RCC plans business site to aid I.V. entrepreneurs
A $300,000 grant will be used to construct and establish a Business Entrepreneurial Center (BEC) in Kerby to encourage and support small businesses in Illinois Valley.
The project, which will involve a coordinator and clerical staff, is aimed at small businesses that need minimal floor space, or to move cottage industries from homes to the business site, according to an announcement from Rogue Community College.
Funding is from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Rural Business Opportunity Grant program.
The planned center is a joint effort of Josephine County in partnership with RCC, and Southern Oregon Regional Development Inc. Additionally, Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (IVCDO) will be a major player.
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RCC’s Small Business Development Center also will be involved.
The $300,000 will fund construction of a BEC on the RCC Learning Center property at the Kerby Belt Bldg. The BEC is to comprise 3,000 to 4,500 square feet of space.
“BEC will provide the facility and support services for Illinois Valley residents and businesses seeking to start or expand their business ventures,” said RCC. “The new center will offer flexible space and lease terms, as well as the supporting incubation services, to improve the success of new business start-ups or expansions participating in the BEC program,” said RCC.
Support services would include basic clerical aid by a receptionist, and access to a fax machine, copier and PCs. Business development and counseling would be provided free.
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Also available would be specialized business training, bookkeeping, personal counseling, and peer support groups. As well, tenants will have access to a range of small business loan programs for their “targeted capital needs,” said RCC.
IVCDO will provide the majority of the direct BEC staffing, under contract to RCC. The coordinator will work with the valley business community, economic development agencies, I.V. Chamber of Commerce, I.V. High School, and RCC.
The focus will be to identify qualified individuals and businesses for the BEC program. RCC will own the site, leasing space as appropriate to IVCDO and tenants as needed for the program.
“The center will be the lynchpin in RCC’s master plan development at the Kerby Belt Bldg. site, as the college continues to assess the future needs and opportunities of the community to enhance livability and economic vitality as the Illinois Valley grows,” said RCC.
The USDA grant originally was to be used at Illinois Valley Airport, but that plan was not brought to fruition. RCC has been working with USDA and IVDO so that the grant could be re-
allocated.
During the next few months, RCC and its partners will examine a number of aspects. Items to be determined include signage, where on the property the new center should be located; the type of construction; and the mix of tenants.
