JACKSON and JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, ORE (April 3, 2026) – Rogue Community College (RCC) announced Wednesday an upcoming transition in its role within the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network, effective July 1. The change follows more than four decades of service through RCC’s Small Business Development Center, which has supported entrepreneurs and small businesses across Southern Oregon for more than 42 years.
RCC has long served as a cornerstone of small business support in Josephine County and the surrounding region. Through its partnership with the Oregon SBDC Network, the college has helped entrepreneurs launch businesses, grow existing companies and strengthen the local economy. The collaboration has been central to RCC’s mission of advancing economic vitality throughout Southern Oregon.
Despite that success, the cost of serving as an Oregon SBDC host site has continued to rise while state funding has not kept pace. As a result, it is no longer financially sustainable for RCC to remain a host institution within the network.
As RCC transitions out of its formal host role, the Oregon SBDC Network will continue to provide one-on-one advising to pre-venture and existing business owners in Josephine County. The network will also work with regional partners to ensure local entrepreneurs continue to have access to guidance and resources.
RCC remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses and will continue to focus on delivering education and training. Through its Community and Workforce Training department, the college will continue to offer small business education, professional development and workforce training programs.
“Through our Community and Workforce Training programs, RCC will continue to provide accessible, high-quality learning opportunities that support business growth and workforce development in our region,” said RCC Dean of Business and Workforce Development Lisa Parks.
RCC also will maintain a collaborative relationship with the Oregon SBDC Network to ensure community members have access to support services.
“RCC’s small business development advisors are the reason for the success of the SBDC in our region,” said Ruth Swain, director of the RCC Small Business Development Center. “In 2025 alone, the regional impact included $4.2 million in capital loan investments, $2.8 million in sales increases, the creation of 29 new jobs, the retention of 145 jobs and the launch of nine new businesses.”
Rogue Community College remains dedicated to fostering a vibrant local economy and will continue investing in programs and partnerships that empower individuals, strengthen businesses and support community prosperity across the Rogue Valley.
Visit RCC’s Community and Workforce Training page for more information.