EUGENE, Ore – The Oregon Small Business Development Centers are available to support businesses that need assistance during the COVID-19 crisis. These Centers have expert advisers who are actively working with lenders and the Small Business Administration to understand the latest developments with the rapidly changing assistance programs. In addition, advisers can help businesses look at cashflow and other needs to get through this crisis. All SBDC services are currently offered virtually.
“If any business owner feels like they need help, call us, visit our website to connect with their local Center,” said Mark Gregory, state director of the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network. “Time is a precious commodity right now. The earlier we can help a business, the better the chances the business will survive.”
Federal programs like the Paycheck Protection Program through banks and the SBA, and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL) are playing a critical role in helping businesses stay afloat. The state’s Workshare program through the Oregon Employment Department is also helping businesses retain employees. SBDCs work with local businesses to connect them to the right resources. SBDC advisers, many of them former successful small business owners and bankers, understand both the needs and the available resources locally.
“We have never seen both a public health and economic crisis like this before. Businesses in our communities need vital assistance to make it through this difficult time. Our Centers are here to help,” said Gregory. “We are hearing a lot of information about the federal assistance programs. The rollout of these programs has been challenging, and as a result processes are changing quickly. Our advisers have the latest information and resources to help.”
Business owners should visit the Bizcenter website to find their center and speak with an adviser.
Oregon’s Small Business Development Centers are the largest business assistance provider in Oregon. Centers are hosted at all 17 community colleges, Southern Oregon University and Eastern Oregon University. The Oregon SBDC Network is funded through a cooperative between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Business Oregon, and other private and public partners.
OSBDCN is hosted by Lane Community College in Eugene.
For more information about Lane Community College:
Lane is an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabilities Employer
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Lane Community College educates over 25,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $850 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 13,000 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.