Bob Ward, co-managing partner at Capybara Partners, provides perspectives on angel and seed round investing

Biz Centers. Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) offer a support team for your business, using a client-centered approach to deliver counseling, training, information and technical assistance in all aspects of small business management. BizCenter services include financial, marketing, production, organization, international trade and feasibility studies. They can help you develop a business plan, assess a new market, create cash flow projections, control costs, break into the global marketplace, or generally work to strengthen the management side of your business. SBDCs are partners with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Oregon Business Development Department.

Jackson County — SOU Small Business Development Center.  (541) 772-3478.

Josephine County — RCC Small Business Development Center.  (541) 956-7494.

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network. Largest entrepreneur assistance organization in the state of Oregon. OEN fosters the flow of entrepreneurial ideas, services, and capital to entrepreneurs and helps connect emerging Northwest businesses to growth-stimulating expertise and valuable resources.  Check out their seminars and webinars. Easy access to valuable information and responsive assistance from experienced mentors are among the greatest benefits you'll get from OEN.

Senior Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business with a branch office in Medford. SCORE Medford provides free and confidential business advice and counseling tailored to meet the needs of your small business and your personal objectives, and offers workshops, for a modest fee, for both start-up and in-business entrepreneurs. SCORE is a resource partner with the Small Business Administration.

Southern Oregon Regional Economic Inc. (SOREDI).  SOREDI, a private non-profit organization serving Jackson and Josephine Counties since 1987, provides business assistance, expansion, and relocation services for Southern Oregon. Representing more than 100 private companies, public utilities, and local governments, SOREDI exists to help business create/sustain good jobs and diversify the economy of Southern Oregon. (541) 773-8946.

Thrive Enterprise Development Program.  Thrive's mission is to cultivate a vital local economy that is socially, financially and environmentally sustainable.  Thrive's Enterprise Development Program offers business training and counseling to assist business owners in acquiring the vital business skills needed to build a strong and sustainble business.  Services include a six-week business success training, monthly peer discussion group, and free counseling.  (541) 201-3093