Benton-Corvallis Enterprise Zone welcomes new resident

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February 9  |  General, News  |   Barb Sloan

The Enterprise Zone welcomed a new resident in January with the arrival of Perpetua Power Source Technologies, Inc. The former BEC client designs and manufactures energy harvesting devices, ideal for powering wireless monitoring sensors in industrial machinery.

Perpetua’s move to the Enterprise Zone entitles the company to tax breaks in exchange for creating jobs and promoting an element of sustainability in its products and/or business practices. In Perpetua’s case, its energy harvesting devices generate power from temperature fluctuations, eliminating the need for batteries, which aids waste reduction.

More information available at Perpetua’s website here and a recent Gazette-Times article here.

Corvallis City Council approves new AIP Master Plan

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December 30  |  News  |   Barb Sloan

The Corvallis City Council approved the new Airport Industrial Park Master Plan in December, which advances Benton County’s goals for the industrial park, and brings Benton County zoning and City of Corvallis master plan uses into agreement. This update means there will be a clearer, simpler development process with fewer regulatory hurdles for prospective companies.

Benton County zoning had previously permitted a different set of uses from those in the former AIP Master Plan, causing a lack of clarity regarding which uses would be acceptable and uncertainty about the approval process. With both sets of uses brought into a alignment, the process will be more straightforward and require fewer steps than at present. The process is not quite yet complete, but the City and County are working together closely to get details harmonized, and the final steps should be completed soon.

Attention Veterans! Small Business Management Classes

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December 20  |  Classes, Events  |   Barb Sloan

Based on the highly successful Small Business Management Program provided by the Small Business Development Center and LBCC, this program is tailored to the specific needs of Veteran Entrepreneurs.  Nine valuable classroom sessions and monthly personal advising meetings to work on individual business needs.

Contact number for more information or to register: 541-917-4923

Registration for MicroBusiness Training coming soon.

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November 2  |  Classes, Events  |   Barb Sloan

The Linn-Benton MicroBusiness Program is a dynamic series of classes aimed at helping people who are thinking of starting or expanding a small business.  Completing the course will give you a good idea whether your business idea will fly and how to go about getting started.

The next series of classes will begin January 10, 2012.

Explore & Commit offers (11) sessions of small business training workshops, counseling and technical assistance, advice on accessing capital and networking opportunities.

Introduction Sessions are scheduled for

  • Tuesday, January 3rd, 6:00-8:00 pm, Albany campus, Room CC213.
  • Wednesday, January 4th, 6:00-8:00 pm, Corvallis, Location & Room TBD.

Class sessions begin January 10th in Corvallis – Room TBD.
Cost $349 with partial scholarships available based on income.

Before you leap into action and spend your savings starting a business, here is an opportunity to test your theory and see if it has a chance of succeeding.

To register or ask questions call 541-917-4974.

Note: You must attend an orientation to attend the class.

Launch Your Business is aimed at existing businesses that want to grow or expand. This nine-month instructor-led peer support group meets once a month for timely help with typical challenges faced by first-time entrepreneurs.  Topics include: market niche, customer base, hiring & managing employees, using technology in your business etc.  Included at no extra cost is two hours per month of confidential, one-on-one business advising!

Classes begin Monday, January 23, 2012 and generally meet the third Monday of each month except holidays.  Cost $299 with partial scholarships available.  Room CC213, 6:30pm-8:30pm.

To register or ask questions call 541-917-4923

Veteran’s Small Business Management Program

Based on the highly successful Small Business Management Program but tailored to the specific needs of Veteran Entrepreneurs.  Nine valuable classroom sessions and monthly personal advising meetings to work on individual business needs.

Contact to for more information or to register: 541-917-4923

 

 

 

 

Does Your Idea or Business have Wings?

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October 27  |  News  |   Barb Sloan

Starting the first week in December the BEC will sponsor and host (location TBD) the reinstituted SWOT process that former BEC member John Sechrest ran so successfully over at the Chamber-Coalition. Companies can pitch and get feedback from seasoned industry veterans on their business plan, and meet and network with a group of successful business professionals, many who are local investors. This can be an ask for money but usually it is a “pre-ask” tune up that allows the start-ups to improve their business plan and idea to the point when they do ask, they receive.

For a small up-front fee of $50 for the first session, the start-up team gets at least an hour’s audience.

If the company wants a second or third round, the price goes up to $100 for the second session and $250 for the final round.
Will It Fly? Come to the BEC and find the answer.

Corvallis Municipal Airport Master Plan to be Updated

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October 4  |  News  |   Barb Sloan

The Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) held its first meeting Oct. 4th. to kick-off the start of a year long process to update the Corvallis Municipal Airport Master Plan. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that airports update their long term planning documents every seven to ten years. The last Master Plan update for Corvallis was in 2001. So it is that time again!

Corvallis received a grant from the FAA to cover 95% of the cost with the remaining 5% being a city match.  Using federal guidelines for consultant selection, Coffman Associates, a national aviation planning firm, was selected to do the update. Airport planner, Patrick Taylor, project manager, led the PAC through the orientation and process requirements. PAC member, Biff Traber (541-766-6498 )is representing the City on the airport commission.  The BEC is represented by Bill Ford and Kyle Mason who will take an active role in the process.

Follow the progress on the Corvallis Municipal Airport Web  or on the Industrial Lands page of the Business Enterprise Center web site.  If you have a good idea for consideration please submit it to one of the PAC members, call 541-758-4009, or email thebec@thebec.com. This is a public process and there will be at least one public general meeting prior to publication of the updated plan.

Stay tuned for updates.

Legal Questions?

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October 3  |  Classes, Events  |   Barb Sloan
Tuesday, October 18th, Attorney Yema Measho, of Jeanne Smith Associates, will be on hand to speak about some of the legal aspects of starting a business.  Bring your questions and your lunch!
Location: The BEC Conference Room,   460 SW Madison Avenue, Suite #1  Corvallis
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Fee: Free of Charge
Registration required:  541-758-4009

Thinking of Starting a Business? MicroBusiness may be for you!

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September 20  |  Classes, Events  |   Barb Sloan

The Linn-Benton MicroBusiness Program is a dynamic series of classes aimed at helping people who are
thinking of starting or expanding a small business.  Completing the course will give you a good idea whether your business idea will fly and how to go about getting started.

Three series will be presented this year, each one offering (11) sessions of small business training workshops, counseling and technical assistance, advice on accessing capital and networking opportunities.  The first series will be offered in Lebanon, Tuesdays, September 27th through
December 6th.   The winter series will be held in Corvallis and spring workshops in Albany.

Join us for an Intro Session to learn more:

 Monday, Sept. 19, Corvallis
6:00-8:00pm, Benton Center 107, 757 NW Polk Avenue, Corvallis

Tuesday, Sept.20, Albany
6:00-8:00pm, LBCC Main Campus, Rm. 213, 6500 Pacific Blvd

You must attend an introduction session in order to register for the program.  Fees will be based on a sliding scale depending on household income.

Questions: 541-917-4929       -       Registration: 541-917-4923

 

Administrative Insight, LLC

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September 15  |  Featured Donors  |   Barb Sloan

Barbara Murry, of Administrative Insight, LLC, has taken over the bookkeeping services for the Business Enterprise Center.  Barb began her company with the BEC a few years ago and it is thriving today.  See her company website if you are looking for an excellent bookkeeping service.  admininsight.com

Orange Software, LLC

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September 15  |  Featured Donors  |   Barb Sloan

A big thank you to Jesse Chaney, owner of Orange Software, LLC,  for setting up the internet network in the BEC’s new downtown location.  Jesse volunteered his time and equipment to ensure that the BEC businesses have a powerful wireless system.
You may contact Jesse at jesse.chaney@gmail.com.

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