Build Your Dream Business with Training From Expert Portland Restaurateurs
***EARLY BIRD SPECIAL, Reserve your seat before
September 15th and save $100***
The Restaurant Business Builders Program offers aspiring entrepreneurs a one-of-a-kind 10-week training program with support from industry veterans.
- Stop toiling your life away for someone else and build a business that supports you and your goals.
- Learn from the best with guest sessions taught by owners of restaurants like Clyde Common.
- Know exactly what steps you need to take to get funding, find the perfect location, and operate for a profit.
Learn How to Get the Funding You Need and Find a Location That Will Work
Starting a successful restaurant, bar, or food cart is filled with challenges.
It can be enormously expensive to get started and getting that money can seem like an incredibly murky mystery. Restaurant Business Builders shows you exactly how much you need to get started, where you can find the money you don’t have, and how you can persuade lenders and investors to support your vision.
Finding the right location is another critical challenge for the aspiring restaurant or bar owner. You need enough traffic from the right kind of patrons, but finding something you can afford and still allow for a profit can be really tricky. Restaurant Business Builders gives you the tools you need to find a good location and negotiate a fair lease without risking your nest egg.
Get Expert Help To Beat the Odds
How the Program Works:
Restaurant Business Builders is a 10-week training program, meeting once per week virtually for a 3-hour session.
Group learning and networking gives an opportunity to discuss challenges, exchange resources, and find solutions with peers.
Create a Business Plan -- all participants receive a 3 month subscription to the LIVEPLAN business planning tool as part of the training program.
30 hours of business education specifically designed for new restaurant owners taught by subject matter experts and successful local restaurateurs.
Session 1: Your Concept & the Money to Do It
Session 2: Finding and Leasing Your Location
Session 3: Designing Your Restaurant & Kitchen
Session 4: Managing Your Money
Session 5: Menu Designing & Stocking Your Restaurant
Session 6: Essential Digital Marketing
Session 7: Branding and Marketing Your Restaurant
Session 8: Attracting and Managing Employees
Session 9: Regulations (featuring Multnomah County Food Inspectors)
Session 10: How to Write a Successful Business Plan
One-on-one advising in confidential meetings.
Access to specialty business advisors with a wide range of expertise.
Access to market research resources such as Southern Oregon University Market Research Institute, SBDCNet, and Reference USA.
“This class is great! Leslie does a great job at bringing us in contact with industry professionals who are not only knowledgeable but enthusiastic about what they do. After being in the industry for years I really appreciated knowing I’m not alone in all my questions and the people I’ve met are amazing.” Ed Sablan, PDX671 and Biba!
The Next Training Program Starts October 3, 2023
Learn from restaurant owners and founders.
Each session was developed by experienced restaurant owners and industry experts. You learn best practices right from the start.
Restaurant owner guest speakers:
- Cory Schreiber, Chef, Author, and Founder of Wildwood Restaurant
- Nate Tilden, Chef and Co-Owner of Clyde Commons & Olympia Provisions
Industry expert guest speakers:
- Levi Johnston, Attorney and Partner at Intelekia Law Group
- Shannon Fost, Multnomah County Health Inspector
- John Holtrop, Portland FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) Team
Alumni Success Story - Baka Umai
Robert Greenup of Baka Umai says, "The SBDC helped lay a clear path on how to start a restaurant business by providing insight, expertise, and contacts within the industry. Everything from laws/permits/regulations to marketing/branding. It was all very important. The experienced speakers highlighted the pitfalls and successes that every restaurant owner encounters... They are an invaluable resource! The guidance they provide will make your life so much easier.”
Read more about Baka Umai’s success here!
Pricing and Class Times
Time Involved:
The total class time is 30 hours, divided into 10 weekly, 3-hour virtual sessions.
- Plus, up to 5 hours of one-on-one advising during the 10-month period following Restaurant Business Builders.
Investment:
- Tuition is $799. Register NOW to receive $100 off! (until 3/15/2023)
- An additional person from your business can take the course for 1/2 price, $400.
- Payments are made through Portland Community College, and payment plans are available.
- Limited tuition sponsorships are available through our community partners. Fill out the form above to learn more.
Yield:
- Invaluable advice from industry experts that will save you years of frustration
- Support from a network of peers and mentors
- A more profitable, sustainable restaurant
“The guest speakers with real world experience were so great! It was knowledge worth 10 times the cost of the course. If you had to pay professional consultants it would be 10 times the program cost.” Frank Squillo, Wanda’s Café & Bakery