Come and check out our organization established in 1987. We support all organizations, businesses, and nonprofits. If you’re in business not making a profit, you’re going out of business.
Mission and Impact
OAME is a non-profit, tax-exempt membership organization founded in 1987 with the mission to promote and develop entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities in the State of Oregon & SW Washington. OAME focuses on providing support services to small businesses.
We are an all-inclusive organization and encourage everyone to live by our motto:
“OAME has helped me gain visibility with larger clients. Being a member has solidified my vision, increased my focus and turned me into a marketing machine. OAME teaches small businesses to become more successful.”
Neil Lee
owner of LEEKA Architecture and Planning
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“OAME takes the weight of doubt from your shoulders that all entrepreneurs experience. Their meetings give me the confidence of knowing that possibilities are out there. During their last Contractors meeting, I made notes of who I wanted to network with after the meeting. To my surprise, I barely got out of the chair and I had 3-4 people approaching me for potential business.”
Tyrone Bailey
owner of Bailey’s Construction Unlimited
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“OAME really opened my eyes to the business opportunities out there. I know I wouldnt be where I am today or even know a fraction of the valuable contacts I have now without being a member. The OAME networking meetings feel like one family all in a large room.”
Debbie Rockaway
owner of Allsource Construction Supply
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“OAME not only made NWR Construction, but revitalized and saved us. Everyone I’ve met, from contacts and customers to employees and clients are the result of my connection with OAME. It’s unbelievable to think that I almost started looking for a job when the recession hit and now here we are with 13 employees.”
Ron Downey
owner of NWR Construction, Inc.
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“OAME has helped my business tremendously because of the networking. These meetings are where I’ve met a lot of the folks that ultimately became clients. It’s the best place to gain access to people important to your success and an easy way to follow up with them.”
Rajiv Ali
owner of RhinoOne Geotechnical
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“Becoming a member of OAME and coming to the meetings has laid the foundation for making more contacts in the city. I am meeting decision makers in person rather than trying to cold call them over several months time.”
Justin Hopkins
owner of Cortez Creative’s Portland division
Thank you to our 2024 Gold Sponsors
Our Core Services
Technical Assistance
Networking
Marketing
Access to Capital
Business Incubator
For over 30 years, OAME has supported thousands of businesses and individuals representing Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned, Emerging Small Business, and Service-Disabled Veteran Business enterprises (MWESBDV).
