How Convenient, a charming bodega-style convenience store, is set to become a neighborhood favorite in Portland’s NE Glisan Street area. Opened on October 2, 2024, and owned by Nathan Wade Carter, the shop offers an eclectic mix of essentials and delightful surprises. From snacks and drinks to imported chip flavors, unique nail polishes, artistic greeting cards, and more, How Convenient is a testament to Nathan’s creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit.

From Food Service to Business Ownership

After years of working in food service as a server and manager, Nathan felt it was time to bring his dream to life. He envisioned a store that combined the staples of a traditional convenience store with unexpected treasures that spark joy. “I wanted to enact the vision I had of having a store where I could sell ‘whatever I want,’ which became How Convenient! I wanted it to be a spot to get things you might expect to find at a convenience store, but where you would find unexpected things as well. Whether that is import chip flavors, unique nail polish & lip gloss, stickers, or artistic greeting cards,” Nathan shared.

Building a Business with PCC SBDC

Turning a vision into a reality isn’t easy, but the Portland Community College Small Business Development Center (PCC SBDC) helped Nathan navigate the path to entrepreneurship. Through the Business Builders training program, Nathan gained the tools, knowledge, and confidence to bring his ideas to life.

“The PCC SBDC helped me realize what I already knew, fill in gaps in my knowledge, and gave me the resources to navigate getting started,” he said. From refining his concept to overcoming the challenges of launching, Nathan found the support he needed to move forward.

A Month In: Connecting with the Community

Just a month after opening, Nathan is already seeing the fruits of his labor. “The most exciting thing has been meeting all the neighbors that live around the shop! Folks seem genuinely excited that I’m here, which is so sweet to hear & experience.”

This sense of community connection has been one of Nathan’s favorite parts of the journey. “I love that my job now focuses around genuinely connecting with people, and curating an exciting and unique selection of products for folks to peruse. I also love taking recommendations & requests from customers! I already have a nice list of things I am working to find for people,” he added.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Nathan’s journey shows that with the right support and a clear vision, dreams can become reality. To others considering entrepreneurship, he offers this advice:

“I would say that you probably know more than you think you know! Use the PCC SBDC as a reference & a launch pad for exploration, and ask lots of questions. Trust your gut as to what’s right for you, your business, and vision.”

To experience the unique charm of How Convenient, visit Nathan at 6016 NE Glisan St or follow the journey on Instagram at @howconvenientpdx.

Ready to Ignite Your Entrepreneurial Journey with the PCC SBDC?

Are you ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey or seeking support to take your small business to new heights? The PCC SBDC is here to help. Reach out to us and let your journey begin. Nathan's story is just one example of the countless success stories our clients have created. Embrace the joy of entrepreneurship and create your unique path to success!