Vision into Action News

City of Portland Funds New Program for Small Business
Monday, August 18, 2008

The City of Portland has allocated funds for a new program to assist small businesses in Portand, the Small Business Technical Assistance Project. Funded by City Council in early 2008 as a result of Mayor Potter's VisionPDX initiative, the project is a partnership with the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber, a local chapter of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber. Its aim is to increase the capabilities of Portland micro and small businesses by providing technical assistance services in the areas of marketing, management and contract procurement. These services will be provided to local businesses throughout Portland and will include one-on-one advising, business education workshops, assistance in procurement/contracting, and educating clients regarding other business resources in the city.

"I am excited for the potential opportunities of this program, and my hope is that it will open doors for many folks that may otherwise never have a chance to access this kind of resource," said Mayor Tom Potter.

VisionPDX identified Portlanders' vision for Economic Portland: where our city should "support and protect the viability of local businesses to enhance a feeling of community, preserve the uniqueness of neighborhoods and allow for creativity among Portlanders." Last year, City Council adopted resolution 36537, formally accepting the vision and resolving to pursue demonstration projects to implement initial aspects of the vision including the establishment of a technical assistance pilot project to provide one-on-one technical assistance to small businesses.

"We are very pleased to offer a new program that will serve all the residents of Portland. Small businesses are the backbone of our national and our local economy," said Gale Castillo, President of the Hispanic Chamber. "Small businesses create the most new jobs, and bring new ideas and products to the marketplace."

For more information about this program, businesses can contact Carlos Calderon at the Hispanic Chamber at: 503-222-0280 or ccalderon@hmccoregon.com.