MADRAS — Entrepreneurs and small business owners in Jefferson County now have easier access to free professional business advising, thanks to an expanded outreach program launched this fall by Central Oregon Community College's Small Business Development Center.
The COCC Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announced in September that it is establishing recurring in-person advising hours in Madras, along with Redmond, Prineville, and Sisters — bringing expert consulting services to rural communities that previously required a trip to Bend to access them.
What the SBDC Offers
The SBDC provides free, one-on-one business advising to existing businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs at no cost. Services include:
- Business plan development and review
- Financial projections and loan readiness preparation
- Marketing strategy and market research assistance
- Help navigating licensing, permitting, and regulatory requirements
- Guidance on accessing capital, grants, and other funding sources
All advising sessions are confidential. The center serves startups, established businesses looking to grow or pivot, and owners preparing to buy or sell a business.
Why This Matters for Jefferson County
Jefferson County has historically had limited access to professional business development services compared to its neighbors in Deschutes County. The distance to Bend has been a meaningful barrier for many Madras-area business owners who lack the time or transportation to travel for advising appointments.
The SBDC expansion directly addresses that gap, and comes at a time when Jefferson County's economic development landscape is shifting. The county is working to strengthen its local business ecosystem after recent setbacks, making the availability of expert, no-cost advising especially timely.
The move is also part of a broader COCC investment in Madras. The college opened a new $22 million, 24,000 square-foot facility at its Madras Campus in April — featuring expanded classrooms for nursing and medical assistant programs — signaling deepening institutional commitment to Jefferson County.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Business owners can schedule a free advising session through the COCC SBDC website at cocc.edu/sbdc or by calling (541) 383-7290. In-person sessions in Madras are available on a recurring schedule; contact the center directly to confirm current hours and meeting locations.
The SBDC program is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Oregon SBDC Network. Services are available at no cost to qualifying clients.