September  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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A Word from Jack...Jack at desk

Hello, everyone! By the time you get this Monthly Update, we will already be into September! But, it's probably not too late to register for the Veteran's Small Business Management program that begins September 5, and goes until December 12. This eight-session class covers the fundamentals of small business management and includes topics such as marketing, financial management, operations, and, human resources. Part of each 3-hour class will be spent covering that week's topic followed by group discussion and interaction. This program is modeled after the highly successful SBM Program that has been taught in the SBDC network in Oregon for the past 25 years. One critical component is the one-to-one business advising that supplements each class session. That's where the "rubber meets the road" and the student can meet with a SBDC Business Advisor to map a plan to implement good business management practices.

This program is for military Veteran business owners who have operated their business for at least one year and have financial and operating history. Non-veterans may also participate with instructor approval.

I hope you have the interest and time to register for this class by following this link: Small Business Management. If not this time, look for it in 2014.

Be well and enjoy what's left of summer!

Jack
Client Spotlight
be Cherished
Be Cherished LLC


Be Cherished Salon and Day SPA,  is committed to providing personal care, services, and beauty products that reflect responsibility and integrity on an individual, environmental, and professional level. Located in downtown Ashland, Be Cherished opened its doors in September 2010, and continues to fulfill that mission. Owner, Susan Zastopil, and Business Manager, Darci Baize, went to the SOU SBDC for business counseling on several levels prior to opening the doors. The SBDC assisted Susan and Darci to write and review their business plan including the financial projections, that led to funding though Peoples' Bank and SOREDI. Be Cherished now employees six staff members and is open Tuesday through Saturday. They offer a variety of salon treatments including beautiful hair color, highlights with hair cuts and styling that will fit your individual life style. Clients are able to savor the salon experience while enjoying restorative and rejuvenating facials or therapeutic massage using all organic AVEDA products and expert waxing. Clients may also indulge in a variety of manicure & pedicure treatments. Be Cherished is committed to sustainability in both their products and facility. The salon resonates with Aveda's mission and philosophy.  They believe it is important to care for the world we live in, using our natural resources with responsibility and integrity.  

Be Cherished
393 E Main St 
Ashland, OR  97520
(541) 482-4900
Web Page
August 2013 SBDC Workshops: 

Biz Center 3D
September 19, 2013
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

September 27, 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.
 
Business Plan Workshop
September 18, 2013
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
 
This 3-hour workshop will address the question, "Why write a Business Plan?"  Topics covered include the executive summary, management, business description, services/products offered, market strategy and more.  For additional information, contact the SOU Small Business Development Center at 541-552-8300.  Space is limited, advance registration is strongly advised.
 
Veterans Small Business Management 
September 5, 2013 - December 12, 2013
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM 

 

Veterans Small Business Management (VSBM) program combines classroom sessions and individual business advising sessions in the weeks between classes. It is designed to help business owners to realize their business and personal goals through improved management, marketing, financial understanding, and organization. Each session will address a specific topic which will be discussed and explored by the group..

 
More information. 

 

 
Grant Boost Resources 
For Entrepreneurs:
    

Dominic Hernandez remembers the long hours and hard work that went into the early days of his salsa company. His friends encouraged him to think about marketing the salsa that had always been a hit at pot lucks. Hernandez reached out to the small business development center and found out about the Self-Employment Assistance program.

"Giving somebody the opportunity to start their own business, as opposed to looking for jobs that may not be there, may never be there, is a good thing," said smal business development center director Jack Vitacco.

Now the program is receiving a boost thanks to a federal grant of more than $300,000. The money doesn't go to the businesses themselves, but instead to programs that can help businesses get up and running.

"Instead of going out and looking for a job everyday and trying to find a job, they spend their time and their energy and their resources on actually developing their own business," said Vitacco.

Hernandez went from being unemployed to selling a business and working full time. He said the resources are out there for those looking to make a jump."They have programs there and people are there to help from beginning to end," said Hernandez.

Click here to watch 

2013 Rogue Valley Symposium  
September 19, 2013
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Bigham Knoll Event Center, Jacksonville 

Join Moss Adams and other financial professionals for appetizers, wine, and a complimentary seminar covering important topics, including:
  • Federal, state, and local tax issues
  • Fraud prevention and risk management
  • Go-to-market strategies to help you grow and scale your business
  • Tax update
We'll also be joined by a guest speaker from Rogue Creamery.
  • 1:00-1:30 p.m.-Check-in
  • 1:30-4:30 p.m.-Seminar
  • 4:30-6:00 p.m.-Social
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
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


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.
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.
U.S. Bank Connect 
U.S. Bank Connect
Connect from U.S. Bank provides business owners with the tools and resources they need to help start, run and grow their businesses. We strive to demystify the whole range of financial issues business owners face, and offer real, practical solutions that entrepreneurs at any stage can use.
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT 

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act , otherwise known as the ACA, enacted comprehensive health insurance reforms designed to improve Americans access to affordable health insurance. Will these new laws and mandates affect your small business?
or
SBDC Online Training 
Click on workshop title for registration information. 
Biz Center 3D
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.

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.

  

Better, Smarter, Richer 

If you work as a solopreneur - an author, web designer, financial planner, or massage therapist - YOU ARE the business.

 

That's why traditional business advice, which focuses on managing employees, just won't work for you. This online workshop has audio guidance, valuable content, tips, and activities to help solos of all stripes, including creative and encore entrepreneurs, "be the business"...and achieve success. You don't have to be a starving artist! Or a starving retiree! If you have been struggling with how much to charge, who to sell to, or how to find enough time in your day, we'll help you get straight. We'll even help you fire clients who just aren't worth your precious time!

 

We structured this new business advice around stories from people who did what you want to do, just to show that whether you take photographs or provide financial advice, your passion can make you Better, Smarter and Richer. The price includes a downloadable workbook, and the course includes seven modules, each of which is about one hour in length.

 

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 start-ups.

  

Learn the difference between "start-up" 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.     

 

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.

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. 
Small Business Taxes: Virtual Workshop 

 

This virtual workshop is designed to help a new business owner understand and meet federal tax obligations.

The first 3 lessons are
for everyone, no matter what kind of business you have or whether you have employees. The next 2 lessons will discuss information that may be relevant now-- or that may become relevant once your business has become established. The final 4 lessons are for those employers who already have, or who are thinking about hiring, employees.

Because this is a virtual workshop, 
you can choose the lessons that apply to you.
Free SBA Webinars
http://www.sba.gov/events/

SBA Logo    

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers various online trainings for small businesses. Most of which are free or low cost. 

Alternative Financing: Dream$avers

Dream$avers is an individual development account (IDA) program that encourages participants to build assets. This program encompasses 3 important branches of development: education, savings and the purchase of an asset.  

 

Dream$avers is administered by ACCESS in Jackson and Josephine Counties in partnership with Neighborworks Umpqua.

 

If you can answer YES to any of the following questions, you may qualify for this exciting opportunity! 

  1. Do you live in Jackson or Josephine counties?
  2. Is your GROSS household income at or below the income limits for the program? Income limits are listed by household size at the bottom of this flyer
  3. Does your total household net worth equal less than $20,000 (not counting your home if you own one and one vehicle)?
  4. Are you eighteen years of age or older and an Oregon resident?
  5. Can you afford to save money and commit to making a deposit monthly for one to three years?
  6. Would you like to save for first time homeownership, starting or expanding a small business, getting your post secondary education?

To learn more or to request an application contact ACCESS at 541-779-6691 ext 355


Dream$avers allows eligible participants to save up to $2000 over the course of 1 to 3 years, and will match it 3:1. That's like receiving 300% interest! Participants receive financial education and additional training and support specific to their savings goal so that when they reach their savings goal and are eligible to make a purchase, they are prepared! 

Moss Adams Monthly Article 
Health Care Reform: More than Health Insurance Exchanges 
By Jack Baker, CPA & Frederick Reichensperger, CPA

 

 

While the general focus of the media on Health Care Reform has been the required expanded employer sponsored health insurance coverage, the 2010 Health Care Reconciliation Act (Health Care Reform) contained other provisions which will which may leave taxpayers surprised with their 2013 tax bill.

The Act contained a new 3.8% tax on Net Investment Income. The tax applies to U.S. citizens and resident individuals, estates, and trusts. It is calculated based on the lesser of the taxpayer's Net Investment Income or the amount the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds the applicable threshold. Net investment income includes items such as interest income, dividends, rental income, and capital gains which are reduced by applicable deductions (i.e. rental expenses, investment interest expense). The applicable threshold is based on filing status and the type of taxpayer (i.e. $250,000 for Married Filing Joint individuals and $11,650 for trusts).


Where we see the most surprising impact for our client base is for taxpayers who own a business as well as the real estate used in the business. Where rents are paid by the business to the real estate entity, this net rental income is potentially subject to the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax.
 

The Act also included an additional 0.9% Medicare contribution tax imposed on wages and self-employment income. The tax applies to taxpayers whose wages and self-employment income exceeds the applicable threshold (i.e. $250,000 for Married Filing Joint). This is in addition to the existing 2.9% Medicare tax.
 

Quarterly estimated tax payments and withholding's may need adjusted for these new taxes.
These topics as well as other recent tax changes will be covered in presentation "Tax Strategies for 2013 and Beyond" at the 2013 Moss Adams Rogue Valley Symposium on September 18th at Bingham Knoll Winery.  

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.