>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

ENCOURAGING SMALL BUSINESS: Bill Carter, state Small Business Development Center director, addresses a conference by the local SBDC last week. Carter said his vision for the future includes linking expertise between centers, and using technology to improve services. (The Observer/BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH).

Bill Rautenstrauch

The Observer

Eastern Oregon University's Small Business Development Center has new marching orders: improve services, and reach more people.

"We're doing good, but we want to do better," SBDC Director Greg Smith said during a conference last week at EOU.

Smith, also an elected state representative, told a small group of business people and community leaders the SBDC hopes to make more prospective entrepreneurs aware of services offered in its coverage area of Union, Grant and Wallowa counties.

He also said the center wants to improve those services, especially in smaller communities in Grant and Wallowa counties.

"We looked at Grant County and decided we're not doing all we could there. Just because of its location, Grant County struggles, like Wallowa County," Smith said.

The center is hosted by EOU and is situated in the Integrated Services building on Gekeler Lane in La Grande.

Part of a state and national network, it offers free and confidential counseling to people going into business, with emphasis on effective business plans and cash flow management.

Smith said that since he became director four and half years ago, the center has helped launch about 380 small businesses.

"In terms of people we've helped, our numbers are skyrocketing," he said.

He said that clients often come to the center with a good idea that needs polishing.

"When we deal with entrepreneurs, we often deal with someone skilled in a craft or service. Maybe they have 70 percent of what they need. There are some things they're not sure of," Smith said.

He added there are times when an idea isn't as good as it first seems, or perhaps should be put off for awhile. The center helps clients realistically evaluate future plans.

"Sometimes it's finding out a person shouldn't go into business," Smith said. "We walk people through a self-analysis process where they arrive at their own decisions."

In addition to spreading the word about the center, Smith asked for input on ways to bolster services.

Some in the audience said they have encountered problems in finding out what services are available to people starting a business.

"I went to four different offices before I met you folks," one woman said. "I really think you need more notice."

Jinean Florum, who is in the process of starting a property management business, said she thinks the community would be better served if local business services were put under one roof.

"At first, I didn't even know the center existed," she said. "I think it would be great to have all the services in one place."

Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vicki Rogsen told Smith she thought the center should take a more active outreach role.

"We'd like to see you work with Wallowa County Business Facilitation, and you've done that," said Rogsen. "We'd also like to see you you do workshops on getting a business started. As a community we'd like to see some educational opportunity."

Steve Bartell, owner of Bubbles laundry in la Grande, said he thought economic development interests need to do more to market the region.

"We live right on the freeway and people don't have a lot of reason to stop," said Bartell. "I think we need to give people more reasons."

Others on hand made it a point to praise the center for work it has done.

"There was a time when SBDC wasn't a very good partner, but you've come up from a deficit," said Union County Commissioner Colleen MacLeod.

Rich Minster, an Oregon Economic and Community Development regional representative, said he thinks SBDC does a good job of educating prospective entrepreneurs.

"People come in believing in an idea, but they really need to understand the risk. I direct people to the center because I know they will show what the risk is," Minster, who works in Grant County, said.

Also during the meeting, Smith introduced Bill Carter, state SBDC director. Carter said the SBDC system is especially important to Oregon.

"Oregon is a small business state. I think our future is with small business," he said.

Carter said an effort currently is under way to connect expertise available at various centers, and utilize technology to improve communication.

"My vision is to develop a good small business toolbox, and to use technology to deliver services faster," he said.

For more information on the local Small Business Development Center, call 962-1532.