As an artist, writer, design or creative entrepreneur, you have the skills to create great work, but do you have the business skills to get great work? When starting your own creative business, you will need to do some digging into business topics and getting to know your market. Though it might take some trial and error, by doing your homework, you can run an effective business.

Lauren Rosenstein is the owner of The Green Schoolhouse. Lauren tells her story of working with the PCC Small Business Development Center below.

Sam F. Taylor, IV, A.S.I.D. is a guest instructor in Restaurant Business Builders in the session "Designing Your Restaurant and Kitchen," in which he will be sharing his expertise of over 35 years in designing and planning spaces in the hospitality industry. 

If you’re looking to up your small business’s social media game, you’ll need advice from the pros. Instead of haphazardly trying out new tactics, you can do some free research online to learn how to make Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social channels work for you.

Have you ever heard the saying, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life?” If you’re a creative person, you may have wondered whether you can really make a living doing what you love. The answer is  “yes!” The creative sector is a leader in worldwide economic growth. These days, lots of people are starting their own businesses and are successful at turning their passion into profit. But to become an effective business owner, it’s important to learn the skills required to manage your business effectively.

In the United States, food manufacturers are responsible for the proper labeling of their products. The labels must meet all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other legal requirements, including nutrition information. The labels cannot be misleading or deceptive. Proper labeling, including nutrition and allergen information, is required for most packaged or prepared foods.

The PCC Small Business Development Center is proud of the great work all of their clients are accomplishing in their businesses. Our Business Profile feature series highlights businesses at all stages of development and success. 

It’s believed that 95% of the world's customers exist outside the United States, and indeed, 70% of the world’s purchasing power exists beyond our borders. Exports have a major impact on the U.S. economy (more than $2 trillion just over five years ago, or nearly 14% of the GDP) and companies that participate in global export are more robust, growing faster while becoming 8.5% less likely to go out of business. You may believe that means only big businesses and corporations can afford that kind of investment, but the truth is, despite the fact that medium and small businesses only represent less than a third of export value, they make up 98% of U.S. exporters.

Kembers Gluten-Free is a local small business that makes gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy free baking mixes and spices. Marilyn Roseburrough used the help of PCC's Get Your Recipe to Market program to make her business a success. For a complete list of where Kembers products are sold and to buy online click here.

Tamara Sanderson Dissanayake, MD found success in her business Timewise PDX with the help of PCC's Small Business Development Center. Tamara shares her story below.