Reimagining Main Street

Nearly all our 20 regional Centers across the state are dedicated to serving rural communities throughout Oregon.

A food and beverage industry veteran, Carlos Perez contacted Negocios en Español, our Spanish-speaking services, for help launching a new beverage company. The idea came from Carlos' need to change his lifestyle through healthier eating and having difficulty finding a drink he enjoyed that did not contain preservatives, sweeteners, or chemicals. From obtaining necessary licenses and permits to capital access, the SBDC supported Carlos on each step toward fulfilling his dream.

According to a 2020 report from Oregon State University, all of Oregon's 36 counties are considered “childcare deserts,” with only one childcare slot available for every three children. The Central Oregon Community College SBDC launched its Early Child Education Business Accelerator program in October 2021 in partnership with NeighborhoodImpact to help Oregon entrepreneurs launch their childcare businesses while addressing the urgent need for more child care in our communities. Since its inception, more than 25 home-based childcare providers have opened their doors through the accelerator's assistance, creating more than 260 slots for parents seeking childcare.

When Michel Mouzong recognized a need for improved business infrastructure in the developing world, he reached out to the Oregon SBDC Network for assistance in founding NEMILIS Global Strategy Group. Since then, Michel has completed several training courses at the Portland SBDC and has taken advantage of specialty, no-cost advising with Oregon SBDC Network Global Trade Center experts in the areas of trade assistance, assessment, and trade-related resources.

Dark Forest USA, Owner

Co-owner, The Red Door Paint Co.

Chico's business building was lost in a wildfire that destroyed much of Talent and Phoenix, Ore. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, business recovery was difficult despite some assistance from local providers. With an insurance settlement in limbo, Chico's had to relocate permanently to an undesirable location. Through SBDC support, an EIDL application was filed and tentatively approved the next day. The funds allowed Chico's to cover operating costs and rebuild the previous facility.

Karissa Yoakum took advantage of the various services offered through the Oregon SBDCs, including classes, working with the business advisers on her business plan, and accessing startup funding. Her patient determination and passion for starting a children's salon that celebrates diversity and neurodiversity while focusing on “Inspiring Self-Love, One Haircut at a Time,” helped her achieve her goals. She is now the proud owner of her inclusive children's hair salon in the Salem-Keizer area, specializing in haircuts, braiding, and styling!“[My advisers] were able to recommend organizations who fund small businesses, which led to my securing my startup loan,” Karissa said. “They genuinely care and want to see small businesses flourish.”