SOU SBDC July 2015 Newsletter
The Southern Oregon University Small Business Development Center (SOU SBDC) provides in-depth, confidential, one-on-one guidance to businesses and prospective entrepreneurs at no fee. We can help you gather information and evaluate, plan, and create systems for your business that lead to greater profit, job creation, and job retention.

Call 541.552.8300 for more information 
or visit our website at:
 

101 South Bartlett Street, Room 130
Medford, Oregon 97501
Director's Greeting - Ch-ch-ch-Changes
Hello, 

One important factor to a successful business is customer service. You need to regularly evaluate the needs of your customers and adapt to changing factors in order to serve them well. We are doing the same in our business of serving you, our SBDC clients. We have evaluated our workshops and have decided to offer a one-hour workshop that emphasizes our many services and the steps needed to start a business or grow an existing business. This new Client Orientation is offered weekly three weeks of each month. So, whether you are a long-standing client and need a refresher or a new client who has not attended Smart Start, sign up for our client orientation. This quick course covers some of the material from Smart Start, but goes further to provide a client packet chock full of useful information for you to take home. Similar to Smart Start, the Client Orientation is required for all new clients. Register to attend from our website or call Kim Thompson, our Office and Client Relationships Manager, at 541-552-8300.

 

Another change to make a note of is the date of our 13th Annual Rogue Valley Business Resource Fair. Last month we had to change the date. We'll be holding it this year on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at the RCC/SOU Higher Education Center. You can look forward to more information about this event as it approaches.


 

Be well,

Jack 
Client Spotlight - Branson's Chocolates

     Deena Branson worked for a chocolate shop for 10 years through three sets of owners. When that

business closed, she didn't want to lose the recipes and production equipment. So, she started off on her own 9 years ago. Deena opened her scrumptious store front a little more than a year ago. Visiting her store is an olfactory delight to the chocolate lover. Her vision has always been to own her own business. Her parents were self-employed, and she grew up with that special sense of hard work and tenacity needed to work for yourself.
     Deena was introduced to the SOU SBDC the first time about 7 years ago. It was through the annual Rogue Valley Business Resource Fair, and someone suggested she contact the SBDC for help with a business plan. Deena was having trouble finding financing because her approach was from the retail perspective. Banks considered her business a "restaurant" because of her specialized equipment, and the banks weren't lending in that area of business at the time. She met with an SOU SBDC business advisor to assist her with her approach and business plan. Through the business advising and business planning process, Deena shifted her mindset to wholesale to get started, and the retail could come later.
     What sets Branson's Chocolates apart from the rest is custom labeling. Deena puts your information, business or otherwise, on the front of anything packaged. Her company information appears on the back. This unique customer service has led to her partnerships with Paddington Station, Grange Co-Op, Tudor Guild, and AmeriTitle.
     One of the biggest benefits to Deena from her interaction with the SBDC was heeding the advice to go wholesale and wait to go retail. When she was finally ready to go retail, everything seemed to fall seamlessly into place. That's not to say it was easy, but it seemed to take on a life of its own without needing to force it. As a result of her taking advantage of what the SBDC has to offer, she learned how to look at her finances, budgeting, and tracking differently and effectively. She has also found the marketing guidance helpful, particularly as it relates to social media. Deena looks forward to the annual Business Fair in the fall and refers anyone talking about their small business to the SOU SBDC.

Branson's Chocolates
1662 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland OR 97520
541-488-7493
Upcoming Meetings and Events
 
Lunch, Learn & Launch:
Legal Issues for Small Businesses
Jack Davis
When:   Thursday, July 16
Where:  RCC/SOU HEC in Medford
Time:     12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Cost:      Free
  • How to choose the right legal structure for your business (Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Corporation?).
  • What are the "pros" and "cons" of various legal structures?
  • How to avoid the most common legal issues in small business. 
Register

Davis, Hearn, Anderson & Turner, P.C., is the oldest and largest law firm in Ashland, OR. Jack has been practicing law for 39 years, specializing in real estate transactions, disputes, and foreclosures. Other areas of specialization include advising businesses and business litigation as well as probate.The firm has the talent and experience to handle complex transactions and litigation, but is small enough to foster and develop close working relationships with a wide array of clients.

www.davishearn.com 


SOU SBDC Workshops

New Client Orientation
We offer three sessions per month - one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. Even if you are currently a client, you are welcome to attend to find out more about what is offered by the SOU SBDC, the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network, plus a lot more.

Click here to select the day and time that works for you. > > >
Register

___________________________________________________________

Business Plan Workshop
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 and advance registration is advised.

Thursday
August 13, 2015

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Register
 
 
WESO Summer Networking Picnic
When:    Thursday, July 9, 4:30 to 6:30 pm
Where:   Alba Park, intersection of Main Street
                and Holly Street, downtown Medford



 
July Monthly Meeting
Strategic Negotiation Techniques
When:    Wednesday, July 22, 8 to 10 am
Where:   RRMC Smullin Center (Medford)
Cost:       Member: $10
                Non-member: $15
                First-time guests and students: Free

Strategic negotiation techniques help transform daily interactions. HR Executives and Business Owners resolve far more disputes through negotiation than through sheer power - this is a basic fact that must be recognized.  This workshop is designed to look at ways to build strategic relationships with subordinates, peers, and, most importantly, with executive teams, improving effectiveness as a negotiator.

 

Presenter:       Alan Cabelly, Ph. D., University of Washington

 



RCC SBDC Summer 2015 Jackson Course Schedule
HEC - RCC/SOU Higher Education Center (Medford)
TRC - Table Rock Campus (White City)

UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS BOOKKEEPING AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Course

Day

Dates

Time

Place

Cost

9.549 S21

M/W

7/20-7/27

6-9 p.m.

HEC-214

$150*

*An additional $5 technology fee will be added to these classes

 

QUICKBOOKS PREMIER 2014 FOR BUSINESS OR OFFICE

Beginning

Course

Day

Dates

Time

Place

Cost

9.736 S41

M/W

8/3-8/19

6-9 p.m.

HEC-124

$320*

Intermediate

Course

Day

Dates

Time

Place

Cost

9.736 S51

M/Tu/W

8/24-8/26

6-9 p.m.

HEC-124

$150*

SAVE $40 AND PAY ONLY $110 when enrolling in both QuickBooks Beginning and Intermediate Classes (Series Discount):

Course

Day

Dates

Time

Place

Cost

9.736 S61

M/Tu/W

8/24-8/26

6-9 p.m.

HEC-124

$110*

 

CONTRACTOR PRE-LICENSING TRAINING - AUGUST SERIES

Required for Construction Contractors Board licensing.

Course

Day

Dates

Time

Place

Cost

9.133 S31

M/Tu/W/Th/M

8/10, 11, 12, 13, 17

Various - see published schedule

TRC-122

$350

NOTEA spouse or partner who will not be obtaining a contractor's license may attend with the paying student at no charge to help them study for the test. Registration is required. 


 

Contact the RCC SBDC to get more information or to register: 541-956-7494

The 13th Annual Rogue Valley Business Resource Fair will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015***.



***This is a change in date from last month's announcement.

Announcements, Information, Opportunities, and Resources


Reminder: Deadline to Apply for Value Added Producer Grant Program is July 7

Funding to support beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to expand businesses is available.

Value Added Producer Grants can be used to develop new product lines from raw agricultural products or additional uses for already developed product lines.

Information on how to apply is available on page 26528 of the May 8 Federal Register. The deadline to submit paper applications is July 7. In Oregon, paper applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. in the State Office:

USDA Rural Development
Business Programs, ATTN: VAPG Coordinator
1201 NE Lloyd Blvd Cli 
Click here to sign up to receive Senator Jeff Merkley's Grant Newsletter
Suite 801
Portland, OR 97232
503-414-3395






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Online Training and Webinars 
(click on workshop title for registration information)




Small Business Resources and Networking Opportunities



BizCenter Dashboard
Have you accessed your dashboard on BizCenter.org?

Click here to learn how



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


SOU SBDC advisors are now 
GrowthWheel Certified. 

The RCC SBDC is committed to providing low cost training opportunities for both existing and prospective business owners in Jackson and Josephine Counties. 

Click here for schedule of upcoming classes


CSOU SBDC and Oregon OSHA
are co-sponsoring the following FREE
safety and health education topics in June in Medford:


August 5 / 8 to Noon                                August 5 / 1 to 5 p.m.
   Hazard Communication                           Hazard Identification
      Program - Aligned with GHS

Space is limited.



Other FREE Oregon OSHA education programs:

 

Oregon OSHA offers 

FREE safety and health education Online and in-person. 

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

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE GREETERS

Ashland Chamber Greeters 
Every Friday 
8:15 to 9:30 am


Medford Chamber Greeters
Every Thursday
8 to 9 am


Phoenix & Talent Chamber Greeters
Every third Wednesday
8:30 to 9:30 am


The Ashland Chamber 
Business Resource Portal:

 

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

www.ashlandbusinessresource.com

 


Metro Medford 
 Downtown Association
Bi-Annually in May & October
SOREDI's Angels & Entrepreneurs
(formerly known as the Jefferson Grapevine)
Monthly from 5:00 to 7:30 pm


svtg.org

 
Tax and Identify Fraud

Tax fraud has cost the government billions of dollars over the past few years. We see it more frequently in our practice as more taxpayers are having their identity stolen, fraudulent tax returns filed, and refunds issued to the scam artist.

The IRS just released its list of 2015 Dirty Dozen Tax Scams and highlights the many ways the government and the taxpayers are losing money. The list includes 1) phone scams, 2) phishing, 3) identity theft, 4) return preparer fraud, 5) offshore tax avoidance, 6) inflated refund claims, 7) fake charities, 8) hiding income with fake documents, 9) abusive tax shelters, 10) falsifying income to claim tax credits, 11) excessive claims for fuel tax credits, 12) frivolous tax arguments. The ones that we have encountered most frequently are the first 3. Using a reputable tax preparer will hopefully avoid you getting involved in scams 4 - 12.

Phone Scams were occurring in our local community this past year. Individuals were receiving phone calls from someone posing as the IRS saying you either owed money and legal action was being taken, or you had a refund coming and wanted to verify your identity and bank information. The IRS does not call a taxpayer without first sending you a notice in the mail.

Phishing involves sending you a fake email that looks like it is from the IRS and asking you to go to a link to complete the information. Doing so would cause malware to be downloaded on your computer that will allow the scammer to get access to your personal information and social security number. IRS will not send an email.

If you are a victim of any of these scams you should report the issue to the IRS and possible the police. The IRS website irs.gov has some very good information about what steps to take if needed.

Rick Holcom CPA, Tax Partner Moss Adams LLP

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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.