JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. (Dec. 10, 2024) – The Rogue Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been awarded a $48,320 grant from Business Oregon to pilot a program that expands business advising and support in Josephine County. The funding will increase services, outreach and training for small businesses.
“The new funding allows us to better serve the small businesses that are the backbone of our community, especially in underserved areas,” said SBDC Director Ruth Swain. “This grant opens doors for aspiring entrepreneurs, child care providers and rural business owners to access valuable resources, support and training.”
Established in 1984, the RCC SBDC offers free, confidential business advising and low-cost training programs at the Redwood Campus in Grants Pass. The pilot program will fund expanded part-time faculty hours, enhance marketing efforts and develop new curriculum focused on child care and rural entrepreneurship.
As part of this pilot program, the RCC SBDC has reached out to partners to identify grants specifically for new and growing childcare providers. Purchasing equipment and supplies for child care startups is a known obstacle to opening a licensed business.
In collaboration with local partners—including the City of Grants Pass, Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SOREDI), the Southern Oregon Child Care Resource Network, and RCC’s Early Childhood Education department—the initiative also introduces the Child Care Business Accelerator program, supporting new and existing child care businesses.
“Access to trusted, reliable child care is essential not only for working families but also as a critical component of our local economy,” Swain added. “By helping child care providers establish and grow their businesses, we’re creating more opportunities for families to thrive.”
Visit www.roguecc.edu/sbdc to learn more about RCC SBDC services and the Child Care Business Accelerator program.
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For general media inquiries or to schedule an interview with RCC staff, please contact Director, Marketing & Communications/PIO Kelly Gonzales at 541-955-7525, kgonzales@roguecc.edu.