COCC Small Business Management Program Opens Applications for New Cohort
Sept. 2, 2026
Central Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center is accepting
applications for its 2026-27 Small Business Management Program, a nine-month intensive
program designed to help established business owners tackle real challenges, develop
strategies for growth and put new ideas into action.
The program begins Oct. 14 and combines hands-on business coaching, peer learning
and real-world case studies with individualized advising from the SBDC. Participants
will work throughout the program on a strategic project specific to their business,
culminating in a live pitch event where they will compete for a share of a $6,500
prize pool.
“Running a small business means making important decisions every day, often without
the benefit of a team of people to work through them with,” said Keith Sherrill, COCC’s
Small Business Management Program coordinator. “This program gives owners the space
to step away from the day-to-day, learn from other entrepreneurs and really dig into
a challenge or opportunity within their own business. The goal is for participants
to leave each session with something they can immediately put to work.”
The Small Business Management Program has a long history at COCC, with hundreds of
Central Oregon business owners participating over the years. The 2026-27 program builds
on that foundation with an interactive model emphasizing practical application and
collaborative problem-solving. Participants will analyze case studies drawn from actual
businesses, prepare and test ideas between sessions and work in small peer groups
that provide feedback and accountability. The program uses a flipped-classroom approach,
with participants taking an active role in discussions rather than relying solely
on a traditional lecture format.
The program meets from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Wednesday of each month from October
2026 through June 2027. Most sessions will be held at Citizens4Community’s The Hub
in Sisters, with the opening session and culminating pitch competition taking place
on COCC’s Bend campus.
Cost is $1,499 per person. Eligible businesses must have been operating for at least
one year, provide monthly financial statements and be prepared to actively work on
their business throughout the program. Applications are due Sept. 30, with acceptance
decisions scheduled for Oct. 7.
In addition to the monthly group sessions, Sherrill will provide participants with
an additional hour of individual advising each month. Participants will also have
access to the SBDC’s broader team of business advisers and their areas of expertise.
The Small Business Management Program is part of COCC’s Small Business Development
Center, which provides no-cost business advising, education and other resources to
entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Central Oregon.
To learn more about the program or apply, visit cocc.edu/sbm or contact the Small Business Development Center at 541-383-7290 or sbdc@cocc.edu.
