Services

Capital Access

LAUNCH
Launching into opportunity

EXPANSION
Growing your business

RENEWAL
Adjusting to change

Access the Capital Your Business Needs

Business owners seeking to deepen their financial knowledge and management skills are supported through the Oregon SBDC Network’s Capital Access Team (CAT).

Located across the state, CAT’s specialized advisers—many of whom are retired career bankers—provide entrepreneurs with expert advice on accessing capital. This expertise helps businesses foster economic growth and resilience at all stages and across industries.

Following an online readiness assessment, CAT advisers prepare business owners for funding through one-on-one guidance on business planning, financial projections, developing a finance strategy, and assisting with funder relations and connections.

CAT advisers have specialized expertise in business finance and knowledge of the capital landscape in their local areas. This includes traditional and alternative funding sources. CAT advisers challenge business owners to examine their financial model before determining the best path forward.

Working with CAT

  1. New clients to the SBDC register for confidential business advising with their local Center.
  2. Those seeking CAT assistance also submit a new CAT client inquiry.
  3. CAT advisers conduct an initial client phone conversation and determine the next steps.
  4. Clients work to be “funding ready” on a business plan, financial projections, and a project budget.
  5. Clients receive coaching to expand their knowledge of different funding options and eligibility.
  6. Clients work with CAT advisers to explore their local capital landscape and develop a finance strategy.
  7. CAT advisers review client funding packages and provide feedback.
  8. CAT advisers can also provide funder pitch coaching and assist with funder relations and connections.

Success Rates

Working with the CAT team results in successful funding for about 75% of clients who complete the entire CAT process. Since its founding in 2011, CAT advisers have served nearly 3,000 small businesses in Oregon and helped clients access more than $321 million in total project funding.

For more information about CAT, visit oregonsbdccat.org.

We felt heard and valued by [our advisers] throughout our whole engagement with them,” the Scotts reflected. “The plan was very effective, and the Chemeketa Small Business Development Center team provided great follow-up in the weeks following the call, providing us with extremely helpful small business resources.

Kris and Angel Scott, Chronic Tacos

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Working with the SBDC has catapulted my business to a level I never expected,” Cathy said. “With the help of every member of the SBDC team, I am a confident business owner, with the tools to become a profitable professional company.

Cathy Zacharias, Exzacht Sewing & Alterations

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Our SBDC advisers were able to recommend organizations that fund small businesses, which led to my securing my startup loan. They genuinely care and want to see small businesses flourish.

Karissa Yoakum, owner, Curious Curls Kids Salon

Our business adviser assisted us in obtaining the EDLF with the state of Oregon to open our doors. She led us through the application process, was our liaison with our loan officer, and guided us through each step. After eight months of paperwork, spreadsheets, and communication, our loan was finally approved. Joanne was instrumental in keeping a positive outlook, staying informed, and helping us meet the criteria the state was asking for. She worked tirelessly as the go-between.

Jeanne Smith, owner, Valley Pest Control

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