At the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, we are committed to providing you with the necessary resources to help you with your business.
Clicking the links below will lead you to various websites that can assist you with your business planning and management needs.
Resource Links
- BestHQ Collaborative Community and Business Center – Beaverton
- Business Oregon Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID)
- I.R.S. Tax Information for Businesses
- Port of Portland
- State of Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB)
- State of Oregon Economic and Business Equity (MWESB) Office
- State of Oregon Procurement Services
- U.S. Bank Small Business Loans
- Wells Fargo Small Business Loans
For more information, please contact OAME at 503-249-7744 or oame@oame.org.
Certification Resources
Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID)
Helping Small Businesses Succeed
The primary goal of certification is to level the playing field by providing certified firms a fair opportunity to compete for government contracts regardless of owner ethnicity, gender, disability, or firm size.
Contacts:
- Elizabeth C. Lopez, Certification Specialist II, Bilingual English/Spanish
Phone – 503-986-0062 office, 503-508-2628 cell, 503-986-0075 main office
Email – elizabeth.c.lopez@oregon.gov
Website - Carrie L. Baxandall, COBID Program Manager
503-986-0075 main office, 971-301-1271 cell
Carrie.Baxandall@oregon.gov
The City of Portland has awarded three contracts to these community partners for Business Certification and Contractor Development. This contract is to help businesses get assistance with COBID certification. If your business would like assistance, please contact one of the following partners through their link that best works for your firm.
- Latino Built — Latino Contractors in Oregon Trade Association
- PBDG — Professional Business Development Group
- NAMC — National Association of Minority Contractors, Oregon
Government Contract Assistance Program (GCAP)
GCAP is part of a nationwide network of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) working to help small businesses compete successfully in the government marketplace. GCAP’s mission is to assist Oregon small businesses to succeed in obtaining Government Contracts, which stimulate the growth of Oregon’s economy. For over 30 years GCAP has assisted Oregon small businesses in creating jobs, fostering economic diversity, and becoming successful government contractors.
Contacts:
- Glenn A. Nishida, Procurement Counselor
Phone – 503-702-0610
Email – gnishida@gcap.org
Website
Professional Business Development Group (PBDG)
PBDG’s primary purpose is to improve the business conditions in the construction industry by increasing Preparation, Competitiveness, and Relationships.
Contacts:
- Kenechi Onyeagusi, Executive Director
Email – kenechi@pbdgweb.com
Phone – 503-358-6459
NAMC Oregon
2808 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite M, Portland, OR 97212
Phone – 503-288-1393
Email – info@namc-oregon.org
Website
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Business Advisers and Instructors are ready to help your business grow and thrive. You will work with experienced professionals who will help you find the right resources for your business for the long term. Website
Business Access Capital — Engaging business clients through specialty advising on accessing capital to foster economic growth and resilience. The Capital Access Team (CAT) are specialized SBDC advisors regionally located around the state that provides confidential business advising. Website
- Assess readiness for funding to determine next steps
- Advise on business planning and projections to be “funder ready”
- Advise and discuss different finance strategies
- Provide financial analysis and feedback as needed
- Advise on funding package documentation
- Assist clients with funder relations and connections
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO)
MESO was formed as a grassroots initiative in 2005 under the umbrella of The Black United Fund of Oregon to assist small businesses that were experiencing challenges in the wake of gentrification, new development, and increased rents in North/Northeast Portland.
Website
4008 NE MLK Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR 97212
503-841-3351 – Portland
503-521-7620 – Beaverton
SCORE
SCORE has the largest network of free volunteer small business mentors in the nation. No matter what stage your business is at SCORE has a mentor for you. Easily request a mentor to help you start, grow, or transition your business today!
Website
Phone – 503-326-5211
Livelihood NW
Its mission is to foster business sustainability and growth for historically under-served entrepreneurs within local communities. We provide exceptional business development support services to promote lifelong learning, empowerment, and positive economic impact.
Website
Email – hello@livelihoodnw.org
MercyCorps Northwest
- Low-cost classes and training, assistance with getting financial help, mentoring, and more – Website
- Financial Inclusion for Businesses – Website
- Oregon Women’s Business Center – Website
Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon (PACCO)
PACCO is a welcoming and inclusive community organized to promote economic empowerment and resiliency for historically marginalized, economically disadvantaged, underserved, and under-resourced communities. We ground our efforts in racial equity and promote entrepreneurism, education, professional growth, civic engagement, and business development by providing scholarships, leadership training programs, technical assistance, and relevant workshops. Website
Craft 3
Strengthening resilience in Oregon and Washington for more than two decades, funding thousands of startups and expanding businesses, nonprofits doing good, and homeowners improving their property.
Contact:
- Steven Phan, Business Lender Intake Specialist
- Phone – 888-231-2170 ext. 505
- Email – sphan@craft3.org
Business Impact NW
Business Impact NW works together with you, providing the coaching, classes, and capital you need to successfully launch and grow your business.
- Launch Your Business – Website Link
- Grow Your Business – Website Link
- Fund Your Business – Website Link
Contact:
- Victor Saldanha, Chief Lending Officer
- Phone – 503-210-5649
- Email – victors@businessimpactnw.org