Business Assistance
Business Oregon
The State of Oregon offers a variety of programs to assist businesses, both commercial and industrial. The Business Oregon finance team manages the following loan programs and business services to assist businesses with their financial needs.
- Oregon Business Development Fund (OBDF) provides direct loans that leverage private capital and provides incentives for businesses to expand or locate in Oregon. Program information
- Building Opportunities for Oregon Small Business Today (BOOST) Fund offers two independent resources to small business owners in Oregon. The first resource is a direct loan which offers loans to traded sector businesses in need of permanent working capital. The second resource is a grant for businesses that create new, permanent, full-time jobs in Oregon. Learn more
- Oregon Capital Access Program (CAP) provides a form of loan portfolio insurance so banks may make business loans that carry higher than conventional risks while complying with federal and state banking regulations. Program information
- Oregon Credit Enhancement Fund (CEF) provides loan guarantees to banks in order to increase capital availability to small businesses. Program information
- Oregon Industrial Development Bonds (IDB) are available to manufacturing projects, exempt facilities and nonprofit organizations to provide access to capital primarily for value-added manufacturing. Program information
- Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund (EDLF) offers direct loans to help new businesses get started. Program information
Business Retention Program (BRS) is designed to help private sector companies with multi-industry expertise in finance, marketing, operations, turnarounds, restructurings, feasibility studies, etc. Program information
MercyCorpNW
MercyCorp offers microloans from $500-$20,000. They also offer up to $50,000 for first year operation. The programs are designed to help economically disadvantaged persons. Additionally MercyCorps offers business finance and operations training to persons who are interested in starting a new business.
Workforce Alliance
The Workforce Alliance, a group of public Washington County employment and training organizations, provides customized recruitment, training, retention, and outplacement services to meet business needs. They offer business a single point of access to a wide variety of employment services. For information, contact the Workforce Alliance at (503) 533–2946 or www.workforceallianceonline.org.
Small Business Development Centers
- Small Business Workshops: provide information on getting started, financing, marketing, general management, developing a business plan, accounting, and record keeping.
- Business Advice: free, confidential counseling to small/start–up businesses.
- Library and Resource Center: contains over 300 business start–up guides, resource material and forms.
- Specialized Training, including Contractors Management Series – covers educational requirements for registration or renewal of a contractor’s license. For more information, please contact 503–978–5080 or http://www.bizcenter.org/portland
Small Business International Trade Center SBITC has experienced professional staff who provide comprehensive services and resources to assist businesses in all aspects of international trade. Some of the services and resources that SBITC provides include:
- Seminars: Covering topics such as international trade basics to courses on the major activities, disciplines, and functions of exporting.
- International Business Management Program: A certificate program designed to provide greater awareness and practical knowledge of how to succeed in international business.
- Counseling: One–on–one assistance to businesses on the techniques, procedures, and strategies of international trade.
- Market Research Assistance: Education about the export markets and trade practices of foreign countries and assistance in the development of distribution contacts. Contact the Small Business International Trade Center at 503–274–7482.
Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs
Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME) OAME is a non–profit organization promoting and developing entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities in the state of Oregon. Services include: technical assistance, access to capital, matching capability with opportunity, administrative services, and information and networking. For more information, please contact OAME at 503–249–7744 or http://www.oame.org.