SBDC Faq's

SBDC Advising FAQ

Where can I find grants?

Grants are generally only available to non-profit organizations.  For more information, refer, Federal Grants, SBA, and SBDCNet.  Please ensure that you check eligibility under each grant opportunity. If you are looking for assistance for a nonprofit organization, please contact the nonprofit resource center of Oregon.

Who can use the services of the SBDC?

Anyone with a physical U.S. address is eligible to take advantage of our services.  Our services are open to anyone who currently owns a business or is interested in starting a business.

How much does it cost?

Our advising services are provided at no cost to our clients. The SBDC program is a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration and Umpqua Community College.  You are encouraged to take advantage of these prepaid services.  This funding occurs because of the impacts our clients achieved by working with the SBDC.

How do I become a client of the SBDC?

Click on the link “Request Advise” and then “Register Now” on the website.  You will be contacted by the staff at the Center closest to you to determine your needs and develop and action plan for your “next steps”

What if I don't live in Roseburg? Can I still use the services?

Absolutely! Not only are our advising services conducted here in the Roseburg office, but our counselors are free to meet with you at your place of business. Furthermore, we have branch offices located at other Community Colleges in Oregon which include: Blue Mountain, Central Oregon, Chemeketa, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia Gorge, Eastern Oregon, Lane, Linn-Benton, Mt. Hood, Oregon Coast, OIT, Portland/SBITP, Rogue, Southern Oregon, Southwestern Oregon, Tillamook Bay, and Treasure Valley (see full list below).  Our Services serve Roseburg and its surrounding counties.  Eager to build Douglas County community one business at a time, we want to make our service as convenient as possible for our clients.

How often can a client meet with an advisor?

There is no limit to the number of times that an advisor can meet with a client provided that the meetings are productive.  Some of our client engagements are short term and others span many years.

What are your staff’s qualifications for the services they provide?

We have a staff of experienced advisors who have owned their own business, have been a business consultant or have lending experience.

Why should we use your services?

It’s free!  You can’t find a better deal! Business owners who use our services show Sales Growth that is 3 times the Average Oregon Business and Employment Growth that is almost 7 times the Average Oregon Business.  Our staff of business advisors has over 200 years of business, financial, lending and business advising experience.   Our clients’ successes are our best reference.

How can you help me with my business loan?

One of our experienced business advisors will be happy to guide you through the lending process.  The advisor will discuss project feasibility, lender loan criteria and the reasons a lending officer wants a business plan and financial projections.

Who are your clients?

We work with business owners and potential business owners in a variety of industries.

Who refers people to your services?

We receive referrals from a wide variety of organizations.  Loan officers, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Departments, and most importantly, our clients.

What can I expect from a meeting with a business advisor?

You can expect a professional advisor who will ask you pertinent questions and listen to your needs.  Our advisors tailor the advising session around your specific experience.

What kind of assistance do people usually ask for?

Our clients ask for assistance in preparing business plans, financial projections, marketing plans and management assistance.  Our advisors also provide assistance in a wide variety of specialty areas such as certifications, contracting, human resources, market research, etc.

How long does it take to complete a business plan?

It depends on the complexity of the business and the time you have to dedicate to conducting the research and writing the plan.  A plan generally takes about 40 hours to prepare and this does not include the time you invest in research.  Your business advisor will assist you with all stages of preparing the plan that you write.