May 2013
Southern Oregon University
Small Business Development Center
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.

Call 541.552.8300 for more information or visit our website at:
 www.sou.edu/sbdc

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Jack at desk
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!
May SBDC Workshops: 

Biz Center 3D
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 
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?"

 

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. 

SBDC Online Training: 
Click on workshop title for registration information.
Biz Center 3DGoogle 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 - FREE
How 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. 
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.
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
First Tuesday, 
8:30-9:30 am
Click here for more information. 

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


Business XPress:
Oregon's Business Portal
This "one stop shopping" website has everything a person needs to get started doing business in Oregon.

Click here for more information
BizCenter Dashboard


Have you accessed your dashboard on BizCenter.org?

If not, click here to learn how!
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, and have the wisdom to help your business thrive!

 
Click here for more information.
Capital Access Team
 

The Capital Access Team is led by highly qualified SBDC advisors who engage clients in learning about access to capital.
 


International Trade
 

Are you looking to global markets to export or import goods and services? We resources to help you connect to and conduct business around the world.



Hispano Resources
 

The 
 OSBDCN Hispano Web Resources website provides Hispanic small businesses with business development services, business tools and access to partners also interested in the development and support of the Hispanic business community.
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. 

 

Small Business Growing Strong Campaign
Deadline: May 12, 2013
www.loveourlocalbusiness.com
  
Love Our Local Business: Small Business Growing Strong 

I
ntuit 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. 


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 Intermediate

June 5, 2013 to June 10, 2013
Cost: $90

For 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 **
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 

 

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. 

 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.
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
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
Free SBA Webinars
Click on workshop title for registration information
Online 

SBA Logo 

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 Session
May 14, 2013
10:00 AM CST - 11:00 AM CST

Overview 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, 2013
9:00 AM EST - 10:00 AM EST
Do 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 Clinic
May 14, 2013
12:00 PM EST - 1:00 PM EST
See above description.

Registering Your Veteran Owned Business
May 16, 2013
2:00 PM EST - 2:30 PM EST
This 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 Webinar
May 22, 2013
11:00 AM MST - 12:00 PM MST
Blair 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:
  1. Is there more to franchising than food and automotive?   
  2. What are the risks and rewards of business ownership?   
  3. How much does it cost to start your own franchise?   
  4. Where can I get financing?   
  5. 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 Webinar
May 22, 2013
1:30 PM EST - 2:30 PM EST
A 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 & Services
May 23, 2013
2:00 PM EST - 3:00 PM EST
Provides 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 Webinar
May 29, 2013
2:30 PM EST - 3:30 PM EST
See description above.
SBA Logo 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.