KCC Small Business Development Center ramps up services to help local businesses navigate assistance programs

The Klamath Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has ramped up its services for Klamath and Lake counties and is actively working with lenders, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Business Oregon, and numerous local leaders to help business owners and entrepreneurs understand the latest developments with the rapidly changing business climate and the numerous COVID-19 assistance programs.

The KCC SBDC staff is working daily with local business owners in Klamath and Lake counties to provide advice and support for continued operation through the COVID-19 crisis. SBDC sta is helping with the proper management of Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funding to businesses. They are also offering advice to businesses preparing for re-opening; accessing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for the self-employed and the vast human resource issues arising; and managing cash flows, budgets, and financial projections.

SBDC Director Kat Rutledge said the center is serving more businesses in the region than ever before. “In an average year, we typically serve 150 to 160 businesses in con dential advising. We surpassed that mark by the end of April,” Rutledge said, noting that business owners might get the voicemail when calling the SBDC, but sta will return the call within 24 hours. Rutledge indicated that if you aren’t already a client of the SBDC, the most efficient path to speaking with a business advisor is to go to www.bizcenter.org/kcc and select the “Register” button. “When that registration comes in, we can get you connected with the next available appointment,” she said.

Additionally, many questions can be answered at the comprehensive SBDC website, bizcenter.org. Advising appointments are currently being ordered by teleconference or phone. “Time is a precious commodity right now. We are working as quickly as we can to get to everyone,” Rutledge said. e SBDC provides in-depth, con dential, one-to-one guidance for businesses and prospective entrepreneurs at no fee.

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the SBDC has temporarily expanded its services to non-pro t organizations, as well. The center recently hired an additional temporary advisor to focus strictly on assisting businesses who received a PPP loan with spend-out, and compiling evidence to support forgiveness.“ The PPP has become a rather complex tool and we are happy to help clients navigate with the information that’s presently available while we wait for final guidance,” Rutledge said. “We have never seen a crisis like this before. Our center is here to help cut through some of the confusion and connect our business owners to the resources they need.”

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. e Oregon SBDC network is funded through a cooperative between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Business Oregon, and other private and public partners.

To schedule a meeting with a SBDC adviser, call 541-205-5404 or visit www.bizcenter.org/kcc and click on the “Register” button.

Klamath Community College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Veteran/ADA institution embracing diversity. We encourage and welcome women, minority, veteran, and disabled candidates.

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