The greatest value comes from experiencing the full series together.
Strategic Growth Essentials: A Small Business Series
Running and growing a small business requires more than ambition. It requires access to the right information, strategies, and tools to make confident decisions as your business evolves.
This 3-part virtual series, presented by local business expert Kasten Spethman, of the OR SBDC, is designed to help small business owners better understand funding opportunities, sustainable growth strategies, and practical AI tools that can support day-to-day operations and long-term scalability.
Attend individual sessions based on your current business needs, or register for the full series for the greatest value and a more comprehensive growth experience.
ABOUT KASTEN
Kasten Spethmann is a Strategic Advisor with Oregon SBDC Network’s Capital Access Team. With 25 years experience advising entrepreneurs, Kasten is adept at taking companies through the various stages of funding from startup through scaling and onto exiting.
Her deep expertise working with equity capital comes from evaluating and screening equity investment opportunities for accredited investor groups and has successfully helped raise and deploy a $20m venture fund.
Throughout her career, Kasten has worked across an array of industry sectors, including, software, food and beverage, medical devices, services, gaming, cosmetics, oil, telecom, real estate, high tech, SaaS, publishing, and automotive.
SESSION 3: BEST AI TOOLS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Learn how AI tools can support efficiency, marketing, communication, organization, and day-to-day business operations without overcomplicating your workflow.
Tangible Takeaways:
Introduction to practical AI tools for small businesses
Real examples of ways AI can save time and improve efficiency
Guidance on using AI for marketing, content, organization, and operations
Better understanding of where AI adds value, and where it doesn’t
Actionable ideas you can begin implementing immediately

