While Moving to Bend can help you plan on relocating and learning more about why Bend is such a great place to work, we know that serious entrepreneurs are looking for ways to get connected, learn the details, and find great advice about getting started in Bend. Here are the sources you should use ASAP!
1.Bend Chamber of Commerce
The Bend Chamber of Commerce remains a popular starting point for entrepreneurs interested in Bend. The city does an excellent job of keeping the site updated to help out local ventures and provide important economic and funding news. Membership is also a great way to make local connections and find out about local meetings where you can learn much more. Training and education programs are also available through this site.
2.EDCO
EDCO, or Economic Development for Central Oregon, is another incredible portal for those planning to set up a venture in Bend. The organization’s goal is to help incubate promising businesses in Central Oregon, and it’s packed with information about financing, communities, and advice from experts for ventures in all stages of opening a business. There are targeted sections for tech and outdoor industries, two specialties of EDCO, but any business can benefit from checking out the general advice the site has to offer and what upcoming events may be useful.
3.SCORE of Central Oregon
SCORE is an organization designed to bring business leaders together for the specific purpose of helping entrepreneurs and new businesses succeed. The Central Oregon chapter is an excellent resource for those making plans.
SCORE has three primary services. It offers a library of templates and documents you can use to make business plans or proposals and meet government requirements. SCORE also holds workshops that teach topics meant for small business owners (currently somewhat disrupted because of COVID-19, but with consultations still available). Finally, the site lets you arrange for mentoring from Central Oregon leaders who are willing to provide private advice on starting a company in Bend.
4.COCC Small Business Development Center
Central Oregon Community College has a Small Business Development Center that’s entirely focused on helping new ventures start or grow after they launch. There are many hands-on opportunities to learn through workshops, valuable advice, management training and much more. While some services and classes cost money, others are available for free. Moving to Bend also notes that the Center also recently launched a financial initiative designed to help struggling entrepreneurs in Central Oregon get emergency loans. And yes, their services remain open in the era of coronavirus.
5.Opportunity Knocks
Opportunity Knocks is a peer-to-peer service that’s designed to link owners and entrepreneurs with others who have been in the industry longer and have valuable experience to share. It’s a good option for entrepreneurs who need to tackle very specific challenges in their unique industry and would like some advice from others who have been in the same situations.
6.Bonus suggestion: Business Xpress
This is Oregon’s one-stop webpage for business owners learning everything they need to know about doing business in the state. It includes all the links you need for registration, compliance, aid programs, trade shows, training options, employee materials, and much more.
