The Governor's Roadshow Offers Support for Small Businesses in Oregon

Recently two members of our team attended the Governor's Roadshow. There were representatives from ODOT, Department of Corrections, Government Contractor's Assistance Program (GCAP), Kiva and more.

Small businesses provide the vast majority of jobs in Oregon. This workshop helps small business owners transition to an inside track by providing them the information and support they need to be successful. For small businesses that are already successful, it helps them discover new avenues for growth.

We are methodical in our processes. First we met with GCAP. We have taken the first step in implementing the counselor's recommendations.

Strengthening Clusters Virtually

The last post referred to how clusters strengthen neighborhoods. This article builds on that concept, however from a technology perspective.

The State of Oregon has partnered with a crowd funding resource to help small businesses obtain funding. This is not free money. Start ups are eligible. Companies must obtain an endorsement. The entity endorsing the company vouches for it. The loan is offered at zero percent interest, but must be repaid in a specific time frame. Funding comes from many sources. An investor can contribute a very small amount if desired. This is a good resource for companies or nonprofits that need capital, but it requires the company to have a solid business plan to ensure the loan will be repaid.

There is also an entity in Oregon that is fee based. This allows companies and nonprofits to come together and help each other. The average loan is $6700.00. Like any other service there is a structure and a process.

Now lets apply these two discoveries to the concept of clusters. What if churches, groups of like-minded nonprofits or businesses shared resources. Imagine a virtual market place which could strengthen your cluster can use to obtain goods and services, small amounts of financing for capital needs or shared consulting services.  Eighty percent of wage earners in Oregon are employed by small businesses. A strong local infrastructure based on clusters is one method.

Clusters Offer Strength

An article appeared in "The Contact", a church newsletter that serves fifty churches in Oregon and Southwest Washington. This article was on the concept of clusters. In this instance it refers to clusters of churches based on affiliation and geography. The goal is to strengthen communities. This is an excellent step forward. Although it was not expressly addressed, it also sets up a structure to share resources, avoid duplication of services, and opportunities to work together to meet community needs. Working as part of a cluster strengthens the church and local neighborhoods.

The same concept can be applied to small businesses and organizations. The City of Portland accomplishes this through seven Neighborhood Coalitions. These Coalitions have historically received grant funds from the City. Organizations within the boundaries of each coalition could compete for a grant to help strengthen neighborhoods. This year the City is not offering grants due to budget constraints, however current projects will continue. Grants provide encouragement, but the real strength is in the structure. These neighborhood coalitions have had opportunities to work together to produce results. Now they are equipped to succeed with or without the aid of grants.

Turning Moments To Momentum

"What are you working on"? Then comes the explanation. Our creative coach is the gifted writer. She is just finishing her time travel novel. My writing is more on the business side of things-more in the realm of grants, consulting or framing in a business continuity plan.
 
"You write grants? I just started a nonprofit. Do you know a good nonprofit accountant?

In five minutes I learned this nonprofit organizer did some things right. First, she applied for space in an environment with natural project and support partners. Second, she has gone to great lengths to put together an excellent nonprofit board. Third, the Board is working on a five year strategic plan. Last, they are networking, listening and acting on helpful information that fits with their mission and vision.

In a few short moments we discussed the importance of a visual plan, strategies to find potential grant funding, and three methods of assigning a dollar value to communicate the value of volunteer time.  Quickly five websites were offered to demonstrate important aspects of communication. They do an excellent job of communicating plans visually, and demonstrate the benefits of transparent finances and accountability. I was able to point her to an organization that conveys the dollar value of volunteer time in very simple terms. My advice was "count everything". Statistics can be a very effective way to help tell your story.

Emergency Preparedness Basics for Churches

Recently we offered written recommendations to a team responsible to make funding decisions for the next year.

For churches to serve the community following a disaster, they must have a disaster plan, decide what role they will play in a disaster, get free training to understand basic concepts and work with other groups. When disasters happen, once life safety, vital records and property are safe, churches may choose to participate as a one of many stakeholders to serve the community. This reduces duplication of services and helps with cost containment. Churches must be able to remain open or relocate in order to serve effectively.

Form a team and develop a plan. Decide who has authority to activate the plan. Have successors in the event that person can’t serve. A successor amounts to plan B and plan C and does not require a meeting to implement.  There are ready made tip sheets that can guide leaders through developing a plan, but it needs to be unique to your church, parishioners, and community setting.

Identify your churches vulnerabilities.. Begin to address vulnerabilities by prioritizing and funding them in order of importance. Some solutions are free or low cost. Start with nursery through 3^rd grade security, and building access control. Train ushers and greeters to recognize problems and have a policy outlining what to do. We may be able to link this group with a free resource if they need help with that process.

Life safety is most critical. Get your people trained in first aid and take a skills inventory and an equipment inventory-items owned by the church or that individuals are willing to loan to the church to aid in a disaster. Find out what skills equipment you have.

Develop a plan to reunify children with their family following a disaster. There is an excellent free online course through FEMA which results in a pdf certificate. It is an excellent course for youth pastors, Christian education coordinators, or anyone with responsibility for the care of youth or leaders of other programs in the building.

Communication is essential. Many disaster plans fail due to poor communication or a lack of understanding how to coordinate your response with other community groups. Everyone needs to be educated on the plan. They need to know which plan to switch to if plan A fails. For instance, if cell phones don’t work, how will church members communicate? Two good tools are text or twitter. These messages get out when others fail. If the infrastructure is down, only HAM radio will work reliably. All fire stations and emergency management offices have HAM support during disasters.

Research: Behind the Scenes

We have been doing some research.

First, we reviewed a new FEMA course and links to the Interfaith Disaster Network which has links to tip sheets. We shared this information with two groups.

Second, in keeping with our interests in sustainability, green practices and food security we researched several grants through the USDA, and read about the farm and pasture educational opportunities through Clackamas Community College.

Third, we conducted some basic research on an Oregon company and made an informal business offer.


 

Ingenuity: The Path to Growth

If the goal of college is to earn a degree, the price is much too high. A degree is not required, but often helps adults acquire an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Corporations recognize, value and reward employees who are able to teach themselves new skills.  Small businesses have fewer resources, however that does not have to limit ingenuity. With the advent of free or low cost corporate training, and the ability to design and publish online courses to provide standardized training, and share resources, new talent can propel a small business into the big league.

Hiring a big wig might work in a corporate setting. Small businesses are more inclined to grow talent. Aptitude and vision are necessary, but not sufficient. Employees with the ingenuity and willingness to marry operations and identify and motivate new talent are good candidates for succession.