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Small Business Development Center
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Monthly Update
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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.
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Call 541-552-8300 for more information
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September SBDC Workshops
Smart Start Your Business
September 13, 2012
6:00 PM to 9:00 PMor September 28, 2012 9:00 AM to 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.
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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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Additional Small Business Articles |
'My Dashboard'
Have you accessed your dashboard 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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Oregon SBDC Programs:
Capital Access Team
The Capital Access Team is led by highly qualified SBDC advisors who engage clients in learning about access to capital.
In order to ready for a referral to the CAT, clients must pre-qualify by meeting
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!
Click here for more information on GROW Oregon.
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Welcome to our September Monthly Update!
Please note the client testimonial from American Leak Detection, which is the first in our "client spotlight" series. We are delighted to have served this business and look forward to other opportunities.
As we approach the last quarter of 2012, it's a good time for business owners to review where they stand with their goals and objectives for the year. Are you on target? Are you exceeding your goals or are you falling short? Will the remainder of the year give you enough time and opportunity to achieve your goals? Did you take time to establish your business objectives before the year began? If not, are you planning establish goals for 2013? Petty as it may sometimes seem, goal and objective setting is critical to business development. Even if you write them down and not review regularly, it is a human phenomenon that we work towards what is on our mind. You may be surprised!
The same applies to the SBDC. Our main objective is to serve the business community with excellence in counseling, training, and resources. Your comments and suggestions are welcome as we are here to serve you.
We invite you to begin by taking a look at the classes, workshops and other opportunities that are coming up in the next two months.
Best regards,
Jack
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 Client Spotlight:
Shari Botermans
"The SBDC Next Level program did wonders for our business. The advisors pulled us out of our day-to- day operations and made us look at the big picture of where we wanted our business to go and how to get there. They showed us how to work "on" our business, not just "in" our business as owners. The program helped us grow our revenue by 21% so far this year. It's an awesome program for any small business."
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SOU SBDC Now Offering Computer & Networking Assistance!
Having computer or networking problems? Clif, an IT specialist, is volunteering time to the SOU SBDC for the purpose of helping existing, growing, and start-up businesses.
Clif can help your business with technical issues related to computer needs, network decisions, outsourcing, decisions on internet providers, purchasing new equipment, etc.
Clif is founder and CEO of a local computer solutions provider in their 10th year of business in the Rogue Valley. Clif graduated from MIT with a degree in computer science. He has been in the computer industry for over 30 years and has worked in computer design, software development, customer service, marketing, sales, and corporate management. Clif is very active in the community doing volunteer work using his skills in technology.
Call our office at 541-552-8300 for available appointments
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Jefferson GrapevineSeptember 19, 20125:00 PM to 7:30 PM The Jefferson Grapevine is a series of events designed to bring building or maturing entrepreneurs together to network with volunteers committed to mentoring and coaching them. This networking event also connects entrepreneurs with identified private equity investors who might be in a position to provide funding. The program consists of a speaker with educational or motivational material for entrepreneurs, as well as a "Start Up & Shout Out" opportunity where you will be able to share what kind of help you need to get over your immediate business hurdle. An hour of networking time, with food and beverage, will help you mix and mingle with those that might be able to assist you on the spot.
Location: Bigham Knoll Event Center 525 Bigham Knoll Jacksonville, OR Cost: $20/person
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On-Demand Online Training:
"Before You Go Global"
Only 5% of the world's consumers live in the US and international markets are ripe for US goods. This is a great time to consider international trade!
However, you need to be fully informed BEFORE you make this important business decision to maximize your investment and avoid costly mistakes!
"Before You Go Global" online training course helps you weigh the costs of global expansion with the benefits of entering a new market. It will help you consider opportunities and threats of taking your business global.
9 modules provide a solid foundation to help you make this important decision:
Module 1 - "Are You Ready?"
Module 2 - "Market Research and Product Classification"
Module 3 - "Understanding Market Environments"
Module 4 - "Financial Risks and International Payment Methods"
Module 5 - "Financing International Expansion"
Module 6 - "Global Mechanics: Your Global Supply Chain"
Module 7 - "Insuring Your International Investment"
Module 8 - "Legal Considerations for International Expansion"
Module 9 - "Strategies For Entering International Markets"
Once you have completed the 9 modules and the worksheets that go with them, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision about taking your business global.
Fee: $297
For more information, contact GoGlobal@pcc.edu or 971-722-5080
Click here to register for Before You Go Global
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Upcoming Events in October
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Strategic Storytelling
October 18, 2012
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Stories have the power to change history, culture, communities and all of us individually. They are what move us, make us feel alive, and inspire us. How you use and tell stories can be the key to motivating, communicating and influencing your audience.
This one-day class will teach you how:
- Cultivate your ability to tell the right stories to the right audience to sell, influence, and inspire
- Gain a systematic approach to communicate your point of view memorably and with ease
- Become a confident communicator and increase trust, believability, and credibility
- And, much more!
Presenter: Diana Hartley is a communication and story strategist with over 20 years experience teaching people to be effective communicators. She has worked with clients in the Bay Area, nationally and internationally. She has also taught at universities and corporations.
To learn more about Diana, visit: www.strategic-storytelling.com
Location: SOU Higher Education Center
101 S. Bartlett Street
Medford, OR
Cost: $49/person
Lunch is provided. Please RSVP to ensure adequate meals for group.
Click here to register for Strategic Storytelling.
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Profit Mastery Workshop
October 24, 2012 to November 14, 2012
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
"Profit Mastery," the internationally-acclaimed seminar from Business Resource Services (BRS), Inc. will be available in the classroom starting October 24th with Profit Mastery Advisor to assist you with your course work and in applying Profit Mastery principles to your business.
This workshop is designed to take you from "Profit Mystery" to "Profit Mastery" by giving you practical financial tools to enable you to make better business decisions, obtain better bank credit lines, and create a compelling business plan.
$395/ 4 sessions over 4 consecutive weeks
October 24, October 31, November 7, and November 14
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Rogue Valley Business Resource Fair
October 27, 2012
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
This is the tenth annual Rogue Valley Business Resource Fair -- a free information event for small business owners and those thinking about becoming entrepreneurs. This is a special opportunity to get free consultations and attend seminars on topics critical to small businesses. Information booths will be staffed by representatives from banking, insurance and government, as well as local trade organizations. For seminar schedule and d etails, click here. FREE ADMISSIONLocation: RCC/SOU Higher Education Center
101 S. Bartlett Street
Medford, OR
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 The 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. |
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