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STARTING A BUSINESS? RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
The chamber provides information, referral sources, business education (roundtables, seminars and workshops) and counseling for individuals starting a business. Contact the Director of Business Assistance at (541) 242-2355 to find out about the multitude of resources available to you as you start and develop your business.
 
BUSINESS LICENSES & PERMITS

City of Eugene or City of Springfield
The City’s Permit & Information Center will explain permits or certifications are required for the construction or operation of your business.
 
BUSINESS PLANS

SCORE
The Service Corps of Retired Executives provides counseling (at no cost) to aid in the formation, growth, and success of small businesses. SCORE counselors will help you create a business plan that will be meaningful to financial sources. The local SCORE chapter is sponsored by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Administration. Quarterly seminars are also available. Call 465-6600 to schedule an appointment.
www.bplans.com http://www.sba.gov/starting http://www.score.org/online/skillsWeb sources for business plan information
 
BUSINESS REGISTRATION

Oregon Corporation Division
Contact the Oregon Secretary of State Corporation Division to register a business name or for information on corporations. Explore the on-line business registry database. Access forms and fees.

COPYRIGHTS

United States Copyright Office
Copyright information, procedures and legislation.
Counseling

SCORE
The Service Corps of Retired Executives provides counseling (at no cost) to aid in the formation, growth, and success of small businesses. SCORE counselors will help you create a business plan that will be meaningful to financial sources. The local SCORE chapter is sponsored by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Administration. Quarterly seminars are also available. Call 465-6600 to schedule an appointment.

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FINANCING

See general “Financing” section

GUIDES

Oregon Business Information Center
The Oregon Business Information Center has produced an Oregon Business Guide, designed to provide basic information on starting a business in Oregon. The guide provides a general checklist to guide you through the process of registering your business.

INFORMATION

Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is dedicated to helping small businesses. Visit their sites for valuable information about starting a business and small business statistics. SBA also provides a variety of small business loans to qualified businesses.

“HOW TO” BOOKS AND MARKET ANALYSIS

Eugene Public Library
The Public library business resources section houses many “how to” guides as well as valuable database information for marketing analysis. Make an appointment with the Business Librarian to receive assistance in your search for information.

University of Oregon Knight Library
Search the University of Oregon library catalog or view electronic reference sources

REGULATIONS

Agriculture, Oregon Department of
Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI)
Construction Contractors Board
Department of Environmental Quality Permit Handbook (Oregon)
OR/OSHA
Securities (Sale of ), Oregon Department of Consumer & Business Services, Corporate Securities Section
US Patent and Trademark Office
Workers' Compensation 

TAXES

See "TAXES" section

OTHER RESOURCES

Office of Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business
Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME)

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FINANCING

Eugene Chamber of Commerce
Check the Chamber’s Business Directory to view reputable banks and financial institutions.

Lane Council of Governments
Lane Council of Governments processes a variety of Small Business Administration loans. Contact Steve Dignam at 541/687-4283

City of Eugene
The City of Eugene has a loan specialist that can help review your business’s financing needs. The City of Eugene has business loan programs available to businesses located in Eugene. Contact Denny Braud, Loan Specialist at 541/682-5536.

Lane Venture Forum
The Lane Venture Forum is a program that facilitates the process of matching entrepreneurs in search of funding with angel investors. Entrepreneurs applying to the forum must have a completed business plan and presentation prepared. Contact 541/242-2355 or email Director of Business Assistance.

Download LVF Brochure

FINANCIAL ADVICE

SCORE
A cash flow analysis is available from a SCORE counselor at no charge. Make an appointment at 465-6600.

Lane Community College Business Development Center
Stop by LCC’s Business Development Center to check out the financing reference materials or make an appointment to see our counselor to discuss your financing issues. Counselors can assist you with loan packaging and help you evaluate your need.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & RECORD KEEPING

Lane Community College Business Development Center
LCC’s Business Development Center offers classes in record keeping and financial management throughout the year. The advanced Business Management Financial Module begins in April. The counseling staff will also review and discuss these issues with you.

SCORE
Counseling is provided by SCORE CPA members free of charge. Call 465-6600.

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FRAUD

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GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS

State of Oregon
For information about state agencies, boards or commissions. The state's Oregon Blue Book is the official state directory about state, county, city, federal and tribal governments.

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

SCORE
Call to make an appointment with the SCORE counselor specializing in international trade assistance. Call 465-6600 to schedule an appointment.

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MARKETING YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Check the Chamber’s event schedule for business roundtables on marketing topics.

Lane Community College Business Development Center
LCC’s Business Development Center offers one-to-one, free, confidential business counseling for small business owners. Counselors will also review and discuss your marketing issues with you or refer you to the necessary resource. Small Business classes and workshops on marketing topics are offered throughout the year. There is also a module of Advanced Business Management on marketing offered each year that will help you address your marketing issues

CONSULTANTS

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Check the Chamber’s Business Directory for many qualified consultants to help you with your marketing, advertising, graphic and promotional needs.

DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Check “Reference Sources” section

SELLING TO GOVERNMENT ENTITIES

City of Eugene
Businesses interested in contracting with and/or selling goods and services to the City of Eugene should contact the City’s Purchasing division (541/687-5054) in order to register as a vendor. Call to request information and assistance in registering as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) vendor.

Government Contracts Assistance Program
GCAP offers training, support and on-site consulting in all aspects of federal contracting. From how to bid on contracts to contract administration; and from proposal writing to EDI training and registration. Call 541/736-1088.

DEVELOPING CLIENT LISTS

SCORE
SCORE counselors can help you cut through forests to locate your best opportunities

TRADE SHOWS

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

Contact Chris Nystrom, Director of Business Assistance, for help identifying trade show opportunities for your business.

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NETWORKING

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PERSONNEL

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Check the Chamber’s Business Directory for personnel and employment agencies that can help with your hiring needs. Also check this directory for human resource management consultants.

MANAGEMENT AND JOB DESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Check the Chamber’s events calendar in Fall for the annual WorkTrends Conference. A conference co-produced by the Chamber focusing on current human resource issues. For anyone who hires/manages employees.

Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries
Information about labor laws, wage rates, technical assistance and commonly asked employment questions.

Lane Community College Business Development Center
LCC presents an Advanced Business Management and Personnel Module. Professional development seminars in personnel management areas are also available. Stop by the Center to check out the personnel reference materials or make an appointment to see our counselor to discuss your hiring issues.

DEMOGRAPHICS AND STATISTICAL DATA

Oregon Employment Department
The Oregon Employment Department has labor force and employment data, information on wage rates, census data, personal income information, and economic forecasts.

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PLANNING FOR YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH

SCORE
SCORE Counselors will take you through the steps of developing a business plan for use to request funding, management recruitment or other purposes. As you develop your plan they will review it and provide feedback. Call 465-6600 to schedule an appointment. There is no charge for SCORE services.

Lane Community College Business Development Center
LCC's Business Development Center offers one-to-one, free, confidential business counseling for small business owners. Counselors will also review and discuss your business plan, financial, or growth issues with you or refer you to the necessary resource. Various small business classes and workshops are offered throughout the year. There are also three modules of Advanced Business Management offered each year that will help you address growth issues

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber has a variety of sources and is knowledgeable in helping you find the help you need. Call the Director of Business Assistance at 242-2355 or see our Business Directory for listings of service providers found by key word inquiry for what you’re looking for (i.e. freight forwarding, translating, etc.). We can help to find the resources you need.

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REFERENCE MATERIALS

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
The chamber maintains demographic information.

STATISTICAL DATA

Oregon Employment Department
The Oregon Employment Department has labor force and employment data, information on wage rates, census data, personal income information, and economic forecasts.

PERIODICALS, PUBLICATIONS, REFERENCE BOOKS AND TRADE DIRECTORIES

University of Oregon Knight Library
Eugene Public Library
Oregon State University

CENSUS DATA

US Census Bureau

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SAFETY

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SITE LOCATION

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TAXES

State of Oregon Employment Department
The State of Oregon Employment Department provides employment tax information.

Internal Revenue Service
The Internal Revenue Service provides information about Federal tax rates and requirements.

Lane Transit District
Provides information about Lane Transit District payroll tax

Lane County
To inquire about property taxes including those on business equipment fixtures.

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UTILITIES

Blachly-Lane County Electric Co-op
Electric Only

Lane Electric Cooperative
Electric Only

Northwest Natural
Natural Gas

Telecommunications

Oregon Utilities Notification Center
Underground Utilities

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DIRECTORY OF BUSINESS SUPPORT ENTITIES

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