At OAME, we are dedicated to fostering the growth and success of minority-owned businesses across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our Technical Resources program offers personalized, one-on-one assistance to help entrepreneurs navigate every stage of business development. Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling an existing enterprise, our expert guidance is designed to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to thrive.
OAME facilitates a Mentorship Program that pairs small business owners with seasoned professionals from larger enterprises. This year-long commitment involves monthly meetings, providing mentees with industry-specific insights and fostering meaningful professional relationships.
Community Resources
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.
Victor Saldanha, Chief Lending Officer
Phone: 503-210-5649
Email: victors@businessimpactnw.org
Craft3
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.
Stephen Phan, Business Leader/Intake Specialist
Phone: 888-231-2170, ext. 505
Email: sphan@craft3.org
Historic Parkrose
The Historic Parkrose Business Support page offers a comprehensive suite of resources aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs and small businesses within the Parkrose district of Portland. Central to these offerings is the Parkrose Spark Loan Fund, which provides interest- free loans of up to $8,000 to eligible businesses for purposes such as launching or expanding operations, investing in equipment, enhancing marketing efforts, and improving storefronts. Additionally, Historic Parkrose extends technical assistance, including business planning, access to capital, and connections to small business grants.
Website: Historic Parkrose, Business Support
Impact Beaverton
Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce
Providing free, confidential consultations, and educational workshops for small businesses located in Beaverton.
Website: City of Beaverton, Beaverton Impact
Christian Arroyo: 503-350-2004, christian@beaverton.org
Inclusive Business Resource Network (IBRN)
The Inclusive Business Resource Network (IBRN) is a citywide program that brings multiple services for small businesses and entrepreneurs into a single network. Entrepreneurs can receive one-on-one advising from trusted organizations, training, and other resources. If you are unsure about where to start, schedule an appointment with one of our business advisors to map out a best fit!
Livelihood NW
Their 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: LivelihoodNW.org
Phone: 503-990-8255
Email: info@livelihoodnw.org
Mercy Corps Northwest
Low-cost classes and training, assistance with getting financial help, mentoring, and more.
Financial Inclusion for Business
Website: NW Mercy Corps
Email: nwprograms@mercycorps.org
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO)
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) 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: MESOpdx.org
Phone: Portland Office – 503-841-3351
Beaverton Office – 503-521-7620
Email: info@mesopdx.org
Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO)
Nonprofit membership organization representing and supporting charitable nonprofits of all sizes, geographic locations and missions across Oregon. NAO’s mission is to serve public benefit nonprofits by strengthening the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the lives of all Oregonians. Nonprofits must also be equipped to operate their organizations effectively and efficiently. To help Oregon’s nonprofits thrive, NAO has developed a Nonprofit Resource Library.
Website: Nonprofit Oregon
Office of Small Business Assistance – Oregon.gov
The Oregon Office of Small Business Assistance (OSBA) serves as an independent advocate for small businesses and nonprofits with 100 or fewer employees, helping them navigate interactions with state and local government agencies. OSBA offers free, confidential services that include coaching, assistance, and investigations to address concerns about regulations, licensing, and compliance. Additionally, OSBA provides resources for starting, growing, and closing a business, as well as a Small Business Toolkit featuring guides and flyers in multiple languages.
Website: Oregon.gov, Small Business Pages
Portland Small Business Hub
The Portland Small Business Hub offers free one-on-one, culturally specific resource navigation for local small business owners. It is a collaboration between Prosper Portland and local community partners. Its business advisors help businesses connect to resources such as financial and technical assistance, marketing, and legal support.
Website: Pdx Small Biz Hub
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: PACCO.org
Phone: 503-308-8850
Email: admin@pacco.org
Portland Metro Chamber – Small Business Support Programs
The Portland Metro Chamber’s Small Business Support Programs are designed to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the region. In collaboration with Portland Community College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Chamber offers free, one-hour advising sessions—available both in-person and via Zoom—to assist businesses at any stage of development. Additionally, the Chamber provides a 10-month Small Business Management Scholarship Program, supported by Bank of America, which delivers comprehensive training in areas such as financial management, marketing, and human resources at a significantly reduced cost. These initiatives aim to enhance revenue growth, operational efficiency, and job creation within the local small business community.
Portland 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: PCC, Small Business
Email: sbdc@pcc.edu
Phone: 971-722-5080
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 provide confidential business advising.
Website: SBDC Capital Access Team
Prosper Portland – Office of Small Business
The central point of entry for Portland small businesses.
The Office of Small Business at Prosper Portland works in cooperation with the community and other local government agencies to create an equitable, supportive, vibrant, thriving, and connected small business community.
SCORE
SCORE has a large 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: SCORE.org
Phone: 503-326-5211
Umpqua Bank
Growing and maintaining a business isn’t easy. Umpqua Bank is here for you and your small business needs. Our SBA Express Line of Credit can help you with your short term capital needs, to keep things running smoothly. When you’re ready, one of our small business lending experts will be standing by to help you with the next steps. We are proud to offer SBA loans in addition to our other small business loan options. We will connect you with one of our SBA lending experts to learn about our SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loan programs.
Lending Experts:
Sean Hamilton, Branch Manager
Phone: 503-736-6023
Email: seanhamilton@umpquabank.com
Juan Polanco Palacios, Asst. Branch Manager
Phone: 503-736-2200
Email: juanpolancopalacios@umpquabank.com
Xcelerate
Aids women business owners in overcoming systemic inequities to facilitate the growth of their businesses and establish economic empowerment. Through education, peer mentorship and coaching, they are reshaping the landscape of business success to be more inclusive, authentic and sustainable.
Websites: Xcelerate Women
Get Started Today
Ready to take your business to the next level? Complete our Assistance Request Form to connect with our team and begin your journey toward sustainable growth and success.