Settlemier's Award Jackets is a Portland staple that's been serving the Pacific Northwest since 1990. In 2022, third generation owner and operator Aaron Settlemier became part of the Advanced Small Business Management cohort through the PCC Small Business Development Center. Throughout the 10-month business training program, Aaron says he and his team have "realized new ways to access capital, revamped our business manuals, developed systems that separate the business from a single person (the owner), and made more precise and professional short-term and long-term goals." This is Aaron's story.

So much of the market for housing in Portland is rentals. With so many people moving to the city, these newcomers prefer the flexibility of renting over purchasing a home. As a result, there is a significant demand for property managers to work with renters and owners to make the rental process go smoothly. Whether you're opening doors to a career as a professional property manager or want to be able to DIY your management as a housing investor, it's a great idea to learn the background necessary.  

Learning to obtain a property manager license in Oregon is also incredibly achievable and affordable. Becoming a property manager in Portland is an exciting, varied field with lots of room for growth and entrepreneurship once you gain experience. 

As our population ages, losing one's mental faculties can take first place on the list of concerns. Alzheimer's disease and other forms of senile dementia affect some 25 percent of all people over 80. Research, though, is revealing natural approaches in treating and preventing mental decline. Not only aging grabs our attention. Many of us deal with mood disorders, including depression and anxiety.

PCC SBDC client Mara McLoughlin built IRL Social Skills to help autistic and other socially struggling teens, adults, and their parents lead successful social lives. When the COVID-pandemic hit, Mara sought professional guidance through PCC SBDC's one-on-one business advising. Her advisor, Jackie B. Peterson, guided Mara in building a foundation on which her new business could grow. Now, IRL Social Skills is serving individuals and families in Oregon and beyond, helping them make and keep friends! This is Mara's story.

As the nation prepares for the 2022 holiday retail season Small Business Saturday (November 26, 2022 - the day AFTER Black Friday)  is a great way to support businesses with the most direct connection to people across the Portland Metro region – your neighborhood small businesses

Past Lives is a 26,000 square foot maker-space located in Eastside Portland. Inspired by a life-changing accident and time spent in prison, founder Brandon Morlock created Past Lives to change the way work is done and provide second-chance employment for people coming out the prison system. Unlike any other maker-space in Portland, Past Lives offers a wood shop, metal shop, machine shop, screen-printing machinery, fabric arts shop, stained glass shop, tech hub, electronics fab bench, art framing area, common work areas and private studio spaces to their members. After working with Bruce Melzer, SBDC Capital Access Team expert, Morlock secured an investment to open Past Lives' new location and grow his business. This is Morlock's story. 

The workplace is constantly evolving, and many find that just keeping the status quo is a way to fall behind. You're gaining experience and skills on the job, but after a few years or even decades, new technology, techniques, or company direction can mean that you need additional training. The good news is that Portland Community College partners with ED2GO, a national online class provider, with busy career professionals in mind. The programs are focused on getting you the best, most helpful information without additional commute time and on your timeline. 

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