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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... Hello, everyone,
As we approach the holiday season, I just want to say on behalf of the staff at the SBDC, that we are thankful for your support in the community. We are here to serve you and it is our pleasure to do so. Not only that, but it's always delightful when we see the results of your hard work as a business in our community. Thanks for sharing your success with us.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Be well,
Jack
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Client Spotlight
Dan's Shoe Repair
The Shulters family has been providing shoe repair and shoe repair training since 1947! They have operated successful businesses in West Riverside, CA, Forest Grove, OR, Corvallis, OR, and now in Ashland, OR. Hal and Helen Shulters also operated a vocational shoe repair school from 1974 to 1998. So, what does that tell you? They know shoes!
Dan Shulter, his daughter Nicole, his son Cory and their associates David, Crystal and Daniel are pleased to offer you the finest in shoe repair along with leather and shoe care products. And, as Dan will tell you, "They're a shoe store!" Most people come to Dan's for repair not knowing that they can also purchase high quality shoes, boots, as well as custom made shoes and boots. Dan was first introduced to the SOU SBDC when he attended Ashland Chamber of Commerce Greeters, which meets every Friday morning at 8:15. He sought SBDC counseling because he wanted to work proactively on his business. Dan said that the SBDC counseling sessions, workshops, and training have provided business education, a sounding board, good suggestions and validation. Dan's Shoe Repair successfully delivers high quality products and great customer service and is especially proud of the fact that Dan's Shoe Repair provides employment for three local families. Stop in and visit! Dan's Shoe Repair 27 S. 2nd St. Ashland, OR 97520 (541) 482-4656 Web Page
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How to Get People to Click "Buy" on Your Website
Free Webinar:
Have you ever wondered how some people make a living online, and others just barely get by? With this one-time, free webinar, you'll be able to start to make real money online for your business. When you join us on November 7th, you'll learn how to prove to your prospects that you are trustworthy, and speak to them in their own language. You'll learn what your prospects want the most, taking the guesswork out of how to describe and sell your products and services. AND you'll learn the right words to help people open your emails and get on with buying your products! This free webinar will be held Thursday, November 7th from 1 - 2 pm on Readytalk (4635106) and phone at 866-740-1260 (4635106#).
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New numbers show baby boomers may be contributing to the largest number of new entrepreneurs.
According to the AARP, an estimated 9 million Americans ages 44 to 70 have second careers and 31 million more are interested in pursuing one.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Medford is designed to help people do just that.
"It's fairly easy to become passionate about something you like to do, but commercializing it and turning it into a business takes something else," SBDC Director, Jack Vitacco, said.
Vitacco says the current economic climate has brought more interested people to them. Among the increase of clients, many of those are retirees or older who have been in the workforce for several decades.
Just this year, the center has helped create 15 new businesses and those businesses have created 33 jobs.
Watch Now
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3 Signs That Social Media Might Not Be the Right Fit for Your Small Business
Small-business social media use has become a barometer of our times for industry analysts who are eager to gauge the impact the economy and new technologies have on the way small firms do business.
And despite a few sluggish years, the latest data suggests that small businesses are turning to social media in droves in an effort to increase sales. The problem is, no matter how much time they spend, some small businesses are not reaping rewards.
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How to Market YOURSELF:
November 14, 2013 5:30 PM Rogue Regency Inn, 2300 Biddle Rd, Medford (lower level)
As a critical part of your business, your marketing efforts need constant updating to meet today's challenges. This month's program presents a template for marketing yourself and your business. And the focus is on YOU and how you are the face of your business. We'll look at the many ways to market yourself, such as presentation strategies, use of social media, interviews, web site usage, e-mail strategies, and the importance of exposure and presence as a mantra for success. You'll have ample time for questions and comments.
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November 2013 SBDC Workshops:
November 7, 2013
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM November 22, 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
November 14, 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.
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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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SBDC Online Training
Click on workshop title for registration information.
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.
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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.
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Free SBA Webinars
http://www.sba.gov/events/
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers various online trainings for small businesses. Most of which are free or low cost.
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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!
- Do you live in Jackson or Josephine counties?
- 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
- Does your total household net worth equal less than $20,000 (not counting your home if you own one and one vehicle)?
- Are you eighteen years of age or older and an Oregon resident?
- Can you afford to save money and commit to making a deposit monthly for one to three years?
- Would you like to save for first time homeownership, starting or expanding a small business, getting your post secondary education?
To learn more or to request an application contact ACCESS at 541-779-6691 ext 355
Dream$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!
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2013 Year-End Tax Planning Webinar:
Friday, Nov. 15 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Will your tax rates increase this year? Or stay the same? Either way, there are still plenty of planning opportunities to consider through the end of 2013 to help you manage your taxes and pay what you owe-no more and no less. Our 2013 Year-End Tax Planning Guide provides you with a thorough checklist for yourself, your family, and your business, with a particular focus on what's new this year, including:
* Net investment income tax and additional Medicare tax for individuals * Health insurance provisions for individuals and businesses * Tangible property regulations for businesses
Read More or Register
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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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