Women entrepreneurs
of southern oregon

Happy International Women's Day 

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality.

Learn more at:

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

I don't go by the rule book...  I lead from the heart, not the head.

--Princess Diana

This scholarship honors Cathie Izor, who has served as a passionate WESO Board Member for more than 25 years! It awards a $1,000 scholarship to two women in Southern Oregon who are enrolled in a college or trade program and are pursuing a path of entrepreneurship or self-employment.

Due to our sponsors' generosity, we are able to offer TWO scholarships this year! Thank you sponsors!

Deadline to apply for the scholarship is February 16 so applicants need to act now.

Application Link: https://tinyurl.com/WESOScholarship
 

You cannot find peace by avoiding life.

--Virginia Woolf

Manage Your Business to Achieve Your Goals.

Our Small Business Management program is a combination of in-class participation and customized advising solutions to uniquely improve your results in business areas.

This 9-month course meets once per month, starting Thursday, September 25, from 2:00 -5:00 PM at the RCC/SOU Higher Education Center in Medford.
 
The program provides a combination of classroom learning and one-to-one confidential personalized guidance, and allows for intensive networking between the businesses in attendance. Since its start in 1985, the program is widely acclaimed as the most comprehensive small business development course on the market.

The program has the goal of helping business owners and operators develop strategic business skills on topics such as finance, marketing, operations and overall company management.

Click here for the course schedule, topics and other info.

Questions? Call SBDC at 541-552-8300 or email at: sbdc@sou.edu

Request an application at

https://sbdc.sou.edu/programs/

As part of the Rural Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program at the Jackson Country Library, Roslyn Donald, JCLS Business Librarian (and WESO VP!),  has recruited two successful business owners to share their local expertise with others.  The Entrepreneurs in Residence are Don Tipping, owner of Siskiyou Seeds, and Colene Milligan, owner of Sweet Colene Arts.  They will be mentoring a select group of Applegate entrepreneurs this fall.

Don and Colene will also be hosting business workshops this fall focused on rural business. All workshops will take place in person at the Applegate Library in September and October. See below for more information and to register for workshops.  All workshops are free and open to the public.

The EIR program is a partnership between A Greater Applegate (AGA) and Jackson County Library, who work jointly to connect rural entrepreneurs with the information they need to start or grow their businesses.

Thanks go to the Oregon Community Foundation Thriving Entrepreneur grant and the Jackson County Library Foundation for their generous support of the Rural Entrepreneur in Residence project.

Learn more about the Rural Entrepreneur in Residence program
For a full list of workshops, click here

Check out this workshop from the SOU Small Business Development Center to make sure you've got all your bases covered. Even if you've been in business for awhile, you may learn about something you've missed in your plans.

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

9/5 - 2:00 to 3:30 PM (Zoom)

10/3 - 10:00 to 11:30 PM (Zoom)

11/7 - 2:00 to 3:30 PM (Zoom)

12/2 - 10:00 to 11:30 AM (Zoom) 

Get the important information you need to know before you start or grow your business. This 1 1/2 hour orientation provides the "nuts and bolts" and more to help you succeed. Bring your questions!

Classes are offered virtually via Zoom. You must pre-register as class size is limited.

Click here for more information or to register!

Topics include:

• SBDC Services - Tools, resources and services.
• Feasibility - Evaluating your business idea and doing the research.
• Legal Structures - Which one is right for you and your business?
• Registration & Licensing - State and Local Rules, Regulations and Licensing Requirements.
• Business Plan Basics - Where to start with writing your business plan. 

Fee is $25

Want to let others know about your business events, sales or other news of interest to the local business community?

First, login to your WESO account. Then, select the "About Us" tab and select "WESO News Blog" to add your post. It's easy and posting is only available to WESO members.

If you want to add a link, make sure to select the link icon.

To be happy - one must find one's bliss.

--Gloria Vanderbilt

Power is not given to you. You have to take it.

--Beyonce