Jefferson County small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs have a new resource available in their own backyard. Central Oregon Community College's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announced in September that it is expanding its reach into Madras with recurring in-person advising hours — making expert, one-on-one business guidance accessible right here in Jefferson County.
The expansion is part of a broader regional effort by the COCC SBDC to establish regular in-person office hours in Redmond, Madras, Prineville, and Sisters, extending its services well beyond its Bend home base.
What the SBDC Offers
SBDC advising is free of charge and strictly confidential. Sessions are tailored to each business owner's specific situation and can cover a wide range of needs, including:
- Writing or refining a business plan
- Accessing financing and understanding loan options
- Financial analysis and cash flow management
- Marketing strategy and customer outreach
- Government contracting and procurement
- Startup planning and business structure
- Scaling an existing business
The service is available to both startups looking to launch and established businesses looking to grow, pivot, or solve a specific challenge.
Why It Matters for Jefferson County
Jefferson County has a diverse and resilient small business community — from agricultural operations, ranching supply, and feed stores to restaurants, retail, construction contractors, and professional services. For many of these owners, the drive to Bend for advising was a real barrier. The new Madras presence removes that obstacle.
The COCC Madras campus has been on an upward trajectory since opening its expanded learning center in January 2026, adding nursing, certified nursing assistant, medical assistant, and early childhood education programs. The SBDC expansion continues that momentum — extending the college's presence in Jefferson County beyond traditional academic programs into direct economic development services.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Jefferson County residents interested in connecting with an SBDC advisor can find scheduling information at cocc.edu or by calling the COCC SBDC office directly. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis during the Madras in-person hours.
The SBDC program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. No business is too small — or too early-stage — to benefit from a conversation with an advisor.