The Jefferson Grapevine Emerging Business Mentoring Network is an effort made up of a system of partners and activities to accomplish one simple goal: to foster the growth of our region's entrepreneurs.
If you've been wondering how to get your business started, where to go, who to call, what to do next....you have found your answer. When you are starting a business in Southern Oregon, you start at the Jefferson Grapevine.
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Click here to register for our next event:
November 14: Sustainable Acceleration Dinner & Forum: 5:30 - 8:00 pm
in partnership with Sustainable Valley Technology Group
Rogue River Room, Stevenson Union, SOU Campus, Ashland
Click here to read more about this special event
Registration Deadline is Monday, November 12
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Wherever you are in the growth of your company, from the germination of the very idea, to the first roots and shoots, the Jefferson Grapevine holds the key to accelerating your growth!
Register Now for our upcoming series:
December 12: 3 - 5 pm: Creating a Winning Business Plan
What will the Southern Oregon Angel Investment Group be looking for in a Business Plan? Find out!
Cost $10
December 12: 5 - 7:30 pm: Networking Plus Resources
• Learn about how the TAG Team can take your business to the next level
• Find out which 10 Slides You Must Have in Your Investor Pitch
Cost $20
January 16: 3 - 5 pm: Polish Your Investor Pitch
Practice your Investor Pitch and receive an expert critique.
Cost $10
January 16: 5 - 7:30 pm: Networking Pitch Clinic
Give your most Polished Pitch in front of a live audience. Receive feedback and qualify for a valuable prize!
Cost $20
The Jefferson Grapevine brings together a variety of business consultants, mentors, coaches, experts, environments and events so that entrepreneurs can find the help they need to get them to the next stage in our development and, ultimately, to bear the fruit of a successful, revenue producing business.
The vine in the Jefferson Grapevine is a series of events designed to bring budding or maturing entrepreneurs together to network with volunteers committed to mentoring and coaching them, as well as identified private equity investors who might be in a position to provide funding. The program will contain a speaker with educational or motivational material for entrepreneurs, as well as a "Start Up & Shout Out" opportunity where you will be able to share what kind of help will get you over your immediate business hurdle. An hour of networking time, with food and beverage will help you mix and mingle with those that might be able to assist you on the spot.
If you are a Concept Stage Company or a Launch Stage Company, don't miss a moment! Our current series of events is building toward the next Southern Oregon Angel Conference where the Southern Oregon Angel Investment Group will choose one Launch Stage Company for its next investment and one Concept Stage Company can win a Resource & Cash Grant!
Outside of these events, there are some local resources designed to help entrepreneurs of different types grow toward success in their business sector:
The Small Business Development Centers work in conjunction with the Rogue Community College and Southern Oregon University campuses to offer free business counseling and business plan development. If you are considering starting up a business, but don't have a business plan or are looking to start up something in the retail or service sector (anything with a store-front or service for local customers) the SBDCs can help you get started. If you are a Start-Up in Josephine County, you should start with the RCC SBDC. If you are in Jackson County, you should start with the SOU SBDC.
The Sustainable Valley Technology Group is a business accelerator designed to take our concept stage technology or "green" company and get it ready to launch. Many businesses utilize complex technology and sustainable practices, so that definition can be applied broadly. The SVTG offers a cubicle, wireless internet access and a meeting space for your physical work needs, along with a board of directors that are committed to acting as your mentors through the process. The SVTG also offers educational meetings and "brown bag" lunch talks to add to your knowledge base and motivational resources.
The Southern Oregon Angel Investment Network is a pool of qualified private equity investors that are seeking investment opportunities. Launch and Growth stage businesses that are seeking funding to bring their innovation to a wider, national or international market are appropriate for this application. One company is selected through a contest-format to receive this investment of approximately $125,000 every year. One Concept Stage company is also selected each year for a $7500 value grant in cash and professional coaching, including a one-year residency in the Sustainable Valley Technology Group.
Oregon Entrepreneur Network (OEN) is the largest organization devoted to entrepreneurial development in the state of Oregon. An OEN representative, Lorie Harris Hancock is dedicated to the Southern Oregon region and provides support for all of the efforts to cultivate entrepreneurs on the Jefferson Grapevine.A Technical Advisory Group (TAG Team) has been gathered from a pool of business experts, from serial entrepreneurs, retired executives to work professionals in their niche fields. These local experts have agreed to volunteer their time to function as mentors and coaches in ongoing relationships with entrepreneurs and start-ups free of charge in order to increase their chances of success. The TAG Team database is shared by the Sustainable Valley Technology Group, Oregon Entrepreneur Network and SOREDI. The TAG Team is cultivated and facilitated by SOREDI.
Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SOREDI) / Jefferson Grapevine Network for Start-Ups
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