The 2015 Small Business Management Program is set to begin at the COCC Small Business Development Center. Offered in Central Oregon for over 25 years, Small Business Management (SBM) offers a unique approach where business owners learn how to create a more sustainable business. The program provides individualized guidance on how to more effectively work onthe business, not just in it.
“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 for the COCC program.
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. It’s a yearlong commitment geared toward those business owners who see the importance of working on the business rather than just in it. Many businesses that participate in year one choose to go on to the second year program.
The program helps business owners identify key issues that will help move them towards achieving their vision. Most 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 develop a sound business action plan that helps take them to the next level, thereby building a well-functioning business.
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.
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 has had many success stories over the years. Recent highly recognizable graduates include Compass Commercial, CV International, O’Keeffe’s Company Working Hands Cream (SBA Oregon Small Business Owner of the Year winner), Vocal Booth (EDCO’s Product of the Year winner), Michi Designs, Giant Loop Moto, Pine Mountain Sports and Angeline’s Bakery.
The COCC Small Business Development Center helps local 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 www.cocc.edu/sbdc.
