SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT: LEVEL 1 | $899 $399
The Small Business Management program (SBM) is a unique combination of classroom learning, one-to-one coaching from an adviser and business networking with one goal: making you and your business more successful. The program covers management topics with a customized curriculum and helps you to identify and prioritize outcomes and develop a plan to achieve them. Business owners will benefit from classroom sessions by learning from seasoned professionals as well as their peers who own small businesses. The one-to-one advising provides the small business owner with coaching by a professional business adviser.
Facilitated by: Grant Lehman
Dates: November 4th – March 31st
This project has been funded in part by Northwest Oregon Works through their generous contribution of $500 scholarship per business admitted to the program (Regular price: $899).
SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT: LEVEL 2 | $899 $399
The Small Business Management Advanced Program (SBM II) is designed for the owners of businesses who are looking to grow and expand their business to the next level and need the tools and guidance on how to successfully get there. This program is designed for businesses who have either successfully completed SBM Level 1 or are well-established (have been in business at least 3 years, have 1 employee beyond the owner, have access to company financial records and a strong desire to grow or expand).
Facilitated by: Grant Lehman
Dates: December 9th – May 5th
START UP BOOT CAMP | $99
The Clatsop SBDC has assembled a thorough 5-session course covering everything you need to know to successfully refine your business concept and create a solid working plan. Coupled with individual coaching from an expert SBDC advisor, this course covers the start-up journey and provides actionable insight into what you need to know to get your business off the ground.
Facilitated by: Meyer Freeman and Eric Stromquist
Meets Every Other Tuesday 3-5 PM In Towler 310
Dates: October 20 – December 15
CONTRACTOR’S BOOT CAMP | $99
This boot camp is designed for newly established residential contractors in Oregon who have been in business for three years or less. Participants may already be licensed, actively bidding work, or managing residential construction or remodeling projects. This course is not intended for individuals exploring whether to become a contractor; it is designed for contractors who are already operating and want to improve how their business functions in the field.
Facilitated by: Shane Dean
Wednesdays 6-8 PM In Towler-310
Dates: September 30 – October 28
FOOD & BEVERAGE ENTREPRENEUR’S BOOT CAMP | $99
Are you an entrepreneur with a great recipe or idea that you would like to develop into a consumer-packaged product, but need additional support to turn it into a successful business? This 5-week Boot Camp will cover many topics including recipe/product development, packaging considerations, labeling requirements, regulatory agencies, manufacturing logistics, distribution, marketing, and pricing strategies. Participants will also be introduced to key players in the industry such as kitchen managers, technical advisors, product buyers, and regulators.
Facilitated by: Josh Allison
Tuesdays 9-11AM In Towler-310
Dates: October 13 – November 10
This business educational program is supported in part by a grant from the Pacific Power Foundation.
Highlights this week:
- World Entrepreneurs’ Day Is August 21st: Consult An SBDC Adviser And Start Putting Your Small Business Ideas In Motion
- Make Better Business Decisions By Taking Time To Do Market Research
- Scale Your Business: 6 Proven Ways to Grow Your Small Business In Oregon
- Eye On The Horizon: A List Of Events Coming To Clatsop County
World Entrepreneurs’ Day Is August 21st
World Entrepreneurs’ Day is an opportunity to recognize the creativity, determination, and innovation that entrepreneurs bring to their communities. Entrepreneurs take ideas and turn them into businesses and new opportunities that strengthen local economies. Whether you’re dreaming about starting your first business or looking for ways to grow an existing one, this day is a reminder that every successful business starts with an idea and the willingness to take the next step.
One of the best ways to turn a business idea into a solid plan is to talk with an SBDC business adviser. Your adviser can help you explore your idea and help you understand your market by developing a realistic plan for moving forward. You don’t have to have everything figured out before reaching out—SBDC advisers are there to help you work through questions and possibilities at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey!
This World Entrepreneurs’ Day, take the time to invest in your business ideas. A conversation today could be the first step toward turning your idea into a successful business tomorrow.
Market Research for Oregon Small Businesses: How to Make Better Business Decisions
You’ve poured your heart into your business idea, spending sleepless nights crafting plans and dreaming of success. But here’s a sobering truth: Most business failures don’t happen because entrepreneurs lack passion or drive. They fail because they often make decisions based on assumptions rather than facts.
Trusting your gut can play a role, but it’s not enough in today’s fast-moving market. Successful business planning starts with understanding your market, customers, and competition. That’s where market research for small businesses comes in, providing the grounded insights you need to make informed decisions.
Whether you’re starting a business in Oregon, expanding into a new community, or preparing for your next stage of growth, good research supports smarter Oregon business planning at every turn.
How to Scale a Business in Oregon:
6 Proven Ways to Grow
Scaling a business means increasing revenue without increasing costs at the same rate.
Instead of simply hiring more employees or adding overhead, successful businesses improve operational efficiency, automate repetitive tasks, strengthen business systems, and expand into new markets.
Oregon SBDC advisers help Oregon business owners evaluate their readiness, develop sustainable growth strategies, and scale with confidence through no-cost, confidential business advising.
Below Are More Events To Help You Grow and Develop Your Business
These upcoming holidays and special dates are building blocks when it comes to networking, marketing, and business development:
- Cruise Ship: Crystal Symphony – August 19th
- World Entrepreneurs Day – August 21st
- Hood To Coast – August 28th
- Labor Day – September 7th
- Liberty Theatre Gala – September 12th
- Cannon Beach Business Forum – September 15th
- SandFest (Seaside) – September 17th-20th
- Wheels and Waves (Seaside) – September 20th
- Cruise Ship: Serenade of the Seas – September 28th
- Cruise Ship: Norwegian Joy – October 3rd
- The Great Columbia Crossing – October 11th
- Stormy Weather Arts Festival (Cannon Beach) – Nov. 6th-8th
- Veteran’s Day – November 11th
- Thanksgiving – November 26th
- Christmas Day – December 25th
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Helping Build Oregon's Best Businesses
Clatsop Small Business Development Center
The Oregon SBDC Network is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additional funding is provided by the Oregon Business Development Department and Clatsop Community College. For full funding disclosure, visit OregonSBDC.org/about. Oregon SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language services are available for limited-English-proficient individuals.
Clatsop Community College is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. ADA accessible. For the complete Non-Discrimination and Accommodations statements, please visit https://www.clatsopcc.edu/ada. Clatsop Community College es una institución de igualdad de oportunidades y de discriminación positiva. Para las declaraciones completas de No-discriminacion y de Ayuda a las personas discapacitadas, por favor visite https://www.clatsopcc.edu/ada.
