A comprehensive toolkit for young workers, their parents, educators, and employers. Includes federal rights for workers, types of jobs for youth, Internships, and more.
The Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with BBSI to offer Webinars on some topics that are important to businesses including the top five things companies should be doing for strategic planning/ financial analysis. June 20, conducted virtually, noon- 12:45 p.m. Click the View Resource link to register
Manufactured housing offers a promising solution to the US affordable housing crisis. To secure the unique affordability benefits of manufactured housing and unlock durable pathways to scale, policy and practice must address the climate vulnerabilities of the existing manufactured housing stock and ensure the next generation of manufactured homes are built to last. Join the Urban Institute and leaders from the manufactured housing sector to learn about innovations, opportunities, and barriers at the federal, state, and local levels to preserve and produce safe and affordable manufactured homes. February 4th, 11 am - 1:30 pm Register for free webinar: https://events.urban.org/manufacturedforthefuture
This blog article provides suggestions for tracking, budgeting and personal management along with adaptations to lifestyle, environment, and mindset when working from home.
Oregon's Trade Promotion Grants are awarded to eligible small businesses that meet the U.S. SBA's definition and can self-certify their eligibility. Small businesses are generally defined as those with 500 or fewer employees. Candidates must evaluate and certify their eligibility by submitting two required SBA forms: Self Certify as a Small Business, and Debarment Certification. To learn more visit Business Oregon or to see all US State contacts visit the SBA Directory.
A free, comprehensive online resource for employers seeking to move beyond basic compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in order to create more disability-inclusive workplaces.
T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined is an executive-level training series intended to give ambitious small business leaders a challenging opportunity to accelerate their growth through targeted training led by motivating leaders in small business development. T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined revolutionizes the rich history of executive-level training for small businesses poised for growth. This training is not for start-ups or people who are thinking about starting a business. T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined advanced training series is open to small business owners and executives that: Have annual revenues of at least $250,000 Have been in business for at least three years Have at least one employee, other than self The training is free through the SBA.
The Supply Chain Challenge seeks ideas to radically innovate the way the Census Bureau provides supply chain data. The problem statement below applies across all phases, as the overarching challenge we are seeking to tackle: To support the nation’s need for critical goods and services, the Census Bureau is working toward improving its ability to measure the supply chain, including manufacturing, imports and exports, transportation and delivery of goods, and other key topics on global supply chains.
Read the comprehensive Spring 2022 Oregon Talent Assessment published by the Oregon Workforce and Talend Development Board and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC). The report looks at the current employment market, highlighting Oregon business and industry’s input on in-demand occupations, skills, talent, gaps, and trends.
The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County has compiled a helpful page for local businesses with resources on Oregon Re-Opening and to share their resources.
The Southern Oregon University Small Business Development Center provides business advising and education services to businesses throughout the Southern Oregon region. Services are for each stage of a business’s lifecycle from idea and start through succession to new ownership. Funded principally through the SBA, Business Oregon and SOU. View Resource
It’s impossible to predict exactly what will happen down the road. However, having well-informed expectations can help you stay ahead of the curve. The SBA shares trends that they are monitoring heading into 2023.
Business Oregon, alongside OED, the Secretary of State, and the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services manage this page to assist Oregon small business owners, employees, and others dealing with the impacts of COVID-19.
The National Disability Institute’s Small Business Hub is a collaboration with over 40 organizations working together to help entrepreneurs and business owners with disabilities.
This toolkit provides curated information and essential resources about how (and why!) small businesses can successfully hire and retain employees with disabilities. You’ll find easy-to-understand, practical advice, along with expert guidance on following Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) offers free assister help for small businesses selecting and enrolling in plans for employees. They also can provide information about the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
The Southern Oregon SBDC will offer it’s next “Restaurant Success Toolkit” webinar related to finance on April 12, 3 to 4:30 pm. Note that you are encouraged to attend, even if you missed the prior workshops. The link will allow you register or see prior workshops.
The SBA offers support for veterans as they enter the world of business ownership including funding programs, training, and federal contracting opportunities. You can also contact the local SBDC for assistance (https://oregonsbdc.org/centers/southern-oregon-sbdc/ or https://sbdc.sou.edu/).
SBA site provides information on the different Disaster assistance programs offered, including application process - forms, eligibility by business and region, as well as general information about the different programs available.
SBDCU The RCC SBDC provides educational training events that cover current and practical information on business topics ranging from the basics to advance business management skills. The depth of our training ensures that business owners and entrepreneurs have access to invaluable insights and support to help them grow or launch a successful business. The training programs are designed to meet the needs of the local business community and are delivered at a reasonable cost.
Rogue Business Elevate has opened a new round of employer applications for paid work experiences for youth. BENEFITS TO EMPLOYERS: Guided support to ensure a smooth and successful placement Subsidized wages for participating youth Opportunity to mentor & develop future professionals Access to motivated young talent Elevate Youth Work Experience Application for Employers: Application Want more information? Contact Joshua Shannon joshua@pyplus.org | (541) 476-8146 | View a flyer
Attention HR Professionals! Attend an insightful Business Symposium, sponsored by Valley Immediate Care, focused on employee retention. Gain valuable strategies and best practices from local thought leaders to foster a loyal and engaged workforce. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your HR expertise, and network with other industry folks!
Recovery - Ready Workplace Resource Hub - resources for both employees and employers for those with either a criminal record or substance use. Provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Whether you’re looking to drive traffic to your website or through your door, learn where your potential customers are with free Google tools — and reach them with advertising that fits your business and budget.
JOSEPHINE COUNTY, OR – Small business owners in Southern Oregon have an opportunity to receive training and mentorship offered through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Rogue Community College (RCC). The first 20 applicants accepted into the Small Business Management Program (SBM), with classes starting in the fall, will receive a scholarship that covers half of the tuition, a $300 value. The scholarship is made available through the RCC Board of Education. For information on the SBM Program, please call 541-956-7494 or email Advisor Tim Busald at TBusald@roguecc.edu. For general information, please call the RCC SBDC at 541-956-7494 or, for more information, visit: https://sbdc.roguecc.edu/small-business-management.
Earning customer loyalty is difficult – keeping it is critical. Learn the essential skills you need to keep your customers happy and sing your praises. The world has changed. What does Customer Service look like NOW? Walk away with people skills you can use to anticipate customer needs and give them the service THEY want. Learn how to increase team cohesiveness and collaboration to make your work environment a happier place for your employees and a better place to shop, eat, and do business. This training is for anyone who works with people. Sponsored by the Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce, free of charge with food and beverages. Each date caps at 50, you must register. Friday, October 6th, 9 -11 am with coffee and breakfast goodies Tuesday, October 24th, 2-4 pm with snacks offered Tuesday, November 15th, 12-2 pm with lunch Location: Fruitdale Grange 1440 Parkdale Dr, Grants Pass, OR 97527 For more information and to register (scroll down below the shopping cart section to pick a date)
A local group of construction industry professionals (including principals of several of the leading construction management and engineering firms in the Rogue Valley) have come together to support regional recovery from the Almeda Fire. Among other efforts, several of the participants would like to provide some pro bono support to businesses impacted by the fires as they make plans to rebuild. Particularly if you are having trouble figuring out where to begin, please let us know if you’d like to connect with this group of professionals. Please send an email to Marta Tarantsey at Business Oregon (Marta.Tarantsey@oregon.gov or click the link below) with just a little bit about your business and what kind of help you are seeking.
Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide event held each August that recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America's workers safe. This year Safe + Sound Week will provide resources for businesses on mental health and well-being. These materials will be posted before the start of Safe + Sound Week. Why Participate? Successful safety and health programs can proactively identify and manage workplace hazards before they cause injury or illness, improving sustainability and the bottom line. Participating in Safe + Sound Week can help get your program started, energize an existing one, or provide a chance to recognize your safety successes.
Workplace stress and poor mental health can negatively affect workers through1: Job performance Productivity Work engagement and communication Physical capability and daily functioning The OSHA Workplace Stress Website provides assistance for employers to initiate and plan stress assistance programs for their workers.
OSHA provides resources for both Senior Managers and First Line Supervisors helping to promote mental health for employees. The benefits include improved morale, increased productivity, fewer workplace injuries, reduced sick days with better physical health of workers.
OregonSaves is available to Oregon workers whose employers do not offer a workplace retirement plan, self-employed individuals, and others who want an easy way to save. Savers contribute to a convenient and portable Individual Retirement Account (IRA) that moves right along with them as they change jobs. Employers that don’t offer their own plan will register for OregonSaves by their deadline and ensure access to this beneficial program for their employees. Free webinars (December 7 - 14): https://www.oregonsaves.com/help-resources/events. Email retirementsavings@ost.state.or.us or visit the OregonSaves website: https://www.oregonsaves.com/
Communities in Lane, Linn, Lincoln, Jackson, Clackamas, Klamath, Marion, and Douglas counties were devastated by the Labor Day wildfires of 2020. They all face years of recovery work. As we begin the fourth year of recovery from these wildfires, leaders, managers, and policymakers from across the state are gathering for this wildfire recovery summit to assess progress and learn from each other. Each affected community has approached recovery differently with varying levels of success, creating fertile ground for learning and significant opportunities to share lessons learned and improve efficiency swiftly by adjusting current practices. Attending the Summit requires a no-cost registration. Attendance will be capped at 175 people, so please register early to secure your seat. October 30 & 31 More information and register.
Information about the network of 19 Small business Development centers across Oregon. Access statewide training classes, specialized services, and other informational resources that can be of added value to businesses.
Up to date resources regarding the current COVID 19 event and related business assistance programs and services available to Oregon businesses; also includes links and information regarding other general business support resources, agency sites, and other business development and support partners.
The Oregon Nonprofit Leaders Conference brings together as many as 350 nonprofit leaders for educational and networking sessions on current, relevant and inspiring topics facing nonprofits today. Dates: April 9, 7:30 am – 3 pm and April 10 7:45 am – noon Location: Ashland Hills Hotel, Ashland, OR Costs: $325 (non members, $225 NOA Members) Learn more and register.
The 2023 conference theme is "Idea to Implementation", which reflects the innovation happening in our Oregon Main Street organizations to think creatively about the issues and opportunities impacting their communities and then develop concrete programs and activities to bring about meaningful change. Dates: October 4, 5, and 6 Sessions cover a variety of topics for both beginners and those with experience. The format includes keynotes, interactive workshops, and networking time. Join us for this very special, one-of-a-kind conference! Who Should Attend: Staff and volunteers of organizations focusing on downtown historic preservation and economic development, downtown business and property owners, government leaders, chamber of commerce professionals and volunteers, and others with an interest in the future of downtown will benefit from attending this conference. More information and register.
The Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The conference has been held for the past 25 years and has moved around the State of Oregon, from La Grande, to Bend, to Newport, to Hood River, and now to Ashland. Attendees include educators, government representatives, internet service providers, municipalities, healthcare representatives, tribal nations, equipment vendors, etc. 2023 Theme – Broadband: Future-Proofing Oregon. Dates: October 26 & 27
Recurring webinars that combine the recent guidance and best practices for manufacturers statewide operating in the times of COVID-19 and beyond, free to attend and brought in partnership with Prosper Portland.
National Safety Council Substance Abuse Disorder Cost Calculator: a simple-to-use calculator showing the costs associated with not providing employer-led support for substance abuse disorders in the workplace, and the corresponding benefits.
National Safety Council Mental Health Cost Calculator: a simple-to-use calculator showing the costs associated with not providing employer-led support for mental health in the workplace, and the corresponding benefits.
This toolkit includes sample policies, fact sheets, presentations, safety talks, posters, white papers, reports, videos, and more, so you can implement a workplace program on opioids.
The typical worker misses three work weeks (15 days) annually for illness, injury, or reasons other than vacation and holidays. However, workers with substance use disorders miss two more weeks annually than their peers, averaging nearly five weeks (24.6 days) a year. The National Safety Council offers resources for employers to reduce stigma, increase worker retention, and create caring workplaces.
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) provides case studies and best practices for Manufacturers including Workforce (hiring and retention), Business Operations, and Policy/Legal.
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is a US Federal organization to help minority business enterprises. Included are all people of color with initiatives for Global Women of Color Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Education for Former Incarcerated Persons. Assistance includes access to capital, contracts and markets (high growth industries, emerging markets and global supply chains).
The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society, the Office of Disability Employment Policy, and Major League Baseball have teamed up to promote mental health-friendly workplaces and provide resources for anyone in need of support. Includes resources for workers with disabilities.
In this free "Main Street America - Oregon" in conjunction with Google webinar, you can learn as a new entrepreneur, that you need more than good products or services to grow your business. It’s also important to have strong customer-focused marketing strategies to reach your audience and turn them into loyal customers. In this workshop, you will learn how to: Create a compelling brand Define your audience Convert customers Build loyalty and advocacy December 3rd, 2-3 pm
Latino Built provides programs that educate, support addressing barriers to entry for minorities, and expanding diversity in the construction industry.
ImpactOregon.careers is a new website where you’ll find hundreds of careers to choose from in the developmental disabilities field that make a real difference. Supported by the Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division – in coordination with the Women’s Bureau, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Agency and the Office of Foreign Labor Certification – will mark Hospitality Worker Appreciation Day by offering a webinar on federal regulations governing workers’ wages and benefits and employers’ responsibilities in hotels, motels, restaurants and staffing agencies. In addition they will provide information related to the H-2B visa program. Feb 22, 6 am - 1 pm.
The American Rescue Plan Act has significantly increased subsidies for people on the Health Exchange, making it very affordable for lower-income workers. SOESD is working to make sure all early childhood workers and all essential workers in our region have affordable health care. Learn about ways employers can help by viewing a flyer or emailing peter_buckley@southernoregonsuccess.org.
The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Grants Pass are working with Energy Trust of Oregon to bring energy savings to our communities. Currently, they are offering a no-cost LED lighting upgrade opportunity for commercial-type buildings - customers of Pacific Power in Grants Pass and Josephine County. Buildings must be either less than 20,000 square feet OR have fewer than 20 employees. Examples of qualifying types of businesses are non-profits, stores or commercial businesses, restaurants, offices, service stations, motels, food banks, social and community services organizations and buildings, churches/houses of worship or faith, clinics, and many others. Also, industrial facilities and the common areas of multifamily/apartment properties may qualify. Energy Trust will schedule with you to conduct an onsite review for eligible lighting upgrades. A lighting installer contractor will work with your schedule and clean up afterward. All at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Register here.
Looking for resources and tips to protect your small business against cyber threats? Join SBA for its first-ever National Cyber Summit on October 26, 2022 at 9 am PST. The free event will highlight tools, tips, and resources to help strengthen small business cybersecurity. Visit the SBA Strengthen Your Cybersecurity site (https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/strengthen-your-cybersecurity).
The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with BBSI to offer Webinars on some topics that are important to businesses. They will be hosting three webinars with experts from BBSI talking about each subject and answering questions from the audience. Webinar #1: Human Resources Best Practices, April 25, Noon- 12:45 p.m. Webinar #2: Risk and Safety Best Practices, May 23, Noon- 12:45 p.m. Webinar #3: Strategic Planning, June 20, Noon- 12:45 p.m. For additional information and to register.
A free 2-day workshop will provide help for entrepreneurs to collaborate, strategize, problem solve, and apply concrete tools with marketing and finances. Registration is required. July 7 and 8, Kirby, Oregon starting at 8:30 am.
Join the IRS for a series of online meetings in February and March (divided by location/states) for small business organizations and owners. The meetings will include: • Presentations from IRS leadership covering the top tax issues affecting small business owners regarding income, deductions, employment taxes and recordkeeping • How to get ready for the 2022 filing season • Tax scams targeting small businesses • How the IRS is reorganizing to better serve small business taxpayers • Listening session to hear concerns, feedback and suggestions from participants
If you’re curious about bringing your existing business online, or you’re just starting a business and want to know where to begin, it all starts with a domain: your online address and home on the web. In this special Grow with Google workshop for International Small Business Week, they will discuss the benefits of owning a domain, helpful web terms to know, and how to get the most out of your domain with free or low-cost tools like email forwarding, search reports, and more. Plus, attendees will get a special offer for Google Domains. The workshop will be available for viewing after the presentation date. June 28, 2022, 10 am - 11 pm PST
Learn quick ways to promote your products online using Google tools as consumers shop during the holiday season with this free Grow with Google webinar. We’ll show how local brick-and-mortar businesses can list products on a Google Business Profile. We’ll also cover Google Merchant Center, a no-cost tool that allows both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar businesses to create free Product Listings on Google. This workshop is most beneficial to small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to drive holiday sales. For more information or to register, click View Resource.
Child Care Works for Oregon has provided a toolkit for Employers with strategies ranging from simple, low-cost options to more comprehensive solutions. Here’s what you’ll find inside: Assess Your Needs: Pinpoint how child care is impacting your bottom line and figure out what employees really need when it comes to child care. Learn Effective Strategies: Discover a range of approaches to support working parents and identify which will meet the needs of your employees. Quick Wins: Quick, budget-friendly ways to make a big impact. Success Stories: See how other Oregon employers are tackling child care challenges. Local Resources: Connect with organizations that can help you implement your chosen strategies. View the site for the Toolkit
The Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) on Disability Inclusion provides resources to help recruit, hire, retain, and advance qualified people with disabilities.
Free online workshops by Google to help grow your sales by connecting with shoppers online, optimizing your e-commerce site, and making it faster and safer to pay through Google's e-commerce tools.
Anyone with a website or business presence online can benefit from search engine optimization (SEO), the process of helping search engines find and display your site in search results. Hosted by one of Google’s internal SEO experts, this workshop (March 9 from 9 am - 10 am PST) will give you a behind-the-scenes view into how Google approaches SEO for its own sites. You will learn practical strategies that you or your web development team can implement to help drive traffic from Google Search to your site. This workshop is part of Grow with Google’s Partner Digital Series, which curates specialty content for learners of our Nonprofit partner organizations. You can also view a recording after the webinar is held.
This free webinar from Microsoft will focus on gaining knowledge and tools needed to accelerate deployment tailored to IT professionals and organizations. You’ll receive expert guidance for building an actionable deployment plan that helps your business maximize the benefits of Microsoft products and services for the best ROI. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with a panel of experts to get your most important questions answered. Join this webinar to: Navigate technology deployment and integration strategies with proven best practices and valuable insights Expedite business transformation by exploring how Microsoft Copilot and generative AI can enhance your organization’s efficiency and innovation Streamline processes and drive significant business outcomes, including improved efficiency and faster time to value More information and to register.
The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency offers valuable information for businesses and agencies regarding cybersecurity. Additionally, they provide free “Cyber Hygiene Services” for Federal, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, as well as public and private sector critical infrastructure organizations (including schools).
This business networking event sponsored by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Small Business Development Center at SOU and RCC, will afford existing employers and those interested in starting their own business resources to help with finances, building capital, counseling, Government Contractor opportunities, and building relationships with government contract experts. This will count as 4 CEU credits for contractors. Location: RCC/SOU Higher Education Center 101 S Bartlett St Medford, OR Sept 27, 7:30 am - 2:30 pm Lunch will be provided.
There's a humble spirit of uncomplicated generosity and collaboration here in the Northwest. An openness as vast and diverse as Oregon's seven regions. It’s in this spirit Built Oregon has launched the Built Oregon Marketplace, the consumer's ultimate destination to discovering Oregon founded products built with a commitment to craft and community. Open to all Oregon-based Direct to Consumer Manufacturers.
Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by SBA as part of the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP). B2B provides participants with an overview of business ownership and is open to transitioning service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and their spouses.
Benefits.gov houses information on over 40 benefits specific to agriculture and environmental sustainability. This article shares programs and resources that can help farmers find government benefits.
Hypercontext is an online business goals and meeting management application. They offer free templates for meeting management and a blog including suggestions on announcing an employee departure. This resource links to their "How to announce employee departures to your team" article. Use their "templates" link to view agenda suggestions on conducting meetings.
Spread the word for employees, their families, and friends of 988, which provides 24/7 chat and text support for anyone in crisis or considering suicide. The website offers additional resources for employees and employers.
The 4th Annual Women's Small Business Transportation Summit, sponsored by U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) will be held virtually celebrating women entrepreneurs and providing an opportunity to learn about technical assistance resources, capacity building, access to capital, and upcoming USDOT initiatives, including Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) opportunities. Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 7 am to 12:30 pm PST. Learn more and register.
Join virtually to hear an updated forecast for the economy and manufacturing technology orders from Oxford Economics. January 24, 2025, 5:00 am - 8:00 am (PT AMT will also give an IMTS 2024 recap, and a variety of industry insights, and provide trends, predications, and resources for 2025, including: • Manufacturing Research Updates, • Manufacturing Construction Outlook, • What the Outlook is for New Presidential Administration, • International Manufacturing Technology Show update, and • an Oxford Economics Report. For more information and to register.
Each year, the state’s economic development community gathers at the Oregon Economic Development Association’s (OEDA) Annual Fall Conference. Attendees gain knowledge of the latest tools, programs, and connections to drive economic resiliency and growth in their communities. This year’s conference will focus on Oregon’s “Trailblazer Economy”, highlighting innovative projects, tools, and initiatives that help create a diverse landscape of economic prosperity. The Fall Conference is also an opportunity to hear from public and private-sector leaders and honor excellence in economic development at the Economic Development Awards luncheon. Date: OCTOBER 8 (check-in), 9, and 10
