The Clatsop Small Business Development Center’s Small Business Management (SBM) Program is a comprehensive business growth course designed for established business owners who are ready to strengthen their leadership skills and take their business to the next level. This executive-style program combines classroom instruction and practical application to help owners make informed decisions and achieve measurable results.
Unlike traditional classes, the SBM Program focuses on applying what you learn directly to your own business. Participants leave with actionable strategies, improved management skills, stronger business systems, and a clear roadmap for future growth. Whether you’re looking to increase profitability or prepare for long-term success, the Clatsop SBDC’s Small Business Management Program provides the tools, guidance, and support to help your business thrive!
Offered in the fall, this course will be available for registration soon with a start date of September 23rd. We’ll send out an alert once registration opens – more to come!
Highlights this week:
- How To Setup An LLC As Your Small Business Structure
- The Top 8 Things You Should Be Doing To Market Your Business This Summer
- Do You Handle Your Own Bookkeeping? Here Are 5 Tips To Help You Streamline That Process and Save Time
- Seasonal Demand: Successful Retailers Know That Strong Sales Often Begin With Strong Planning
- Eye On The Horizon: A List Of Events Coming To Clatsop County
How to Set Up an LLC as Your Small Business Structure
You have an excellent idea for a product or a service, you’ve fleshed out a solid business plan, and now you’re ready for revenue to start rolling in. However, before your business gets up and running, you’ll need to choose a business structure. This will determine your registration requirements, tax obligations, and personal liability.
The most common business structures for small businesses are sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Forming an LLC has become a popular choice for small business owners. This structure offers liability protections, potential tax benefits, and management flexibility.
Read on to learn what an LLC is, its advantages, how it differs from a sole proprietorship, and how to set up your small business as an LLC in Oregon.
Summer can be one of the busiest and most profitable times of the year. Make the most of the season with these marketing strategies:
- Refresh Your Online Presence
Update your website, social media profiles, business hours, photos, and promotions to reflect summer offerings. - Promote Seasonal Specials
Create limited-time products, services, or discounts that encourage customers to act before summer ends. - Attend Community Events
Festivals, markets, and local gatherings provide excellent opportunities to meet new customers and increase visibility. - Increase Social Media Activity
Share photos, videos, customer stories, behind-the-scenes content, and event updates to stay top of mind. - Ask for Customer Reviews
Positive online reviews help build trust and attract both locals and visitors researching businesses in your area. - Grow Your Email List
Use promotions, events, and website signups to collect email addresses and stay connected with customers year-round. - Partner with Other Local Businesses
Cross-promotions and collaborative events can help expand your reach and introduce your business to new audiences. - Prepare for the Fall Season Now
Use the summer months to evaluate what’s working, plan future marketing campaigns, and set goals for the remainder of the year.
A little extra marketing effort during the summer can help generate immediate sales while building relationships that keep customers coming back long after the season ends!
5 Small Business Bookkeeping Tips
Strong bookkeeping practices help business owners make informed decisions and reduce stress when it comes to filing taxes. Here are five essential tips:
- Keep Business and Personal Finances Separate
Use dedicated business bank accounts and credit cards to simplify tracking and reporting. - Record Transactions Regularly
Set aside time each week to categorize income and expenses so your books stay current and accurate. - Monitor Cash Flow Closely
Review your incoming and outgoing funds regularly to avoid surprises and identify potential issues early. - Save and Organize Receipts
Maintain digital or physical copies of receipts and invoices to support deductions and simplify audits. - Reconcile Your Accounts Monthly
Compare your bookkeeping records to your bank and credit card statements to catch errors and ensure accuracy.
Good bookkeeping isn’t just about taxes—it’s a valuable tool for understanding your business’s financial health and planning for future growth.
Successful retailers know that strong sales often begin with strong planning. Taking time to review past sales data and forecast upcoming demand can help your business stay ahead of the curve.
Ordering inventory early and developing a seasonal purchasing strategy can reduce stock shortages, improve cash flow management, and ensure you have the right products available when customers are ready to buy. A proactive approach can also help you avoid last-minute expenses and supply chain challenges.
Whether you’re preparing for back-to-school shopping, a busy tourism season, or the holiday rush, the Oregon SBDC Network can help. Through no-cost advising and business planning support, your local SBDC can help you develop strategies to manage inventory, improve operations, and position your business for success.
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:
- Discover Oregon Seafood Dock Tour – July 10th
- Astoria Column Centennial – July 18th
- Clatsop County Fair – July 22nd-26th
- Astoria Regatta Festival – August 5th-8th
- Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament – August 5th-9th
- Hood To Coast – August 28th
- Labor Day – September 7th
- Liberty Theatre Gala – September 12th
- The Great Columbia Crossing – October 11th
- 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.
