The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Central Oregon Community College (COCC) is accepting applications for the 2024-25 Small Business Management program, with the new course beginning October 9 at the Bend campus. The nine-month, interactive program provides a unique combination of one-on-one business advice and practical coaching tailored to your individual business needs. For more information, visit cocc.edu/sbdc.
The program, which limits enrollment to 20 participants, meets once a month on a Wednesday afternoon for three hours of discussions on topics such as “contract negotiation” and “social innovation,” with an ongoing Includes one-on-one consultation. Program Prerequisites: Businesses must have been in operation for at least one year, have one full-time employee in addition to the owner, and prepare monthly financial statements. The cost is $999 and scholarships will be provided to eligible companies.
Covering a complete handbook for entrepreneurs, the curriculum includes goals, strategy, operations, marketing, and management. Business owners develop plans for growth, expansion, sale or exit, get financial analysis, and participate in peer-to-peer business discussions.
“We provide strategic support in setting and achieving goals,” says program coordinator Keith Sherrill, MBA. “This program spans traditional business fundamentals and processes.” The former U.S. Army Ranger, who founded and operated an award-winning craft brewery based in Alabama, brings first-hand business know-how to the sessions. I’m bringing it in.
Hundreds of Central Oregon small businesses have taken COCC’s Small Business Management program, including Pine Mountain Sports, Wahoo Films, Dana Signs, Spoon’s Restaurants and more. Free business advice is also available at college campuses in Bend, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville.
For more information and application forms, contact SBDC at 541-383-7290 or sbdc@cocc.edu.
