What is "facilitation"?
Sometimes OSBA helps small businesses and government agencies work through an issue together. This part of our work is called facilitation, and it can look different from case to case. In a simple matter, OSBA may help a business get a clear and timely response to a question. In a more complex matter, we may speak with the business owner and agency staff several times to clarify the issue and get a clear and meaningful response from the agency.
In complex cases, OSBA focuses on whether the agency’s process and communication are clear, timely, transparent, and unbiased. We help agencies communicate directly with small businesses in a way that addresses the issue and explains the outcome or next steps. When an agency’s process is confusing or slow, or the outcomes feel frustrating and biased, OSBA may recommend practical improvements.
By helping agencies respond clearly and effectively, OSBA helps small businesses get the information they need and move forward. It also helps agencies identify better ways to communicate and respond to concerns.
OregonSaves Enforcement to Commence this Spring
Beginning in May, employers that fail to administer OregonSaves in accordance with state law will be referred to Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) and may be subject to civil penalties.
OregonSaves, the state’s retirement savings program, ensures Oregonians have a convenient way to save for their future at work. Workers gain access to a low-cost, portable Roth IRA that follows them throughout their career. More than 149,000 Oregonians are already saving for retirement with OregonSaves thanks to growing employer participation throughout the state.
Oregon employers that do not offer a qualified retirement plan are required to register with OregonSaves and submit payroll contributions for workers enrolled in the program. There are no employer fees, and OregonSaves works seamlessly with leading payroll systems.
Noncompliant employers will receive a final notice from OregonSaves urging corrective action prior to being referred to BOLI.
To learn more and register your business, visit OregonSaves.com
For compliance information, visit OregonSaves.com/compliance
Technical Assistance Provider's Spotlight:
Livelihood NW's OWBC
To celebrate International Women’s Day, the Office of Small Business Assistance is pleased to highlight Livelihood NW, home to the Oregon Women’s Business Center (OWBC), a valuable resource supporting entrepreneurs across Oregon.
Livelihood NW offers free and low-cost business support to aspiring and existing business owners across Oregon and SW Washington. They serve businesses in all industries and at every stage, from pre-startup to scaling and growth. Services include one-on-one business advising, technical assistance, workshops, cohort programs, networking, bookkeeping setup and training, and resource navigation. Their services are available in English and Spanish. Get to know them by scheduling your first meeting at livelihoodnw.org/oba.
Livelihood NW’s OWBC, offers a full menu of resources available to Members, including business advising, information about grant opportunities, discount codes for workshops & trainings, networking opportunities, and more. Members also get access to their Learning Library, featuring bite-sized video courses, tools, and templates that members can watch at their own pace. OWBC membership is free and open to all business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Oregon.
Become a member at https://livelihoodnw.org/owbc.
Case: Licensing
Many people who want to start a business have plenty of passion and drive, but don't know where to begin or what is expected of them. Fortunately, OSBA helps people find resources and learn about regulations.
“John & Jane” recently contacted OSBA, wanting to start a landscape business that also builds and repair decks. This is the roadmap OSBA shared:
OSBA also referred “John & Jane” to a technical assistance provider. Technical Assistance is not part of compliance, but they offer services like business planning, marketing, financial advising, and loan navigation.
This is just a general overview of the government compliance requirements for starting a business in Oregon. There might be more obscure requirements that OSBA is not aware of. Consulting an attorney or accountant to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations is recommended.
Remember to Update Your Business Address
If your business has a new mailing address, make sure you update it with the Secretary of State’s Corporation Division. It is easy to overlook this step when you are focused on the details and pressures of day-to-day business, but an outdated address can cause real problems. You may miss official mail that needs quick attention, like renewal reminders and notices about your business registration.
Keeping your address current helps you stay informed and avoid delays. It also makes it easier to receive the documents you need when working with banks, government agencies, and business partners.
Take a moment to check the address listed on your business registration. If it is no longer correct, update it as soon as you can to save yourself trouble later. You can learn more about updating your business registration on the Secretary of State website at https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/update-registration.aspx
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