Minority Business Owners
Women Business Owners
Network of Entrepreneurial WomenThe Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NEW) is an independent, non-profit organization founded to encourage and support self-directed entrepreneurial women and their businesses.
Office of Women's Business OwnershipThe U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership has fostered the participation of women entrepreneurs in the economy, especially those who have been historically under-served or excluded.
Small Business Owners
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)The DBE certification is for firms seeking contracting opportunities with recipients of federal transportation-related projects. Some of the recipients in this category include the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Tri-Met and the Port of Portland.
Oregon Entrepreneurs NetworkThe Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) is the largest entrepreneur assistance organization in the state of Oregon. OEN fosters the flow of entrepreneurial ideas, services, and capital to entrepreneurs and helps connect emerging Northwest businesses to growth-stimulating expertise and valuable resources.
Oregon Main Street RevitalizationWorking with communities to develop comprehensive, incremental revitalization strategies based on a community’s unique assets, character, and heritage.
Small Business Administration (SBA)The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of programs and support services to help you navigate the issues you face with your initial applications, and resources to help after you open for business.
Veteran Business Owners
Veteran Fast Launch InitiativeProviding veterans and active duty military members with free/discounted resources for starting businesses, training and mentoring.
Additional Resources
Ascent FundingAscent Funding is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization registered as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) to do small business lending.
Certifications for Minority, Women, Service Disabled Veterans & Emerging Small BusinessesThe Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) administered the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), Service Disabled Veteran (SDV) and Emerging Small Business (ESB) certification programs. These programs are designed to promote economic opportunities for small businesses.
Hispanic Metropolitan ChamberThe Hispanic Chamber offers services to assist businesses with a start up or expansion, business plans or software training, offers small business loans, as well as guidance with contracts and procurements.