Zach Kuhlow's idea for pOp Cakes was based on the treats he remembers having in his childhood. The bumper sticker, "Why be normal?" was the first that Zach was able to read as a kid and it left an impression. He spotted this phrase from the window of his family's "guacamole green" VW camper van in the conservative state of Florida where he spent his formative years. He remembers weekly trips to the local, grassroots co-op, where he would lather up rice cakes with freshly ground peanut butter and on special occasions drizzled honey. Zach said, "I missed those days of crunchy rice cakes and decided that I wanted to relive the memories as if I were a kid again". Fresh, crunchy and delicious with or without toppings pOp cakes are always an enjoyable treat. Zach takes pride in his rice cakes and the grains that go into them. The grains used are non-GMO certified, organic, and naturally gluten free. All rice cakes are handmade, packaged and labeled in Zach's local certified domestic kitchen.   

Zach learned about the Southern Oregon University Small Business Development Center and the services offered, while he was attending classes at the Higher Education Center, in Medford. He first registered for the free Smart Start Workshop where he gained valuable information on starting a business in Oregon. At the workshop he was introduced to his business advisor, Stephanie Hoffman, who has guided Zach through the major transitions in his business. Zach and Stephanie were able to pinpoint his target market and create a marketing plan tailored to his customers. Zach is in the final stages of completing pOp Cakes business plan and has utilized the input from Stephanie and Fred Arnett, one of the SOU SBDC volunteer advisors. Zach started distributing pOp Cakes at the local farmers markets in early 2013, and today you can find this tasty treats at the Ashland and Medford Food Co-ops, Shop'n Kart, and Harry and David. Zach's strategy is to distribute pOp Cakes along the west coast through local, quality food stores. Pick up a package and give them a try, today!     

Oregon businesses that are poised for growth and job creation have a new resource to inform their marketing strategies. The Oregon Small Business Development Center Network (OSBDCN) has launched a market research service for established businesses in the state.

The Southern Oregon University Market Research Institute is sponsored by U.S. Bank and based at Southern Oregon University in Ashland. The Institute will help growth companies to add jobs in Oregon's distressed communities. The Institute's services will be available to established small businesses through OSBDCN's 19 Centers around the state. These Centers are hosted by all of Oregon's 17 community colleges plus Southern Oregon University and Eastern Oregon University.

The 21st annual 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon list was announced last week. There were 248 companies participating in this year's 100 Best survey, which analyzes Oregon companies' best practices toward creating great places to work. This year, more than 11,000 Oregon employees completed the survey.

The 100 Best list recognizes large, medium and small companies for excellence in work environment, management and communications, decision-making and trust, career development and learning, and benefits and compensation. The winners and their rankings were revealed at the 100 Best awards dinner and are published in the March 2014 issue of Oregon Business and online at OregonBusiness.com 

The Government Contract Assistance Program (GCAP) and the Rogue Community College Small Business Development Center presents The 2014 Federal Contracting Success Series.

Eight courses in eight months to kick off the New Year and help you secure, grow, and diversify revenues through federal contracts. This FREE training is offered in cooperation with the Rogue Community College Small Business Development  Center. Classes will be held at the RCC SBDC location at 214 SW 4th Street, Grants Pass, in the 2nd floor conference room. Preregistration is required, and space is limited. Son't wait to register your seat today! 

Click here for Registration 

 or call GCAP at (541) 736-1088

The 12th annual WESO Networking Share Fair is right around the corner but you still can get a vendor/exhibitor table, donate prizes, and get your information into our Gift Bags. But act fast because it's only about a week away!

This fair is our annual trade show and networking event for women in business in the Rogue Valley. It's your chance to network, showcase your business, make new contacts, win prizes and make sales.

WHEN: Thursday, March 6th, 2013, 5-8 p.m.

WHERE: Inn at the Commons (formerly Red Lion Inn), 200 N. Riverside, Medford

FREE ADMISSION! (Vendor tables at additional cost)

To sign up and for further details, Click Here. 

Career Transformations is a one-day event for mid-career people ready for significant career change. Hear from people who have made successful career transitions.

• Learn about growth areas in the Rogue Valley.
• Explore resources for starting your own business.
• Listen in on employers discussing mid-level hiring needs.
• Resources for You

Talk directly with representatives from regional sources to help you assess and improve your skills, market yourself, create a business, finance your education, and much more.  This is not a commercial event; all organizations are non-profit or government providers of service here to let you know about services available to help you re-career.

Click Here for more information.