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

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.