Small Business Advising
No-Cost Expert Business Advising
Are you a small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur seeking expert guidance to grow and thrive? The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Central Oregon offers tailored business advising to help you navigate the complexities of running a successful business.
Why Us?
Experienced Advisors: Our team of seasoned business advisors brings years of industry knowledge and expertise to the table, offering practical solutions and strategies tailored to your unique business needs.
Comprehensive Support: From business planning and financial analysis to marketing strategies and operational efficiency, our advisors provide comprehensive support to help you achieve your business goals.
Free and Confidential: All advising services are free and confidential.
Our Business Advising Services
Business Planning: Craft a robust business plan that outlines your vision, mission, market analysis, and financial projections.
Financial Analysis: Gain insights into your financial health with expert analysis and advice on budgeting, cash flow management, and funding opportunities.
Marketing Strategies: Develop effective marketing strategies to increase your brand visibility, attract customers, and boost sales.
Operational Efficiency: Improve your business operations with advice on streamlining processes, managing resources, and enhancing productivity.
Meet Our Adviser Team:
The Small Business Adviser team is comprised of a group of experienced business leaders who can help advise you on innovative ways to achieve your business goals.
Jennifer Gould
SBDC Director
Central Oregon
Jennifer Gould on LinkedIn
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Jennifer comes to COCC with a distinguished background in business development and leadership. As the former Associate State Director at the Washington Small Business Development Center, she provided operational oversight for 33 centers and demonstrated a strong commitment to business resiliency and strategic stakeholder engagement.
Jennifer holds an MBA in Leadership from the University of Washington/Bothell, where she was recognized for her leadership and business consulting acumen and subsequently was invited to teach Marketing and Management courses for the School of Business. She also holds certificates in Adaptive Leadership and Digital Transformation and Business Analytics.
Sue Meyer Sue is a professional consultant specializing in business start-up, strategies and
planning. Her first firm was built in 1994 when finances and opportunities for entrepreneurs
were varied and abundant. She and her husband, Steve, have two successful local businesses
and continue to help businesses grow in today's challenging economic and customer-driven
environment. After 30 years in the Phoenix metro area and traveling nationwide, Sue
and Steve are proud to call Central Oregon home.
Business Adviser
Central Oregon with a focus on Bend, Redmond & La Pine
Sue Meyer on LinkedIn
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Maureen Quinn
Business Adviser
Central Oregon with a focus on Bend & Sisters
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Maureen has a strong background in banking and enjoys exploring funding options with clients looking for capital. She has also worked in the real estate business as well as owning a wholesale and retail bakery. Having started and run her own successful business, from concept to reality, she is amply qualified to advise other potential entrepreneurs. A long-time Central Oregon resident, Maureen has a handle on the region's resources.
José Balcazar
Business Adviser
Central Oregon with a focus on
Bend & Redmond & Madras
José Balcazar on LinkedIn
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José has owned restaurants for more than 20 years and often works with clients who want to start food-related businesses. He also serves as the SBDC's Veteran liaison, drawing from his own experience in the U.S. Army. José has always had a passion for computer programming, and as a bilingual adviser, he is well positioned to help both our English- and Spanish-speaking clients with the particular challenges that can arise with technology.
Dave Grotjahn
Business Adviser
Central Oregon with a focus on Bend & Redmond
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Dave Grotjahn
Dave Grotjahn is a retired senior finance leader from Boeing Commercial Airplane Company with over 34 years of experience. He has led program financial planning and analysis, investments in capital and tooling, investor relations, and estimating & pricing strategies. He has also developed long-range business plans and supported compliance and risk management activities for airplane development, sustainability programs, and manufacturing operations. Dave is also adept at lean manufacturing and process improvement activities.
Keith Sherrill
Small Business Management Program Coordinator
Central Oregon with a focus on Bend, Redmond, Prineville & Madras
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Keith Sherrill
Born in Seattle and raised in the South, Keith Sherrill has a genuine love for the Pacific Northwest that was established at birth. Like the salmon, he has returned! Keith served most of his adult life in the US Army, quickly rising in the ranks within the elite 75th Ranger Regiment and 160th SOAR.
Upon exiting the military, Keith applied his lessons learned and leadership to his own entrepreneurial pursuit; he built an award-winning microbrewery and beer brand from the ground up. In addition to his experience as a practitioner, Keith holds an MBA from The College of William & Mary and is a graduate of the Stanford GSB's Ignite program.