(Photos courtesy of COCC)
Applications Open: Small Business Cohorts for Fall 2026
Running a business can feel lonely, but growing one shouldn’t. COCC’s Small Business Management Program gives local business owners practical guidance, peer support and one-on-one advising to tackle real challenges, sharpen strategy and move forward with confidence.
Is This Program Right for You?
- You have an active business you’re committed to growing.
- You’re open to learning from peers and sharing challenges.
- You have a specific goal and want practical feedback.
- You want to create a positive impact in your community
If you said “yes” to these, this program is for you!
What You’ll Do
- Work with real-world case studies from actual businesses.
- Prepare and test new ideas before each session.
- Define a strategic project and develop it throughout the program.
- Collaborate in small peer groups for accountability.
- Take the lead in flipped-classroom discussions.
- Wrap up with a live pitch event and compete for a share of a $6,500 prize pool.
Instructor: Keith Sherrill
Now accepting applications for Fall 2026! Applications due for review by September 7, with acceptance notifications distributed by September 14.
Second Wednesday of each month, October 2026 through June 2027
9am-12pm
COCC Bend Campus
$1499 per participant, up to two participants per company
Learn More and Apply for the SBM Program Today!
While the group encompasses a wide range of business types, we all deal with a lot of the same problems, and it’s valuable to hear different ways of approaching a problem outside of our own, industry-specific lens…I don’t know any small business owners who wouldn’t make back the cost of the class many times over.”
– Past SBM Participant
Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE)
A free eight-week business education course is available to military veterans and spouses, developed to help veterans learn not only how to launch or improve their small businesses, but also to refine their purpose. At the end of the course, the students gather to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges, competing for a $6,500 prize pool. Open to all honorably discharged veterans, spouses, active duty service members (with less than one year before discharge) and current or former members of the National Guard or Reserves.
Instructor: Keith Sherrill
Now accepting applications for Fall 2026! Applications due for review by September 7, with acceptance notifications distributed by September 14.
Tuesdays, October 6 through November 24, 2026
9am-12pm
COCC Bend Campus
Learn More and Apply for STRIVE today!
Meet Your Facilitator: Keith Sherrill
Keith Sherrill is one of our SBDC Advisers in Central Oregon. Born in Seattle and raised in the South, Keith Sherrill has a genuine love for the Pacific Northwest that was established at birth. Like the salmon, he has returned! Keith served most of his adult life in the US Army, quickly rising in the ranks within the elite 75th Ranger Regiment and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR).
Upon exiting the military, Keith applied his lessons learned and leadership to his own entrepreneurial pursuit; he built an award-winning microbrewery and beer brand from the ground up. In addition to his experience as a practitioner, Keith holds an MBA from The College of William & Mary and is a graduate of the Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Ignite program.
View All SBDC Course Offerings
Partnerships, Resources and Opportunities
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council – Small Business Loans
Did you know that COIC provides alternative loans for new or existing small businesses?
These loans may be used for a range of business needs, such as real estate, equipment or working capital. Rates and terms are quite competitive and COIC works closely with clients on everything from understanding their specific needs, developing the underwriting, originating and servicing the loan.
