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Business Services

Business Resources

You  may need to work with state, regional or federal agencies – in addition to the City – to get information or approvals. These organizations offer resources to help market and network your business. 

Entrepreneur resources

Printable entrepreneur resource guide

Resources for start-up businesses

Native American Youth and Family Services

Native American Youth and Family Services (NAYA) provides inclusive, culturally-specific programming and services for Native Americans from infant to elder. A holistic set of wraparound services designed to create stability in the lives of our youth and families.

Core services

  • Access to capital/financing
  • Education/training
  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

Resources for start-up and existing businesses

APANO

APANO offers culturally competent small business advice and technical support from the start-up stage to stabilize or scale a business, build power and advance equity in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

Core services

  • Education/training
  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

Craft3

Craft3 specializes in working with borrowers unable to qualify for bank financing.

Core services

  • Access to capital/financing

Contact

East County Business Bridge

East County Business Bridge offers monthly practical and engaging roundtable discussions on the third Thursday of each month. They explore business skills and share different areas of expertise.

Check out the East County Business Bridge Instagram page to learn more and register for upcoming sessions.

Core services

  • Networking/advocacy

Contact

Lewis & Clark Law School Small Business Legal Clinic

Lewis & Clark Law School’s Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC) provides transactional legal services to low-income small and emerging businesses throughout Oregon.

Core services

  • Technical assistance

Contact

MESO

MESO offers a wide range of services, including business classes, free one-on-one business advising, tailored growth planning, access to capital, credit-building and connections to local resources.

Core services

  • Access to capital/financing
  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

Oregon IDA Initiative

IDAs are matched savings account, where the money you save is multiplied by IDA match money to help you achieve a goal you have set. IDAs are offered by many different community organizations across Oregon.

Core services

  • Access to capital/financing
  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

Rockwood CDC

Stimulating entrepreneurship in Rockwood and East Multnomah County by building bridges of connection. Programs create access to training, support and resources for entrepreneurs.

Core services

  • Networking/advocacy

Contact

Resources for existing businesses

Gresham Green Business Program

Free, on-site business environmental sustainability assistance. Connect with other sustainable businesses. Reduce your environmental footprint and save money. Meet your people, planet and prosperity goals. Be recognized for your efforts while advancing sustainable practices.

Core services

  • Access to capital/financing
  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy

Contact

Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) provides solutions for manufacturers in Oregon through consulting services focused on operational efficiency, business strategy and workforce development. OMEP consultants work side-by-side companies offering expertise and support to help manufacturers achieve their goals.

Core services

  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance

Contact

  • Address: 7650 SW Beveland St., #170, Portland, 97223
  • Website: omep.org
  • Phone: 505-406-3770
  • Email: info@omep.org
Oregon MBDA Business Center

Supporting established small businesses and minority business enterprises in Oregon and southwest Washington by providing free comprehensive business resources, access to capital, and procurement and contract services to drive business growth.

Core services

  • Access to capital/financing
  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

Worksource Portland Metro

WorkSource Oregon provides free services to individuals and businesses, including talent placement, tailored recruitment, retention strategies, tax credits, hiring incentives, job fairs and iMatchSkills support, fostering job growth, retention and regional economic development.

Core services

  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance

Contact

Xcelerate Women

Xcelerate Women supports women and gender expansive business owners throughout Oregon with personalized, one-on-one business advising, peer mentorship support and community-building.

Core services

  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

Resources for businesses at any stage

Livelihood NW

Livelihood NW provides free and low-cost business support throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Services are provided in English and Spanish to businesses in all industries and stages of growth, prioritizing underserved populations. Home of the Oregon Women’s Business Center.

Core services

  • Access to capital/financing
  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

ONABEN - A Native American Business Network

ONABEN is a nonprofit public-benefit organization created by Northwest tribes to increase the success of private businesses owned by Native Americans.

Core services

  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance

Contact

  • Address: 6441 SW Canyon Court, #104, Portland, 97221
  • Website: onaben.org
  • Phone: 503-968-1500
Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs

Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME) provides services including technical assistance, business counseling, access to capital (SBA microloans), business incubation, marketing and networking.

Core services

  • Access to capital/financing
  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

  • Address: 731 N Hayden Meadows Dr., Portland, 97217
  • Website: oame.org 
  • Phone: 503-249-7744
  • Email: oame@oame.org
SCORE

SCORE mentoring is a free service offered to any aspiring or established owners of a U.S.-based business. Partnering with businesses one-on-one, SCORE mentors support small business success by providing experienced advice, consulting on best practices and education on small business topics.

Core services

  • Technical assistance
  • Mentoring

Contact

Small Business Development Center at MHCC

Mt. Hood Community College's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides no-cost, one-on-one, confidential assistance with business registration, licensing, business planning, financial projections, business loan packaging, credit review and counseling, permits, marketing, digital skills, business courses, workshops and networking events.

Core services

  • Access to capital/financing
  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

Government/chamber resources for businesses at any stage

Black American Chamber of Commerce

The Black American Chamber of Commerce provides culturally-specific resource navigation, resource referrals, business coaching, advocacy and networking opportunities.

Core services

  • Networking/advocacy

Contact

Business Oregon

Business Oregon provides a portal for State of Oregon economic development policy information, technical assistance and business/development financing.

Core services

  • Access to capital/financing
  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy

Contact

  • Address: 121 SW Salmon St., Portland, 97204
  • Website: oregon.gov/biz
  • Phone: 503-229-5625
East Portland Chamber of Commerce

The mission of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce (EPCC) is to provide a voice for business on the Eastside. We offer weekly educational and networking opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs to support growth and development.

Core services

  • Networking/advocacy

Contact

Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is the catalyst in the community to advocate, educate and collaborate for regional vitality and prosperity. All aspects of business support are offered for any size of business including nonprofits. The Chamber is responsible for the Visitor Center and marketing outreach to potential tourists.

Core services

  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

Gresham Redevelopment Commission

The Gresham Redevelopment Commission supports everything related to the Gresham and Rockwood urban renewal program, including providing technical assistance, grants and loans for storefront and business improvements.

Core services

  • Access to capital/financing
  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

Gresham Small Business Center

The Gresham Small Business Center provides guidance and resources, referrals, grant and funding sources and assistance through the permitting and licensing process.

Core services

  • Technical assistance
  • Mentoring

Contact

Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber

The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support the Latino community through our three pillar programs: The Latino Leadership Program, The Scholarship and IDA Program and The Small Business Development Program.

Core services

  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

Historic Downtown Gresham Association

The Historic Downtown Gresham Association (HDGA) preserves and promotes the charm of Gresham’s historic downtown. Through events, preservation efforts and collaboration, HDGA fosters community pride and economic vitality in this vibrant historic district.

Core services

  • Networking/advocacy

Contact

Multnomah County Health and Inspections Licensing

Health inspections and licensing for restuarants, mobile units, food cart pods temporary food events, hotel/motels and pools/spas. Provides food handler cards and respond to complaints at licensed facilities.

Core services

  • Education/training

Contact

Northwest Native Chamber

The Northwest Native Chamber (NWNC) is dedicated to working with all members of the community to transform the economic landscape for Native People in the Northwest.

Core services

  • Access to capital/financing
  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

  • Address: 6500 South Macadam Ave., Suite 175, Portland, 97239
  • Website: nwnc.org
  • Phone: 503-894-4525
  • Email: support@nwnc.org
Office of Small Business Assistance

The Office of Small Business Assistance is an independent voice for small business that speaks from an objective point of view. They improve interactions between small business and government.

Core services

  • Networking/advocacy
  • Mentoring

Contact

Oregon Department of Revenue

The Oregon Department of Revenue assists with all questions involving payroll and tax obligations for small businesses employers.

Core services

  • Networking/advocacy

Contact

Oregon Liquor Control Commission

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) regulates and licenses the importation, manufactoring, distribution or sale of alcohol and recreational marijuana.

Core services

  • Technical assistance

Contact

Philippine American Chamber of Commerce

The Philippine American Chamber  of Commerce (PACC) provides funding, technical assistance and events for underrepresented businesses.

Core services

  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy

Contact

  • Address: 2175 NW Raleigh St., Portland, 97210
  • Website: pacco.org
  • Phone: 503-308-8850
  • Email: wecare@pacco.org 
State of Oregon Business Xpress

State of Oregon Business Xpress provides information and assitance with state registrations, permits, licenses, financing, taxes, employers, relocation, expanding, commercial use and food safety.

Core services

  • Networking/advocacy

Contact

US Small Business Administration Portland District

Provides help with Small Business Administration (SBA) services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. Can also connect you to partner organizations, lenders and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.

Core services

  • Access to capital/financing
  • Education/training
  • Technical assistance
  • Networking/advocacy

Contact