Small Business Management Program

Our Small Business Management (SBM) program combines classes, one-to-one business coaching from an adviser and networking to help you and your business be more successful.

Dedicated to Helping Businesses Succeed
Are you working hard on your business but feeling you are not getting to everything that’s important? The SBM program provides business support, coaching and resources to empower business owners.

How Business Owners Can Benefit from SBM
SBM is designed to guide you towards achieving your business goals through better organization, management and operation of your business. This program includes-

• One-on-one confidential business advising - 2 hours per month
• Classes to help you run your business - Industry experts lead in-person classes once per month
• Collaboration - Exchange ideas and share successes and challenges with other successful business owners
• Accountability - We help you stay accountable to the goals you set for yourself
• Continuing Education Credits - This program counts toward CEUs and CEs for many licensing boards

SBM Program Topics

Mission, Vision, Values & Goal Setting
Establish the core of your business by clarifying your purpose, values, and long-term goals. These foundational elements guide decision-making, build consistency, and drive intentional growth.

Systems & Processes
Learn why well-documented systems make your business more valuable, scalable, and less dependent on you. Explore simple tools to map workflows and create operational clarity.

Human Resources - Hiring, Motivating and Firing
Master the full employee lifecycle - from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and terminations. Learn to build team culture, navigate compliance, and manage with confidence.

Branding for Your Target Customer
Discover how to define your brand, identify your ideal customer, and use modern marketing tools to connect and grow. Includes content planning, engagement tracking, and strategy building.

HR Law Review and Creating Great Customer Client Experience
Review key employment laws, common HR challenges, and practical considerations to help business owners manage employees effectively, reduce risk, and stay compliant. Learn practical strategies for creating a consistent, memorable client experience that builds trust, strengthens relationships, encourages loyalty, and supports long-term business growth.

Know Your Numbers
Understand how to track income and expenses, organize records, and reconcile accounts. Learn to read financial reports, plan for taxes, and monitor profitability.

Maximizing Your Business: Tax & Financial Strategies
Learn essential tax and financial strategies to help established business owners make informed decisions, strengthen their financial foundation, maximize opportunities, and plan for long-term growth.

Using AI to Work Smarter
Discover practical ways to use AI to streamline everyday tasks, improve productivity, enhance decision-making, and free up time for higher-value work.

Leading Your Business Through Growth
Understand the leadership strategies needed to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with business growth. This session will help established business owners strengthen decision-making, delegate effectively, develop their team, and lead their businesses through change while staying focused on long-term goals.

You’ll walk away with a stronger grasp of your financials, operations, and team, clear tools and systems to improve how your business runs, confidence in your leadership and a community to support you, and a plan for long-term, sustainable growth.

How to Join SBM
Our next SBM program starts in Fall 2026 (first Tuesday of the month, September - June, 9am - 12pm) and is open to owners of established non-competing businesses with at least a year of operation.

Cost is $800 for one participant and $250 additional key person from business
Third year+ participants can join as Alumni for $400

Apply to join SBM or email us at sbdc@chemeketa.edu to learn more about the program.