Develop, Start or Build your business with confidence.

Program Overview

Are you seeking a clear path to success in today's ever-evolving business landscape?

The Business Builders training program equips you with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to forge ahead confidently. Our innovative 12-week training program blends foundational business education with industry-specific training and insights from subject matter experts, ensuring your business thrives, regardless of your industry.

The next Business Builders starts on March 31, 2025 - Click here to REGISTER NOW!

"Working with the SBDC saves time and money. Small business owners spend a lot of time trying to figure out what to do, where to get help for this and that. The SBDC is a one-stop shop where you can bring any question; they are a great support system to have as a small business owner."

Michel Mouzong Owner of NEMILIS Global Strategy Group

The Core: Building Your Business Foundation

Embark on an initial 8-week journey delving into essential business fundamentals and strategies every business owner needs to know. Gain insights into:

Crafting a robust business mission, vision, and goals
Strategizing and executing your business plan effectively using proven templates
Mastering the art of pricing for sustainable growth
Understanding the fundamentals of marketing and branding, encompassing a comprehensive view of digital marketing opportunities
Managing finances efficiently, with a focus on bookkeeping and financing
Navigating legal issues with expertise, including intellectual property processes and strategies for optimizing your business structure.
Discovering effective Human Resources strategies for talent acquisition, team management, fostering a positive workplace culture, and enhancing productivity.

Industry Focus: Tailored Expertise for Your Success

The final 4 weeks focus on industry-specific training tailored to the unique challenges faced by business owners in key sectors. You’ll be able to select which industry focus is right for you.

Restaurant/Food Business:

Designed for anyone with a restaurant, food cart, catering business, or other food-serving business.

Throughout the 4 weeks, you'll delve into the nuances of the food industry, including topics such as:

Financing
Menu design
Restocking
Regulations
Restaurant-specific marketing considerations
and more!

Service:

Designed for any service-related business such as cleaning, consulting, health or alternative medicine, SaaS provider, creative freelance, and more.

Throughout the 4 weeks, you'll navigate challenges specific to service-based businesses by exploring topics such as:

Consultative sales
Business-to-Business (B2B) marketing
Long-term relationship management
Contracting
Client services agreements
Pricing for long-term projects
and more!

Retail:

Designed for anyone selling products online or in a brick-and-mortar storefront.

Throughout the 4 weeks, you'll uncover the secrets to retail success and consistent profitability while exploring topics related to:

Merchandising
Inventory control and turnover
Location selection
Online sales
Hiring the right people
Brand development
and more!

“The SBDC was really comprehensive and the way they broke everything down into bite-size pieces made it more manageable for us to start our own brick-and-mortar. Working with the PCC SBDC is a worthwhile investment into yourself.”

- Aaron Truong, Co-owner of Hapa Pizza

Your Business Journey Awaits

The next Business Builders starts on March 31, 2025 - Click here to REGISTER NOW!

Join us for this enriching 12-week training program that combines expert-led education with personalized guidance from seasoned business advisors and industry professionals. Explore a holistic approach to business success and gain valuable insights into your specific industry. Upon completing the 12 weeks, you'll leave with a “toolbox” of planning templates from GrowthWheel, a business plan draft using LivePlan, long-term business advising at no cost, and other essential assets to take with you as you continue growing your business.

Duration: 12 weeks

Sessions: 8 core sessions + 4 industry-specific sessions

Format: Virtual sessions via Zoom, each lasting 3 hours

CLICK HERE to download the syllabus for this program

The Investment: Your Path to Success

The tuition for this invaluable program is $999.
An extra team member from your business can enroll for just $500.
Convenient payment terms are available through Portland Community College.

The Return: Your Roadmap to Triumph

Advice and guidance from industry experts and specialty business advisors, saving you years of trial and error.
Networking opportunities with a community of like-minded small business owners and mentors with a wide range of expertise.
The confidence to make informed decisions for your business, allowing you to unlock the potential of your business journey!

The next Business Builders starts on September 24, 2025 - Click here to REGISTER NOW!

Early Bird Special: Register by August 24, 2025 to receive $200 off tuition!

Meet Your Mentors: Gain Wisdom from a Multitude of Experts

Embark on your business-building journey with guidance from the best in the field. Our comprehensive training program brings you face-to-face with subject matter and industry experts. These seasoned professionals are here to provide valuable, hard-earned knowledge, share industry secrets, and provide tailored advice to ensure your venture thrives. Explore diverse perspectives, gain strategic insights, and refine your business acumen through direct interaction with your new group of mentors.

Click Here to Meet Your Mentors

The Oregon SBDC has been helping build Oregon’s best businesses for 40 years. The PCC SBDC is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Business Oregon, Portland Community College, and many other community partners. With us, you're in the hands of seasoned business allies who have served our local business community for decades.

Israel Martinez

Owner of El Cuadrilatero Cafe

"Don't wait until you know how to do everything perfectly, because you will never know. The SBDC helps put the tools in your hands, you just need to use them."

It's time to build your business with confidence...

The next Business Builders starts on March 31, 2025

Click here to REGISTER NOW!

"The SBDC is a lifeline, a gift. The classes and advising are worth every minute. From marketing to financials to funding. They helped us organize and execute.”

Aimee Brigham Co-owner of Aluma Aesthetic Medicine

Business Builders

Business Builders: Your Launchpad to Small Business Success

Empower your business journey with training and support, step by confident step.

Learn More!