CRESWELL — When Jane Vincent approached Lane Community College on behalf of the Creswell Chamber of Commerce, it was with one thought:

“The businesses in Creswell haven’t had a lot of help since 2008,” the start of the recession, she said.

All the business people she talked to, whether they were just starting out or wanting to expand an established business, said they needed help. But when Vincent, a Creswell City Council member, asked them if they’d checked out the programs at LCC, none had.

They didn’t know what was available and, even if they had known, taking time away from their businesses to drive to LCC for classes or programs just wasn’t feasible for many of them, she said.

So Vincent, whose last re-election campaign included promising to work more closely with the chamber and business community, approached LCC about finding another way to provide help to businesses.

LCC was happy to oblige. The school had offered its “Start, Run and Grow Your Business” program in the past, said Bethany Robinson, LCC’s business relations coordinator.

But now, she said, “We were at the point of growing it,” including offering new online forums as part of a free, nine-month program.

There is some face-to-face time required in the program, Robinson said, but most of the learning can be done online at a business owner’s own pace.

“We do ask that the business owner come in for an initial meeting, sit down with a business adviser and discuss where they are in their business,” Robinson said. “It could be a new business, someone who wants to start a business, or an existing business that wants to grow.”

The business client then receives online training, which is followed up with monthly one-on-one sessions with an LCC business adviser, which can be done by telephone, email or Skype.

The second component of the program is a partnership with Eugene-based Palo Alto Software, which provides program participants with access to its LivePlan business planning software.

LCC’s business advisers are able to work with their clients in LivePlan, from creating an account to building a business plan or applying for loans, Robinson said.

“The adviser can log on, look at (your plan), talk about any questions or problems. … It’s a great tool for everyone, whatever point they’re at,” she said.

A third component of the program is its partnership with Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency. Among other things, Business Oregon has provided grant money to set up an online forum for program participants to network, discuss issues they’re facing and share ideas and information, Robinson said.

Participants spend about 520 hours on the program over nine months, Robinson said, including time spent networking and applying what they’ve learned to their businesses. Business owners can start the program at any point during the year, she said.

To kick it off in Creswell, Robinson said, a meeting will be held tonight to provide information and answer questions from any interested business owners. LCC is ready to do similar road shows explaining what it has to offer in other communities in the county, Robinson added.

“If there are 15 to 20 people, we’re happy to go.”

Follow Ilene on Twitter @ialeshire . Email ilene.aleshire@registerguard.com .