OCCC Small Business Development Center reports new businesses opened, loan wins and program growth; seeks continued county support

On March 19, Oregon Coast Community College representatives briefed the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on the Small Business Development Center’s activities, growth and results and asked for ongoing county support.

Dave Price, OCCC vice president for engagement, and Kellyanne Parker, assistant director of the SBDC, described funding streams (federal Small Business Administration support, OCCC host funding, county contributions, local grants including a Georgia-Pacific grant and a one-time Business Oregon award), client services and education programs. Parker said the SBDC provided business advising and education, youth entrepreneurship programming (including a local “Shark Tank” competition with a $3,000 first prize), and a 10-month small-business management curriculum that drew 52 registrations this cycle. The SBDC reported helping 19 businesses open, assisting clients to obtain about $692,000 in business loans and expanding services such as CCB licensing training and QuickBooks/Excel coursework.

Presenters highlighted partnerships with local institutions (including the school district for youth entrepreneurship), plans to recruit a bilingual advisor, a recently expanded staff and continuing collaboration with regional centers to deliver classes. Commissioners praised the results and expressed support for continued county investment in the SBDC’s work, citing the center’s role in job creation and local economic resilience.

No formal action was taken; commissioners indicated ongoing support.