to those who view our website and receive our newsletter. Your picture and business' website will also be included with your testimonial.

 

Would you be willing to assist us? If so, please call us at 541-552-8300 or email [email protected] to schedule a short visit to do an interview.

 

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you!

 

Thank you,   

Jack   

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QuickBooks for Business
August 6, 2012 to August 22, 2012
August 27, 2012 to August 29, 2012
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Beginning August 6th, the RCC Small Business Development Center is offering Quickbooks classes at the RCC/SOU Higher Education Center in Medford.  If you find yourself struggling with Quickbooks, this would be a great opportunity for your small business. 
 
For details or to register, contact Dana Wolff at 541-956-7494 or online at roguecc.edu/sbdc

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Governor's Marketplace 2012 Roadshow
August 8, 2012
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM 

Wondering how you can do business with the government and find valuable tools and resources?

The Governor's Marketplace is taking the show on the road this summer to support Oregon small businesses!

 

The Roadshow is a single day event on Wednesday, August 8,2012. We're pleased to have so many partnering organizations to share high-value information; from start-to-finish government contracting to learning about the many available resources to take your business to the next level.

  

Partnering organizations include:

Click here to register for this FREE event.
Lunch is provided (Please RSVP to ensure adequate meals for the group)

Location:  
RCC/SOU Higher Education Center
Rooms 129 & 132
101 S. Bartlett Street, Medford, OR

Contact Kimberly Sutton for additional information (503) 986-6526 or click here to view the flyer.

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2012 All Chamber Mixer
August 9, 2012
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Chambers from all over southern Oregon will invite their members to attend and fill the RoxyAnn Winery with guests looking to not only mix and mingle with existing clients, but to seize the opportunity to connect with hundreds of new contacts from surrounding communities.

This ultimate business networking event will take place outdoors on Thursday, August 9th at RoxyAnn Winery between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.  Sample food from local restaurants paired with RoxyAnn's award-winning wines.

Location: 
RoxyAnn Winery
3285 Hillcrest Road 
Medford, OR 97504

Cost: $20/person. Open to all to attend.

Click here to register online or call 541-608-8523.

Sponsored by South Valley Bank & Trust and Edgewater Inn. 

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 Business Plan Workshop
 August 16, 2012
 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM 
 

Are you in the process of writing your business plan? Have you put it off because you don't know where to begin? Are you wondering, "Why write a business plan?" Attend this 3-hour workshop and get the answers.

 

Workshop Topics Include:

Cost: $25

Location:  

RCC/SOU Higher Education Center

Room 129

101 S. Bartlett Street, Medford, OR

 

Click here to register online or call 541-552-8300.
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Mt. Hood Community College
August Webinars 

 
How to Get a Business Loan - August 14, 2012 at 11:30 AM

Attend this seminar and get the answers to these questions: 
  • What is the current Access to Capital?
  • What are some Sources of Capital?
  • What Banks are Lending?
  • What are Lenders really looking for?
  • What are the steps to getting a Loan?
  • Am I Bankable? What do I need to know?
  • What if I'm Not Bankable?  How can I get Bankable?
  • What if I get Denied?  
Click here for more information and to register How to Get a Business Loan.

 

Contracting with the Government - August 22, 2012 at 9:00 AM

Small businesses face challenges when trying to win federal, state and local government contracts. The Small Business Administration can help small businesses work through these challenges. This class provides an in-depth approach to discovering and seeking contract opportunities available as well as the possible marketing tools that may assist in selling your product or service to the government.

  

Click here for more information and to register for Contracting with the Government.

 

Business Website Essentials - August 24, 2012 at 9:00 AM

In this webinar, you will learn the basics of creating a successful website for your small business.  The instructor will present tools to build your website, as well as web hosting options to publish your site on the Internet.

 

Click here for more information and to register for Business Website Essentials. 

 

Hiring New Employees - August 30, 2012 at 11:45 AM 

Look at how to attract and hire quality employees.  How to begin the employee/employer relationship off on the right foot -- including proper job postings, applications, job descriptions and hiring paperwork.  Learn about the differences between an employee and an independent contractor.

 

Click here for more information and to register for Hiring New Employees.

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Phoenix Phestival
September 29, 2012
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM 

 

"The Phoenix Phestival's purpose is to bring the community together for a day of local phun, local phood and to highlight the cultural, agricultural, and business benefits in Phoenix, Oregon."

VENDOR BOOTH SPACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE for the Phestival on Saturday, September 29th at Phoenix High School.  Booth rates are incredibly affordable and non-profit 501(c)3 groups are free!

For more information, email [email protected].
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Oregon SBDC Network Programs:

Capital Access Team (CAT) 
The Capital Access Team (CAT) is led by highly qualified SBDC advisors who engage clients via face-to-face and distance counseling (i.e., Skype, telephone, videoconferencing and e-mail). The CAT also coordinates "R U Bankable" symposia events in select communities to provide forums for learning about access to capital.
 
The CAT works with clients that are referred to them by local SBDC Centers and lead Business Advisors.

In order to ready for a referral to the CAT, clients must pre-qualify by meeting these basic requirements
GROW Oregon
Thinking about growth? Wondering what it will take to stay profitable now and in the years ahead?  GROW Oregon's highly experienced advisors have been there themselves, and have the wisdom to help your business thrive!

GROW Oregon provides the following specialized services to qualified companies:
  • Strategic needs assessment
  • Advanced market research and analysis  
  • Digital media assistance
  • Search engine optimization (SEO) guide
  • CEO networking/mentoring
  • Business planing
  • Financial analysis 
  • Debt and equity financing assistance
  • Export assistance  

Click here for more information.

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SBA LogoThe Small Business Development Center is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The support given by the Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute or express an implied endorsement of any of the cosponsors; or participants' opinions, products, or services. Special arrangement for disabled individuals will be made if requested in advance.