With the proliferation of smartphone devices and apps like Yelp and TripAdvisor, review sites are a powerful driving force for consumers’ decision making. These local listings sites, along with location-based listings like Google My Business, are critical for small business success in today’s competitive, digital landscape.

Taking a holistic approach to improving pollinator health, Emily Parker, Rebekah Golden and Emma Egstad promote sustainable, bee-centric beekeeping and native bee awareness in the Portland area.

In today’s digital world, social media is an invaluable - and indispensable - tool for most small businesses. Most consumers are checking apps like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram on a daily basis. As a small business, you’re able to interact and engage with consumers on a personal level, as well as brand your business in general. And you’re able to do so without spending a fortune on an advertising agency.

How many times have you heard someone say that they have a “million dollar idea” that actually sounded like it could be turned into a viable business plan? Some of the best entrepreneurs were observant of a problem that needed to be solved, or a demand for a product or service, and decided to take the leap to create a business out of it.

An important ingredient for small business success in today’s digital environment is visibility in search engine results. When someone searches for a product they need, will it be your business they find or one of your competitors? Think of your own practice when you’re searching for a website. Do you ever click over to the second page of results? If you’re like most consumers, you probably click on one of the first two or three results. So, how do you increase your chances of showing up in one of those top positions?

You have a recipe that everyone loves. Friends and family have told you over and over how great your food is, that you could make a killing selling it. Maybe you’ve even dreamed up the perfect name for your barbecue sauce or cookie dough. You can see the product design in your head. You are ready to make the dream a reality.

Hold on just one second before you spend that money on printing labels and buying equipment. You could be making one of many costly mistakes made by first-time food entrepreneurs... These mistakes can set the production of your product back months, or even years.

When it comes to starting a business, there are few roles as important as your bookkeeper and accountant. Sound bookkeeping and accounting are vital for small businesses to get up and running, and to maintain their financial stability.

Bookkeeping and accounting professionals perform a number of tasks that are essential for your business, including having your books in order, staying in compliance, filing taxes on time and correctly, managing payroll, and more. If you’re considering starting a new business or are already in the beginning stages, you might be concerned that you don’t have the right professional to manage them. Do you need an accountant or a bookkeeper to take on these crucial functions?

Garnish apparel is the brain child of chief designer and store owner Erica Lurie. They are located in the Pearl District of NW Portland, OR and feature "designed in house, made in Portland" fashion apparel for women. 

Matthew Micetic opened his new storefront in FoPo JUST IN TIME for the 2017 holiday gift giving season. Matthew is a graduate of PCC's Small Business Development Center Retail Small Business Management Class. Matthew shares his story below.

No matter how successful you are, owning and operating a successful restaurant is an ongoing challenge to maintain - and build upon - your accomplishments. Whether it’s keeping up to date on the latest in restaurant news, or finding tips and tricks on how to improve service and food quality, it’s important to continually tap into resources that can help improve your business.