When Michel Mouzong recognized a need for improved business infrastructure in the developing world, he reached out to the PCC Small Business Development Center for assistance in founding NEMILIS Global Strategy Group. Since then, Michel has completed several PCC SBDC courses, including Business Builders and Buying and Selling Outside the U.S., and has taken advantage of specialty, no-cost advising with PCC SBDC experts in areas of start-up strategy, international business best practices, and trade regulation. This is his story.

Catalyst Trade believes that "coffee is a sacrament," inviting us to grab a cup and join them as they revolutionize the way coffee is traded. Co-owner Emily McIntyre was looking for help growing her international business when she found the Oregon SBDC Network Global Trade Center and participated in the Global Trade Management program in the spring of 2020. Faced with the challenges of building a business across multiple continents and cultures, compounded by a global pandemic, Emily was inspired by the class sessions on cultural competency taught by David Kohl. After years of preparation, Catalyst Trade is excited to finally launch their vertical integration in Ethiopia, along with introducing Kenya and Peru as new coffee origins. As Catalyst Trade continues to lean on the PCC SBDC to help them grow, Emily and her team work hard to transform the future of coffee.

Learn more about Emily's story below!

Becca Schultz started developing her piano pedagogy while still a student at Portland State University. Since then she has helped hundreds of students learn to play and enjoy music, while simultaneously employing multiple musicians as teachers. Her business has grown so much in the past couple of years that they have recently had to move to a newly renovated location with the help of the PCC Small Business Development Center team.  This is her story...

Mathilde Wilson owns Mathilde's Kitchen beverage company using fresh and locally sourced ingredients that showcase the vibrant Haitian/Caribbean flavors. Mathilde is a graduate of the PCC Small Business Development Center's "Getting Your Recipe to Market" program and proud recipient of the 2022 Good Food Award. This is her story...

Angela and David Anderson spent years helping Oregon’s wine industry grow by providing Web and consulting services for restaurants and wineries. In 2019 they stepped onto the front line of the industry and opened Syndicate Wine Bar in downtown Beaverton. Syndicate is “a community wine bar, bringing in all facet of wine culture,” they wrote. "A place where all people could sip, sample, buy bottles and snack on appetizers."

 SBDC Client, Vesna Ader, dreamed of starting her own business. After several years of planning and many months confounded by a global pandemic, she was able to finally open her dream business in September 2021. The Ruff House is an indoor dog park where dog owners can enjoy a drink with both their two-legged and four-legged best friends! They also offer doggy daycare, boarding, training, and grooming. This is her story.

2019 graduate of the PCC SBDC Restaurant Builders program, Robert Greenup, has been obsessed with Ramen since he was a child. When he made a trip to Japan to visit family, he experienced delicious Mutekia Tonkotsu Ramen and spent the next year feverishly trying to replicate it. After that he decided to begin making his own noodles. One thing led to another and his restaurant Baka Umai (Japanese for "stupid delicious") was born. This is Robert's story.

Working as a wildland firefighter, SBDC client Leo Ochoa learned firsthand about back pain and how it hampered the work he did. That experience led him to design and manufacture spine-centric personal body support. In 2019 DorsumTech launched a Kickstarter campaign and receive its first orders. Manufacturing during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge, but now all the parts are coming together and DosrumTech is finally able to ship off their first round of products. This is Leo's story.

SBDC client Chris Pero (perodesign) is a premier art sourcing studio with many options for your art needs. They offer a wide variety of options that include custom picture framing, 3 dimensional wall artwork, concept design, layouts, art procurement, project management, art installation, finishing (such as printing on surfaces such as acrylic, canvas, metal), and more. This is Chris' story.

We’re checking in with PCC SBDC client Christi Dodge, who participated in Business Builders in March of 2020 and continues to check-in with her specialty business advisors as Dodge Media Productions thrives and grows!

Tell us, how has your business changed over the past year?

Over the past year, I was able to grow from a solo crew to being able to hire a cinematographer and sound engineer for video projects. I also had the opportunity to expand my sound portfolio to include providing audiobook editing and mastering services for self published authors who want to release their audiobook on popular platforms.

What new milestones or successes are you proud to share?

Last year I produced a marketing campaign for two female franchise owners. I have become very involved in the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. I have joined the LGBTQ+ business advisory council, become a chamber ambassador and recently found out that I will be a part of the next cohort to participate in Leadership Hillsboro. And this November I will celebrate three years in business with a ribbon cutting! I’m looking forward to continuing to increase my knowledge of audio and video production. I love meeting new business owners and supporting them with my creative vision.

Read more about Christi’s story and success below!

Ready to start and grow your business with confidence? Learn more about how Business Builders provides you with the information and support needed to build a business that lasts. 

Original Post: Published July 19, 2021

Christi Dodge started her podcast and video production business to help other small businesses amplify their messaging. She is an expert at taking content and presenting it in a way that is informative, engaging, and inspiring. Christi started her business in the spring of 2020 just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning to impact businesses all across the country, and with the help of the PCC Small Business Development Center has been able to connect with resources in her community that have helped her start her business on a solid foundation. This is Christi's story.