SOU SBDC August 2016 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
Hello, all,

As many of you know, next week will be my last with the SOU Small Business Development Center. I wanted to take the opportunity to give a heartfelt thank you to our clients and the Rogue Valley business community for allowing me to work with you on developing and growing some of Oregon's best businesses.

Not only was I able to help many start and grow their businesses, but each of our clients has helped me grow professionally as well. I've learned the ins and outs of entrepreneurship and have had a taste of the strength and gumption it takes to be a small business owner. I know I will put these skills to work in my future endeavors. 

I would like to say a very special thank you to Jack, Stephanie, Ruthie, Russ, and Fred for making me a part of the SBDC team and for allowing me to thrive under their tutelage. And to all who have wished me luck as I transition to the next chapter of my life, I very much appreciate it.

With warm wishes,
Kaylee Gray
Office and Client Services Manager
Client Spotlight: Eric Bell
Eric Bell is the owner of Word on the Street, a new food truck concept in the Rogue Valley. Started in February 2016, Eric's mission is to push the boundaries by challenging current ideas about what street food is and by getting better one meal at a time. When asked what his motivation for starting a business, Eric was honest, "I couldn't find a job and it was important for me to stay local," he said. "But more than that, I loved the idea of working for myself. It means my own success or failure and that of my crew depends wholly on myself." 

Eric began working with the SOU SBDC in early 2016, pairing with business advisor Ruthie Painter after attending a Client Orientation. Ruthie encouraged Eric not only to formulate a business plan, but to also continue working on and updating it so that his plan could grow with his business. He also gained financial knowledge to help his business succeed, and Ruthie referred him to advisor Fred Arnett to work with Quickbooks. He emphatically recommends SBDC services to any other entrepreneurs and business owners who may be looking for advice for their businesses.

Big things are coming up for Word on the Street. Eric's focus on high quality, sustainable, and environmentally responsible seafood has set him in the sights of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, who recently asked him to become a partner on their Seafood Watch list. Philanthropy is also important to Eric, and he has had the opportunity to pair with nonprofit groups on several occasions to donate profits and support events giving back to those less fortunate. Look for the Word on the Street truck at both the Ashland and Medford farmers' markets, and follow then on facebook and instagram for the latest updates!

Word on the Street
Eric Bell, Owner
(541) 840-5364
www.facebook.com/wordonthestreetfood
 
 
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Lunch, Learn & Launch:
Jack VItacco
Selling Skills for the Non-Salesperson
When:   Thursday, July 21, 2016
Where:  RCC/SOU HEC in Medford
Time:     12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Cost:      Free
  • Creating sales presentations that are focused on the customer benefits, not just a "canned" pitch
  • Learn how to listen, acknowledge, then overcome objections
  • Identify "suspects" and "prospects"
Register
Prior to being the director of the SOU SBDC, Jack was an account representative for 3M Corp. for 20 years, and an independent manufacturers' representative for 12 years. Jack assisted wholesale distribution businesses to increase market share, develop sales personnel, implement effective product knowledge and presentation skills, and management of profit.

sou.edu/sbdc

WESO Kick-Off Networking Event
When: Thursday, September 8
Time: 5:30pm
Where: Rogue Regency Inn, 2300 Biddle Road, Medford
Come join us to kick-off our new year of programs and networking events! This month, our program is YOU and YOUR BUSINESS. We'll have a whole evening to network, get to know each other, and benefit from your WESO community (both members and non-members).

Client Orientation

Are you new to the SOU SBDC and looking for information on how to get your business started? Join us for one of our biweekly client orientation meetings! We cover topics including what is offered by the SOU SBDC and the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network, questions you should ask yourself when considering the feasibility and viability of your business idea, and all of the logistics to get a business up and legally operating. Click below for more information and to register!  

Fueling Up!:
Lisa Manyon
The Power of Publicity
When:   Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Where:  RCC/SOU HEC in Medford
Time:     9:00 am - 12:00 pm 
Cost:      $75, some scholarships available
  • Create newsworthy press releases that get free publicity for your business
  • Develop quality in-house media lists and build relationships with key contacts (on their terms)
  • Learn publicity strategies to get featured by the media (paper, radio, Podcasts, TV)
Register
Lisa Manyon, The Business  Marketing Architect, teaches entrepreneurs how to create marketing messages with integrity. Lisa's philosophies have been featured in Inc. Magazine and bestselling books Wonder Women and Engage.
 
writeoncreative.com

Announcements, Information, Opportunities, and Resources
 
Oregon OSHA Public Education July-September 2016 Workshop Schedule

Oregon OSHA Public Education classes provide information on occupational safety and health requirements in Oregon. The team introduce the values of safety and health management to those responsible for occupational safety and health in their workplace.
 

Small Business Resources and Networking Opportunities



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


 
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. 

Sustainable Valley Group is now accepting applications for their fall 2016 accelerator.

 
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




FREE Oregon OSHA education programs:

 
Oregon OSHA offers 
FREE safety and health education Online and in-person.
 
Go to 
and click on the "Education" link.
SOREDI's Angels & Entrepreneurs



The Ashland Chamber 
Business Resource Portal:

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

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.