The COVID-19 pandemic forced many small business owners to move online in order to keep up during the shut down. However, some small business owners have avoided making real strides in developing an online presence because of uncertainty about how to design a website or use social media in a meaningful way for your business.

But, you can't afford to put off going online any longer!

Topics: Small Business, Retail, Growing a Business, Sales & Marketing, social media

 

Topics: Small Business, Starting a Business, Growing a Business, business builders, Business Design Series

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.

Topics: Small Business, Business Profiles, Business, Growing a Business, Advanced Small Business Management =

Topics: Small Business, Starting a Business, Growing a Business, Finance, business builders, Business Design Series

Topics: Small Business, Starting a Business, Growing a Business, Business Design Series

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.

Topics: Small Business, Business Profiles, Business, Starting a Business, Growing a Business, Business Design Series

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. 

Topics: Small Business, Business Profiles, Business, Starting a Business, Growing a Business, Capital Access Team

Casey Campbell is founder and owner of Elemental Studios, a community ceramics studio that offers classes, workshops, and monthly memberships grounded in wellness education and practice. With a mission to help build community around ceramic arts education and wellness principles and practices, Casey and his team work to help people engage creatively and develop self-care practices they can use in and out of the studio. Casey worked with the PCC SBDC to start his business and now, after hiring five employees and continually increasing revenue, Casey continues to work with the PCC SBDC as Elemental Studios reaches its next growth phase.

Topics: Small Business, Business Profiles, Business, Starting a Business, Growing a Business, Capital Access Team

Ashleigh Atwood owns Maid in Portland, a local eco-friendly residential and commercial cleaning service in Portland, Oregon. After being in business for 15 years, Ashleigh enrolled in the 2022 Advanced Small Business Management training program provided by the PCC Small Business Development Center. During her time in the program, Ashleigh has found a renewed sense of passion for her business, while expanding her team and increasing her revenue by 10%!

Topics: Small Business, Business Profiles, Business, Starting a Business, Growing a Business, Advanced Small Business Management =