The Small Business Management Program (SBM) is set to begin at the COCC Small Business Development Center in February for 2016. SBM offers a unique approach where business owners are guided to learn how to create a more sustainable company by working on key business functions as well as in the day-to-day business activities. This signature program has impacted hundreds of businesses over the 25 years it has been available in Central Oregon.
“Business owners who are trying to do it all or are doing so much that they can’t sustain their effort are more susceptible to failure than those who learn that developing the business should really be their goal,” says Jim Wilcox, SBM instructor and advisor for the COCC program.
SBM helps business owners identify key issues that will help move them towards achieving their vision. Many small business owners don’t have a lot of formal training in business, but they have to manage all areas of running their business from planning, marketing and sales, product and service delivery, finance and accounting, and human resource management. Through the SBM program, they expand their knowledge in these areas, learn to assess their strengths and weaknesses, and implement a sound business action plan that helps take them to the next level.
Jim Wilcox, who is the SBM Advisor and Instructor, has over 20 years of experience working with businesses. His background is in management, business ownership and human resources along with an MBA from Portland State University.
The SBM program is a one-to-one business advising/coaching program combined with a monthly classroom session to help business owners and managers take their business to the next level.Business owners that have been in business for at least one year, have the equivalent of one full-time employee beyond the owner and can commit to working on improving the business are eligible for the SBM Program. Participants also need to be able to produce monthly financial statements from their bookkeeping or accounting software.
The program has had many success stories over the years. Someof the graduates include Tumalo Kayak & Canoe, Wubba’s BBQ, Oregon Equipment Services, Arclight Dynamics, Compass Commercial, CV International, Giant Loop Moto and Pine Mountain Sports.
The COCC Small Business Development Center helps Central Oregon business owners build a business that works for them. They offer no cost one-to-one business advising, as well as practical workshops, market research and assistance in obtaining business financing. The goal of the SBDC is to have a positive impact on the growth and sustainability of Central Oregon businesses.
For more information on SBDC services or to apply for the SBM program that will be starting in February, call 541-383-7290 or go to www.cocc.edu/sbdc.
