Best Small Business Resources in the Portland Area

Description

The FIC is associated with Oregon State University and provides entrepreneurs with one-on-one consulting, food photography, product packaging, shelf life testing, sensory testing labs, and training in food safety practices. You can take classes on a wide variety of subjects including nutrition labeling, flavor, and more. 

Restrictions

Businesses in the food industry only. 

Description

This coworking space has two locations in downtown Portland, both of which offer the same basic amenities to members. They host both professional, seminar-style events as well as networking events for member entrepreneurs. 

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

Description

This incubator specializes in helping entrepreneurs with businesses in the bioscience industry. It can help you find funding through grants, access state-of-the-art lab facilities, and network with both other new entrepreneurs and those who own established businesses in the field. 

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.