August 2014
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

Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   Find us on Pinterest 
Happy August!
Jack at desk

Hello, everyone, 

In case you missed it last month, here is a repeat of what's coming up!
 
Coming this fall we will be starting Lunch, Learn & Launch, a new series of monthly brown bag lunch presentations for business owners. Local experts will be addressing various elements of small business management, and you can be confident that they will offer dynamic content to help start, run, or grow your business. Stay tuned and watch our future Monthly Updates for details!
 
In the meantime, take advantage of the many business training opportunities to which you have access through our Oregon Small Business Development Center Network. We offer many online training courses through the BizCenter.org website; click on What We Offer, then Bizcenter Online Learning. And, our close neighbor, the RCC SBDC offers many classroom training opportunities in both Josephine and Jackson Counties. 
 
Check it out! There's a lot to learn but the resources are plentiful!
 
Be well and enjoy the summer!   

Jack
Client Spotlight
 
 
 
Jeannett Trumm
Human Resources Consultant
 


Table Rock Consulting specializes in providing human resource services for small to mid-sized businesses who do not have the budget or need for a HR staff member but recognize the value of having a HR business partner in their back pocket.  They provide reliable and effective assistance with establishing the short and long-term HR strategies of businesses with customized solutions rather than a "one size fits all approach".

 

They deliver results that can be seen in your bottom line as well as the morale and engagement of your employees.


 

Jeannette Trumm is the Owner and President of Table Rock Consulting. She is a Human Resources Professional with over 14 years progressive experience in all facets of human resources and has both her Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus in Human Resources Management and a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification. 


 

Jeannette was first introduced to the SOU Small Business Development Center when she attended the free Smart Start Workshop in July 2013.  At the workshop, the instructor, Stephanie Hoffman, urged participants to follow-up with her for a free advising session.  Jeannette took advantage of the offer and began working with Stephanie over the next several months on marketing and strategic planning ideas.  Stephanie provided Jeannette with invaluable support during the very overwhelming period of starting her business!


 

Jeannette and Table Rock Consulting can be reached online at www.tablerock-consulting.com or by phone at (541) 414-4964.

  
Jeannette Trumm
Medford, Oregon 
(541) 414-4964

 

Lunch, Learn & Launch:

When: 3rd Thursday of each month
Where: RCC/SOU HEC in Medford 
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Cost: FREE
 
 Small Business Owners
*Strategies for serious entrepreneurs
*Dynamic presentations with Q&A
*Generate 3-5 action items to implement immediately
*Success depends on you!

Topics
 
Sept 18 Invest in Yourself, Leslie Caplan


 

Oct 16 Marketing Messages that Matter, Lisa Manyon


 

Nov 20 RecordKeeping and Taxes, Patrick Hurley


 

Dec 18 5 Key Elements to Success, Loren Fogelman

 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION  

Better Smarter Richer
7 Business Principles for Encore, Creative and Solo Entrepreneurs

When: Tuesday, Sept. 30 
Where: RCC/SOU HEC in Medford 
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $39
 
Solopreneurs need to BE the business and DO the work they love...not hire other people to do it for them. The problem? Traditional business advice is all about building a "pyramid" of employees.  Learn how to create an enterprise that supports you financially AND allows you to make a living doing what you love.

Topics
  • Focusing on your deep and narrow niche
  • Articulating your unique value proposition
  • Fending off mission creep
  • Developing a business mindset
  • Avoiding the time-money squeeze
  • Understanding your target market
  • Marketing every day  

 CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION  

Survey shows small businesses aren't being left out as economy improves
 
Intuit's July Small Business Indexes, surveying firm with 20 or fewer employees, showed small business employment increased 0.7 percent in July nationwide. The Southern Oregon University Small Business Development Center Director Jack Vitacco comments on the trend. 









August  
2014 SBDC Workshops: 
August 7,2014
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM 

August 22, 2014
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.
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 & Talent 
Chamber Greeters
Every Third Wednesday, 
8:30-9:30 am
Click here for more information. 

Metro Medford 
 Downtown Association
Bi-Annually in May & October

Jefferson Grapevine
Monthly 
5:00-7:30 pm

The Ashland Chamber Business Resource Portal:


Open the doorway to the Rogue Valleys Business Resources with the Ashland Chambers Business Resource Portal.  

  

Visit: 

www.ashlandbusinessresource.com

 

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

BizCenter Dashboard
 

Have you accessed your dashboard on BizCenter.org?


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.


Women Entrepreneurs of Southern Oregon (WESO)


WESO is a not-for-profit association dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs and business owners.  WESO offers ongoing support, networking and education in a dynamic monthly forum.
 
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT 


The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Will these new laws and mandates affect your small business?
 
or
Made in America Grants


Many U.S. companies are eligible to receive up to $75,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, to help fund projects of their choice.

Click Here For More Information
Oregon OSHA FREE safety and health education:


Oregon OSHA offers 

FREE safety and health education Online and in-person. 

 

Go to www.orosha.org and click on the "Education" link. 

 

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? 
  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?

To learn more or to request an application contact ACCESS at 541-779-6691 ext 355 or Neighborworks Umpqua at 541-601-7771 and speak to Roxana Zepeda.


Dream$avers allows eligible participants to save up to $3000 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! 


 

Choosing the Right Accountant for your Business

By Kristin Rohlfing, CPA & Kelly Porter, CPA

 

 

Deciding which type of accountant is right for your business can be an overwhelming task that often results in choosing the most convenient rather than the best option. The right accountant can help a business with not only tax returns, but with longer term tax planning, business planning, compliance issues, networking, and even personal tax planning.

 

Here is a short list of the types of qualifications to consider when making this important decision.

* Certifications

* Industry expertise

* Size

* Complexity

 

A CPA has an undergraduate degree, and has met the exam and experience requirements for state certification. A CPA must take continuing education courses to remain certified and licensed for each state in which they practice. A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is trained to meet the demands of today's accounting requirements in addition to participating on the company's management team. Some CPAs have additional designations, including Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), among others.

 

In addition to certifications, you should look for some type of expertise in your industry -- or a similar industry; automotive dealers, construction, or manufacturing and distribution for example. The array of accountants and firms to choose from can be daunting -- from sole practitioners to national, marquis firms. Some businesses feel more comfortable employing a large, name-brand firm. But you may feel more at ease with face time with a partner in a smaller firm.

 

Your decision on what qualifications to seek in an accountant must also take into consideration what services your business needs from an accountant. Perhaps you only need preparation of your tax return and compile end-of-year financial statements. But if you also want tax and financial planning advice, or retirement planning advice, you may need to seek someone with different qualifications or background. In the end choosing the right accountant for your business comes down to finding a firm and/or accountant to be a trusted advisor; that you feel comfortable building a strong relationship with.

 

 

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.