Welcome to the Deschutes Public Library’s business newsletter. As our region has grown, so has the business community, with more business start-ups per capita than anywhere else in Oregon. This quarterly newsletter features business resources and services available at your library and beyond. Discover new books and online resources from the library, plus other information about library partners and featured websites. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please share and encourage them to subscribe. | |
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Central Oregon Supports Business
Central Oregon is an ideal place to launch a business, with a thriving entrepreneurial community supported by a robust network of resources. The Deschutes Public Library plays an integral role in this ecosystem, alongside several other organizations that foster business development in Redmond and across the tri-county region:
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SCORE Central Oregon: As part of a nationwide network, SCORE provides free, confidential business counseling to entrepreneurs throughout the area, helping them navigate challenges and grow their businesses.
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Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), Redmond Economic Development Inc. (REDI), and Sunriver/La Pine Economic Development (SLED) are affiliated nonprofit organizations that encourage economic development throughout the region. EDCO focuses specifically on the traded sector.
- Chambers of commerce in Bend, La Pine, Redmond, Sisters, and Sunriver support businesses and their communities throughout the county. They provide numerous networking and promotional opportunities for members.
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The Center for Business, Industry, and Professional Development at COCC: COCC’s Center offers comprehensive professional development, customizable workforce training, and expert business education to support the growth of current and future business owners. The Small Business Development Center is one of its key programs, helping to enhance the region’s economic vitality.
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BusinessXpress: This online portal by the State of Oregon serves as a one-stop resource for starting, expanding, and managing a business in the state.
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Business Oregon: As Oregon’s economic development agency, Business Oregon administers over 80 programs, including grants, loans, and tax incentives, to support business and community growth throughout the state.
These organizations, alongside many others, create a dynamic and supportive environment for entrepreneurs to thrive in Central Oregon.
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LinkedIn Learning
Did you know that Deschutes Public Library provides free access to LinkedIn Learning? If you're a library cardholder living in Deschutes County, you can take advantage of a vast collection of video tutorials on topics like technology, business, and professional development. Whether you're looking to advance your career or learn something new, LinkedIn Learning offers self-paced learning paths to help you achieve your personal and professional goals, with structured courses designed to guide you every step of the way.
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Central Oregon Health Data
While the focus of this resource is on health data, the portal covers a wide range of factors that impact well-being, including economic, educational, environmental, public safety, social, governmental, political, and transportation data. If it’s a data point that affects the health and welfare of Central Oregonians, it’s included.
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Around the Web
Kickstart Your Business in 2025
This article provides a checklist that offers a strategic guide for leaders to review performance, set goals, and optimize operations for success in the new year.
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Best of Biz Book List
Looking for inspiration as you plan and grow your business? Check out these business and leadership books from your local business librarian Liisa Sjoblom. Follow the list and check back monthly for new recommendations. This month’s featured title is The Bonfire Moment by Martin Gonzalez.
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About the Author
Have you ever considered starting your own business but aren't sure where to begin? Community Librarian Liisa has 25 years of experience serving businesses and nonprofits through research and referrals. She entered library-land through a library assistant position at an academic library. After six years, she went off to graduate school and later found her place at Deschutes Public Library. Her working days are devoted to helping nonprofits with grant research and assisting entrepreneurs in fulfilling their dreams of business ownership, providing excellent customer service along the way. “The best part of working with both communities is attending their meetings and networking opportunities to listen and learn what is affecting their work, both short-term and long-term,” says Liisa. She helps with DPL programs like Book-a-Librarian, which is tailored to meet the customer’s needs. “I am one of the rare librarians who is an extrovert. Give me time to network with others and I thrive.”
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Thanks for reading and, again, please share with anyone else who you think would benefit from this information. If you have questions or suggestions about the business resources at your library, feel free to email liisas@deschuteslibrary.org.
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