COCC small business series caters to entrepreneurs, seeks applications

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center, or SBDC, is accepting applications for its 2024-25 Small Business Management Program, with a new cohort launching Oct. 9 at the Bend campus.

The nine-month, interactive program offers a unique combination of one-on-one business advising — customized to individual business needs — and practical instruction. Visit cocc.edu/sbdc to learn more.

Capped at 20 enrollees, the program meets once a month on Wednesday afternoons for three hours of discussion — with topics such as “Negotiating Contracts” and “Social Innovations” — and includes ongoing one-on-one consultations.

Program prerequisites: Businesses need to be in operation for at least a year, have one full-time employee besides the owner and produce monthly financial statements. Cost is $999, and scholarships are available to eligible businesses.

Covering an entrepreneur’s full handbook, the curriculum encompasses goals, strategy, operations, marketing and management. Business owners will develop a plan for growth, expansion, sale or exit, obtain a financial analysis and engage in peer-to-peer business discussions.

“We provide strategic help with setting and achieving goals,” said Keith Sherrill, MBA, program coordinator. “The program spans traditional business fundamentals and processes.” The former U.S. Army Ranger, who founded and operated an Alabama-based, award-winning craft brewery, brings firsthand business know-how to the sessions.

Hundreds of Central Oregon small businesses — including Pine Mountain Sports, Wahoo Films, Dana Signs, Spoons Restaurant and others — have gone through COCC’s Small Business Management Program. No-cost business advising is also available at the college’s campuses in Bend, Redmond, Madras and Prineville.

For more information and an application form, contact the SBDC at 541-383-7290 or sbdc@cocc.edu.