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Southern Oregon University
  
Small Business Development Center
  
 
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 The SOU Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides in-depth, confidential, one-on-one guidance to businesses & prospective entrepreneurs at no fee. We can help you gather information, evaluate, plan, & create systems for your business that lead to greater profit, job creation, & job retention.
 
  
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A Word from Jack... Happy Spring Everyone!   
  
Enjoy our monthly update and don't forget to follow us on  Facebook for additional upcoming events, articles on small business, and much more!  
 
 
 
 
 
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 May SBDC Workshops:  
 
 
May 24, 2013 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. More information.  May 16, 2013  
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?" 
  
No matter if you are in business now or want to start a business, you'll need a Business Plan! Get the tools and guidance needed to write your Business plan in this 3-hour workshop.  More information.  
 
  
  
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 SBDC Online Training:  
Click on workshop title for registration information. 
 Google Basics
Available until December 31  
This course covers the basics of the many Google products including  Documents, Google Chrome, Calendar, Gmail, and how to search Google  images and shopping products.  Such things as invoicing clients in the field, providing  clients with estimates on site, making appointments, sharing your  schedule with key people, and having access to important documents  anywhere and anytime are among the advantages of using Google products.   Social Media Basics Available until December 31   
This introductory course walks you through the steps to create a  Facebook page and a Twitter account. This course consists of two  sections, Facebook and Twitter. 
   
Start, Run, and Grow - FREE 
Entrepreneurship 
Tim Berry, business-planning expert and course creator, will talk about his own history as a small-business owner, and provide  examples and feedback on common questions for new business startups. 
   
Start, Run, and Grow - FREE 
How to Budget & Forecast Your Business    
Learn the difference between "startup" and "ongoing" expenses, how  expenses vs. assets are treated for tax purposes, how to create a sales  forecast for your business, how to create an expense budget for your  business and the important difference between profits and cash.      
  
 
Start, Run, and Grow - FREE How to Market Your Business 
Learn what a target market is and what it means for your business, what is it that makes your customers buy from you, how is marketing different from sales, and how do you create a brand for your product or service? Course will also cover what to think about when developing a website for your business. Start, Run, and Grow - FREEHow to Raise Money for Your Business  Learn about the different methods to finance a new business, how to build your management team and how to hire new employees, the difference between a business "pitch" and a business "plan," and how to create and use Plan vs. Actual forecasts for your business.   
 
  
  
  
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 New Program: Leadership Skills for the 21st Century  
SOU School of Business and SBDC
June 6 & June 7, 2013 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM EdenVale Winery, Medford
 
  
 
 Participants will develop the skills to  go from achiever to leader  through discussions, simulations and interactive exercises.   The focus is on  real issues  leaders are facing in their organizations.   A complimentary coaching session on developing a leadership plan is included after the program. This program is designed for Mid-level to senior managers and executives.  Visit: http://www.sou.edu/leadership or call the SBDC office  541-552-8300 for information.  
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Small Business  Networking Opportunities
 
  
Ashland Chamber Greeters 
  
Every Friday,  8:15-9:30 am
  
Medford Chamber Greeters 
  Every Thursday, 
  8:00-9:00 am
  Phoenix Chamber Greeters 
  Talent Chamber Greeters 
  Third Wednesday, 8:30-9:30 am
  Heart of Medford Association
  Bi-Annually in May & October
  Jefferson Grapevine
  Bi-monthly,  5:00-7:30 pm
   
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WESO: Making Organizing Fun  
May 9, 2013  
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM  
Rogue Regency Inn, Medford    
 
 
 
 Would you like to learn the secret of how to make organizing a fun and rewarding experience?     Many business owners like you are realizing that having an organized  office actually saves money by saving time. Saving time allows you to  make more phone calls to prospects and referrals, earning you greater  profits because you have an efficient office. Click here to register.     
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 Small Business Growing Strong Campaign
 Intuit is helping small businesses blossom through the Small Business Growing Strong campaign. To date, Intuit has given away over $1.2 million to small businesses through this program, and this season they're doing it again by making 15 small business wishes (worth up to $5,000 each) come true.  
  
What would help your business grow? Is it a new sign, new equipment, a long awaited upgrade or more marketing? Tell Intuit and you may just be one of the lucky 15! 
Learn more, submit a wish, and vote at www.loveourlocalbusiness.com.  
 
 
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 QuickBooks Premier 2012 for Business or Office  
Beginning May 13, 2013  
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM  
RCC/SOU Higher Education Center, Medford   
 
  
 
 
  Contact RCC SBDC for more information:541.956.7494
  Quickbooks Premier 2012 Beginning May 13, 2013 to June 3, 2013 Cost: $270.00
  For those who have some knowledge of computers and working within Windows, have some accounting knowledge, and want to learn QuickBooks. Homework will be assigned. 
  Class includes setting up a company file, creating a chart of accounts, and adding customers, jobs and vendors to sell services and products. Also covers paying for expenses, invoicing, receiving payments, reconciling a bank account, running reports, and managing your company file. 
  Prerequisites/requirements: Basic computer skills. Bring a 256 mg or larger thumb drive to save your work. Quickbooks Premier 2012 IntermediateJune 5, 2013 to June 10, 2013Cost: $90For those with some knowledge of how to operate and navigate within QuickBooks, have specific needs such as payroll, project costing, worker's comp and other challenges, or wish to move from Beginning QuickBooks to the intermediate level.Topics include tracking inventory in QuickBooks, job costing, finding and correcting errors, advanced payroll (worker's comp, employee loans, garnishments), importing and exporting to Excel, Word, and other QuickBooks company files, year-end procedures, working with an accountant, and integrating QuickBooks with third-party software. Prerequisite/requirements: A basic knowledge of QuickBooks and accounting principles. Bring a 256 mg or larger thumb drive to save your work. ** 50% off series discount on Quckbooks Premier 2012 Intermediate when also enrolled in QuickBooks Premier 2012 Beginning ** 
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Medford Chamber Forum:   
"Economic Development Through Sports"
 May 13, 2013  11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Rogue Valley Country Club, Medford   
 
    
 Guest Speaker, John Schmieder, Founder/CEO of Huddle Up Group, LLC, will speak about Sports toursim at the Medford Chamber's monthly forum.     Sponsored by: Travel Medford     
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Free IRS Webinar:  Special Programs to Reclassify Workers May 14, 2013 
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM  Online  
  
 
  The modified Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP) allows eligible taxpayers to voluntarily reclassify their workers for federal employment tax purposes and obtain similar relief to that obtained during examination under the current Classification Settlement Program. The IRS has modified several eligibility requirements thus making it possible for many more interested employers to apply for this program. 
  The VCSP Temporary Eligibility Expansion (TEE) is available to taxpayers through June 30, 2013.
  What's Covered:* The basics of employee vs. independent contractor * What is the Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP)? * VCSP eligibility and the application process * VCSP acceptance and advantages * Details about the new VCSP Temporary Eligibility Expansion program   Click here to register.   
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  Jefferson Grapevine
May 15, 2013
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Imperial Event Center, Medford  
 
 
 
  
 Join us in  celebrating the winners of the Southern Oregon Angel Conference. David  Lowe, of SOGGy (Southern Oregon Geek Group) is bringing his famous pies  to add to the party!     Hear from the Concept and Launch Stage winners to find out about their experience and what they plan to do next.     Learn more about SOREDI's TAG Team and other entrepreneurial development resources available to coach YOUR startup to success.  
Click here to register.  
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 BOLI Free Seminar: Prevailing Wage Rate
May 22, 2013 Contractor Seminar: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Public Agency Seminar: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Jackson County Library, Medford Prevailing Wage Rates are required for certain workers on qualifying public works projects in Oregon.  Learn the latest developments in prevailing wage rate law plus tips to stay in compliance. What you will learn: 
 - Prevailing Wage Rate law basics
 - Recent changes to the law
 - How to determine coverage
 - Your roles and responsibilities
 
 Seminars count towards continuing education requirements through the Construction Contractors Board and the Landscape Contractors Board.     Click here for more information 
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 Rogue Nexus Uplink
May 28, 2013
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM The Boardroom, Grants Pass  
 
 
 
 Join other e-business colleagues to have a beer, learn some industry specifics and much more.    Cameron Camp will be speaking on "Cyber Security."
 
  Rogue Nexus is an e-business consortium representing Jackson & Josephine Counties of Southern Oregon. Facilitated by SOREDI, the Rogue Nexus was created to identify the region as a hub for e-business, attract talent and companies to Southern Oregon, provide peer-to-peer networking and best-practices for e-business leaders, quantify the value of this industry to our region's economy and host an annual educational conference and other events.Click here for more information or Click here to register 
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Free SBA Webinars
 Click on workshop title for registration information Online   
   
SBA Virtual Loan Briefing  May 2, 2013 12:00 PM PST - 1:00 PM
 
SBA-backed loans are made by participating lenders and are used to  fund start-up and existing service, retail construction, manufacturing  businesses, and more. 
  
Attend a loan briefing to find out: 
-  types of loans available, eligibility and credit requirements
 -  things you need to prepare for a lender
 -  lenders who have been actively doing small business loans
 -  SBA resources to help you get ready 
  
8(a) Business Development Program Information SessionMay 14, 201310:00 AM CST - 11:00 AM CSTOverview of SBA's 8(a) Business Development  Program created to assist small disadvantaged businesses become  competitive enterprises in the U.S. economy while obtaining business  development and federal government contract assistance.     An eligible  applicant firm must: - Be a small business (based on SBA's Office of Size Standards' NAICS code);
 - Be unconditionally owned and controlled (51%+) by one or more socially- and economically-disadvantaged individual(s);
 - Be a U.S. citizen(s); and,
 - Demonstrate potential for success (in business 2 full years in  primary industry that applicant firm is seeking 8(a) certification).
 
 You will learn about the 8(a) Business Development Program benefits, application process and additional eligibility criteria.    SBA Loan Clinic May 14, 20139:00 AM EST - 10:00 AM ESTDo you need to borrow money for your business and aren't sure how to  take the next step? Attend this free virtual loan clinic and learn about  SBA's lending role and how an SBA loan can benefit your business  including lender requirements for loan approval. SBA Loan ClinicMay 14, 201312:00 PM EST - 1:00 PM ESTSee above description. Registering Your Veteran Owned BusinessMay 16, 20132:00 PM EST - 2:30 PM ESTThis webinar shows you step-by-step what you need to know in order to  increase your visibility as a veteran owned business. Webinar lasts  approximately 30 minutes. How to Buy a Franchise WebinarMay 22, 201311:00 AM MST - 12:00 PM MSTBlair Nicol, owner of FranNet Northwest, will share what he has learned  over the past 25 years on starting, owning and selling franchises. This  webinar will answer the following questions and many more: - Is there  more to franchising than food and automotive?   
 - What are the risks and  rewards of business ownership?   
 - How much does it cost to start your  own franchise?   
 - Where can I get financing?   
 - How do I get started on  finding the right business? 
 
 This will be an interactive webinar where  you can get your questions answered and learn more from others online.   Basics of Government Certification WebinarMay 22, 20131:30 PM EST - 2:30 PM ESTA Government Certification Expert, will explain the basics of government  certifications, including the advantages and disadvantages of the 8(a)  and MBE certifications. Note: This class will not cover the application  process or advanced questions regarding government certifications. If  you have been in business for at least two years and are interested in  applying for the 8(a) or MBE certifications, we recommend that you  attend the Government Certification: 8(a) & MBE/DBE Application  Assistance Workshop. Financing Your Business and SBA Program & ServicesMay 23, 20132:00 PM EST - 3:00 PM ESTProvides  information about financing options for your business; SBA  loans,  programs and services; how to apply for a loan; and, what to  include in  your business plan. Basics of Government Certification WebinarMay 29, 20132:30 PM EST - 3:30 PM EST See description above.  |  
 
   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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