Small Business Management Program

Is your business running your life?

You're the owner of an established business, but most of the time your business and life feel out of balance and out of control.

You're in the office too much and you hardly see your family and friends. Money is tight and it's hard to remember why you started doing this in the first place. You're not sure how to get help – and you don't feel comfortable asking.

You believe that it will get better if you just work harder. You've tried reading books and learning from experience. Instead of feeling enthusiastic, you're overwhelmed and run out of steam. It might be good to take a class, but you're pretty sure you don't have the time or money.

The missing link

The problem is that you don't know what you don't know yet. It might seem obvious, but in order to change behaviors you have to get outside of your own perceptions.

It is critical to step outside of your day-to-day tasks to work "on" your business, not just in your business. You don't have to do it all alone. You can feel empowered and confident. By making an investment of time and attention in yourself and your business, you can change behavior and make better business decisions.

Empowerment. Balance. Hope.

In the Small Business Management (SBM) program, we give you access to tools that give you an edge.

We don't talk at you. We don't tell you what to do. We're here to work beside you and treat you as the expert on your business. We want you to feel empowered to stretch and grow. The SBM program is a safe environment to try new things and share your successes and challenges.

The SBM program helps you find the balance you crave between life and work. It helps you rediscover enthusiasm for your work that you felt when you first started your business. You might even begin to enjoy it again.

Praise for Small Business Management from the Participants (click here)

Features

SBM is a nine-month business program that includes:

• Interactive classroom learning – 3 hours, once per month.
• 1-on-1 business advising – 2 hours per month.
• Business tools – we teach them and coach you on how to use them.
• Access to experts – in person during classes.
• Exchange ideas and experiences with other small business owners.
• Accountability – We help you keep accountable to what you say is important. We help you stay focused and prevent getting trapped in the trenches. We help you remember why you started this business in the first place and rediscover the passion for your work.

Is this you?

SBM is ideal for established small business owners (0-50 employees) whose businesses are at least one year old (1-35+ years in business). Service, retail, contractors, professional, and manufacturing businesses have all benefitted from the SBM program. Most importantly, if you have a willingness to try and learn new things, you're a great fit for the SBM program.

Want to know more?

Dates: 9-month program (October-June) on the first Thursday of each month
Time: 9 a.m. - noon

Financial Investment:
$695 for a business owner
(once approved, $347.50 to reserve your spot with remaining balance due September 15)
$125 for an additional key person from your business

Join Our Facebook Fan Page: Chemeketa Small Business Management

SBM Advisor and Coordinator: Lori Cegon-Hilfiker has 24 years of experience working with businesses in the Willamette Valley. She is also a small business owner just like you.

Her background in management, and leadership development, business ownership and human resources makes her uniquely suited to support the variety of challenges you as a small business owner encounter every day.

Next steps

• Read through the testimonials from people like you who decided to strengthen their businesses by participating in Small Business Management (SBM).
• If you'd like more information, send an email to lori.cegon@chemeketa.edu or (click here) or call 503.399.5088 to find out if SBM is right for you.
• For an SBM Application (click here), print and submit (Attn: Lori, Chemeketa SBDC, 626 High Street NE, Salem, OR 97301) now for approval and placement in the next SBM program.

Praise for Small Business Management from the Participants (click here)

Updated April 2010