Region: Portland Metro

Every Tuesday 5PM to 8PM – Learn how to produce, promote, & sell your food product/recipe
Program Begins April 2, 2019
Reach Out Now With Questions!
Have your friends or family ever told you should sell your special sauce, cookies, or other culinary creation?

Do you get excited at the idea of walking through your grocery store and seeing your product on the shelf?

Are you ready to start getting your recipe on grocery shelves? But you have no idea where to begin?

There are many things to consider when starting a food product business: packaging, labeling, marketing, costs, and more.

Imagine starting a food business with confidence, knowing you have thought through all the steps necessary to launch into the marketplace.

Getting Your Recipe to Market is a unique, 14-week intensive program that will help you take your idea to commercial-ready food product.

We’ve partnered with food industry experts, OSU’s Food Innovation Center, and New Seasons Market to take you step-by-step to produce, promote, and sell your product.

Getting Your Recipe to Market gives you the skills to:

Understand industry essentials, and avoid common mistakes. Our program is designed to teach you the ins and outs of the food industry and help you avoid costly mistakes. Food industry experts will teach you how to produce, promote and sell your product. Learn about product development, food science, packaging, distribution, and more.
Connect with and gather insight from local food professionals. In each class, you’ll meet experts working in the food industry such as grocery buyers, co-packers, food scientists, packaging experts, regulators, and more. You’ll also have your product reviewed by New Seasons Market buyers.
Prepare for the commercial market. We’ll cover core marketing principles for promoting a consumer food product, giving your product the best chance to succeed. Learn how to calculate costs of goods sold (COGS), conduct break-even analysis and other financial keys to creating a profitable product.
Get one-on-one help building your food product business. We’re here for you as you launch your product and continue to grow your business after the program. Your advisor will work with you to develop an action plan and provide guidance in making key business decisions.
What to Expect
Each week we’ll bring in subject-matter experts to teach on important areas. Each session is 3 hours long (except for weeks 13 and 14).

The Course Outline

Week 1: Intro to the Program, Market Surveys, Intro to Cost of Goods Sold
Week 2: Food Science & Safety, Licensing & Regulations, Commercial Kitchens
Week 3: Brand Development, Packaging, Co-packers
Week 4: Sales, Foodbizstartup.net, Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) Calculator and Pricing Model
Week 5: Grocery Buyers, Distribution, Alternative Sales Channels
Week 6: Primary and Secondary Research, Business Planning, Access to Capital
Week 7: COGS Forecasting and Break-even, Intro to Business Development
Week 8: Hear from Alumni Panel
Week 9: Legal issues from business entities to trademarks, Insurance
Week 10: Commercial Ready Demos, Marketing & PR, Sales Sheets
Week 11: Taxes, Accounting, Human Resources
Week 12: Continuing Business Education, Practice Presentations
Week 13: New Seasons Market Product Evaluations
Week 14: Time to Market Tradeshow at OSU Food Innovation Center
For a detailed course outline, complete the form on this page.

Getting Your Recipe to Market is more than just a class. It includes:

A 30 minute meeting with New Seasons Market buyers to pitch your brand and present your product(s). You will receive valuable feedback and the opportunity to have your products placed into the New Seasons stores.
Reserved space and participation in the Time to Market Trade Show to showcase your product to potential investors, buyers and to the public.
6 month subscription to Foodbizstartup.net
All alumni welcome to attend any future GYRM classes.
One-on-one business advising in confidential meetings during the program and for the life of your business.
Complimentary access to Business Design Series, SBDC’s business planning course.
Supportive learning through your cohort/peers.
Access to business advisors with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise.
Join over 200 individuals who have completed this program since 2006.
“The education that I received in the GYRM class was eye opening and invaluable. It gave me the information that I needed to start this business off on the right foot, as well as connecting me to resources and contacts that set the path toward profitability.” — Marilyn Roseburrough, Kember’s Gluten Free

“That class was exactly what I needed when I was starting out. I had no idea that I’d have to learn things like how to convert a recipe to a scalable formula, or how to find contract manufacturers and distributors. In a few short months, I have been exposed to everything I needed to know to get started with my food business. Getting Your Recipe to Market and ongoing business advising have been critical pillars in the creation of my business. Without it, I most likely wouldn’t be in business. I probably wouldn’t have even known where to start.” – Josh Fegles, Jude’s Foods

“Having an advisor each step of the way has been awesome! Learning new business practices, and having the opportunity to implement them with direction, has helped me to continue to grow my business profitably.” — Betsy Walton, Our Favorite Foods LLC

“In the end, the program really paid for itself because it saved us money in mistakes that we would’ve made.” — Junea Rocha, Brazi Bites

Who enroll in Getting Your Recipe to Market?
Getting Your Recipe to Market is good fit for you, if:

You have a completed recipe.
You have no retail sales.
You have time to dedicate to class, advising, and the work.
You want to make your food business idea to a reality.
The Investment
Time:

Getting Your Recipe to Market is a 14-week course that includes 36 hours of classroom education. Every session is 3 hours, except weeks 13 and 14, during which you will participate in the New Seasons evaluation and the Time to Market Tradeshow.
Up to 5 hours of one-on-one advising during the 10 month period following Small Business Builders
Expect to spend time outside of the classroom and your advising sessions to work on different aspects of your business
Financial:

Tuition for Getting Your Recipe to Market is $1,995
A second person from your business can attend for $1,000
Payment plans are available through PCC
The Return:

The knowledge and confidence you need to launch your food product business.
Opportunities to make your product known, including:
New Season’s Market product evaluation
A reserved table at the Time to Market Tradeshow
Resources for ongoing learning and growth, including:
Lifelong business advising
Access to future Getting Your Recipe to Market classes
How to Enroll in Getting Your Recipe to Market
You must complete a guided interview to ensure the program is a good fit for you. Complete the form on this page to schedule a guided interview.

April 9 to June 18, Thursdays 9:30 to 12:30 Launch and run your retail business with confidence. Program STARTS April 9, 2019
1 in 4 new businesses fail within the first year. And, only 47% of new retail businesses make it past 4 years in operation.*

The upfront costs of opening a retail business – the lease, the build out, the inventory – can be very expensive. The wrong decisions could mean unplanned expenses and not making it past the 1 year mark.

Starting a successful retail business requires proper planning to create a retail brand that attracts and keeps customers coming back. You’ll need to think about your points of sale, inventory and pricing strategy, marketing, customer service, and cash flow.

The Retail Business Builders program breaks down the critical components of opening a retail business and provides practical how-to’s for making the right decisions when you’re just starting out. You’ll learn from successful local retailers, retail subject-matter experts, and work with seasoned retail business advisors.

What to Expect
SBDC-RBB-Training-Leases.jpgRetail Business Builders is a 10 week program, meeting once per week for a 3 hour session. But, it’s more than just a class. It includes:

Group learning and networking to discuss challenges, exchange resources, and find solutions with peers.
30 hours of business education specifically designed for retail business owners taught by subject matter experts and successful local retailers. Complete the form on this page to get a detailed course outline.
Session 1: Retail Business Stages and Structures
Session 2: Visual Merchandising
Session 3: Buying Inventory
Session 4: Pricing
Session 5: Keeping Track of Money
Session 6: Attracting Customers
Session 7: Digital Marketing
Session 8: Implementing Best Practices
Session 9: Building and Keeping Local Customers
Session 10: Retail is a Team Sport
Up to 5 hours of one-on-one advising, which you can use during the course or within a 10 month period following Retail Business Builders.
Complimentary access to “Before You Go Global,” an online course to help you start selling your products in global markets.
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, Reference USA, MarketLink, and Euromonitor.
ENROLL NOW

What Our Clients Say
SBDC-RBB-Small-Fry-301355-edited-677029-edited.jpg”Regardless of your expertise or background, this was extremely eye opening, inspiring and beneficial!!” Vanessa Curry, co-owner of Small Fry

“I walked away from each class with nuggets to take back to my business. It inspired me to be a better business woman.” Elle Poindexter, co-owner of Small Fry

“Even with 10 years of Retail Management experience, there was never a week that I didn’t learn something new!” Sarah Marshall

“It was nice to meet other small business owners (or future) and talk about troubles & pleasures in owning your business.”

“I came into this class with little direction about how to launch my business and I left with greater confidence and meaningful connections. I found it very valuable to hear from successful business owners in the community and found the classroom offered a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere. I look forward to keeping in touch with the Retail Business Builders group and making my mark in the community.” Chanel Urist, Made of Coco

“Having a handful of advisors to talk through decisions with has been absolutely crucial for helping the growth of my business and my confidence in myself to run it.” Sarah Chellis, EyeDentity
The Investment
Time:

30 hours of education divided into 10 weekly, 3 hour sessions
Up to 5 hours of one-on-one advising, which you can use during the course or within a 10 month period following Retail Business Builders
Expect to spend time outside of the classroom and your advising sessions to work on different aspects of your business
Financial:

Tuition is $799.
Tuition can be paid in 5, monthly payments of $160.
An additional person from your business can take the course for 1/2 price, $400.
The Return:

Invaluable advice from industry experts that will save you years of frustration, and potentially thousands of dollars.
Support from a network of peers and mentors
Confidence to make the right decisions for your new business
Meet Your Cohort Lead
Leslie Hildula, MBA

Leslie_Hildula2.jpgLeslie helps entrepreneurs achieve their goals. Working with the SBDC since 2012, she has been coaching and educating clients in 3 counties, and led the growth of the Retail SBM program. A graduate of Pacific University and Golden Gate University (with a Masters in International Management), Leslie has consulted with business owners throughout the West Coast and overseas. She started her professional career in Silicon Valley in the high tech industry and came back home to Oregon in 1990. In Oregon, she’s had the opportunity to work in both the private and public sectors and understands the vital synergy between them. Her retail clients include Aries Apparel, Crafty Wonderland, Folly, Frock, Ink & Peat, Queen Bee, Radish Underground, Red Castle Games, Salty’s Pet Supply, and Tilde.

How to Enroll in Retail Business Builders
Ready to launch your business with confidence? Enroll today in Retail Business Builders.

Upcoming course launches:

April 9, 2019 (PCC Cascade Campus in North Portland)| ENROLL NOW
Please note to complete your enrollment in Retail Business Builders, you will need to register through Portland Community College.

Want more information? Complete the form on this page to get a detailed course outline.
*Source: http://www.statisticbrain.com/startup-failure-by-industry/

Mondays 9 to noon. Oregon Small Business Development Center and Portland Community College present ENCORE Business Builders to help you turn your experience into a rewarding small business.

What to Expect
Each week we’ll bring in subject-matter experts to teach on important areas. Sessions meet weekly for 10 weeks and are 3 hours long.

Through the 10 week program, you will:

Learn how to manage your business more effectively
Learn how to improve your business’s profitability
Network with small business owners
Gain clarity in your business
Dedicate time to work on your business
Work one-on-one with a business advisor
Learn from subject-matter experts
Take the Next Step in Building Your Business
Included in Program
Week 1: Mission, Vision, Goals
Week 2: Principles of Solopreneurship
Week 3: Models of Growth for the Solo Business
Week 4: Financial Recordkeeping
Week 5: Pricing for Profit
Week 6: Raising Money
Week 7: Legal Details for Your Business
Week 8: Branding and Sales for the Solo Business
Week 9: Getting Your Business On the Web
Week 10: Marketing with E-tools

For a detailed course outline, complete the form on this page | ENROLL NOW

This workshop series includes instruction, discussion, resource referrals and templates that will help you develop, communicate, and execute your existing business or new business idea.

Five week series (once a week). Open to the community.

Sessions include:

Intro to the PSU Business Outreach Program and the roles of an entrepreneur
Understanding your target market, market research and advertising
Building a new or revised business plan
Budgeting, recordkeeping and financing your business
Legal issues, entity selection, employment overview and local resource referrals
To register:

Step 1: Complete our Inquiry Questionnaire: https://tinyurl.com/BOPInquiry
Step 2: Submit payment of $175 (Non Refundable)

Note: If your income does not support the full fee, please complete Step 1, then contact us.

Questions: Contact us at psubop@pdx.edu or (503) 725-9820

There’s a rapid shift underway across all industries that requires both companies and their employees to start thinking and acting in a different way when it comes to the way we work, learn and live. AI and robotics are poised to transform careers, jobs and the workplace but we as people are the untapped potential that will determine if this shift benefits all of us and creates a better world. As the center of this enormous change, we are the most important voice in defining the work of the future to ensure we can best contribute and thrive. This is where we lay the foundation to ensure it becomes a reality. Future of work PDX is excited to announce the second annual full-day conference where these and many other topics will be explored.

Join us on Saturday, June, 22nd in industrial SE Portland for an energizing day; larger circle conversations, breakout groups, and a happy hour networking social to follow. The conference is open to all and the cost for attendance is $75 ($35 students) and includes a catered breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day. Reserve your ticket now as space is limited.

Do you feel like you’re not charging enough for the services you offer? Come learn strategies to negotiate better rates for yourself and network with other women entrepreneurs!

You’ll learn how to:
• Overcome fear and craft your case
• Spot “time wasters” and quickly move on
• Prepare effectively for client negotiations
• Strategies for negotiating your value and price

DETAILS » » »

Get your tickets on Event link:
$15 general public
$5 off for Hatch members (code: hatch5)

Seating is limited – get your tickets now!

5:30pm Networking & Appetizers
6pm–7:30pm Presentation Q&A

SPEAKER » » »

Melissa Barker is a digital marketing consultant, textbook author, and mentor. Along with first-hand experience as a woman entrepreneur, Melissa specialized in negotiation during her MBA program. In addition, she worked as a debate coach and is currently a mentor for Five One Labs’ “Female Founders Fellowship” and helps female entrepreneurs in conflict-affected areas.

FAQ » » »

1. Who can attend? Anyone who identifies as a woman is welcome! This is an inclusive event.

2. Why is this just for women? Because I believe that traditional negotiation advice falls short for women. This seminar digs into the unique challenges we face as women entrepreneurs and ways to overcome them.

3. Can I skip the networking and show up at 6pm? Absolutely! I encourage you to come to the networking but only if it works with your schedule.

This workshop series includes instruction, discussion, resource referrals and templates that will help you develop, communicate, and execute your existing business or new business idea.

Five week series (once a week). Open to the community.

Sessions include:

Intro to the PSU Business Outreach Program and the roles of an entrepreneur
Understanding your target market, market research and advertising
Building a new or revised business plan
Budgeting, recordkeeping and financing your business
Legal issues, entity selection, employment overview and local resource referrals
To register:

Step 1: Complete our Inquiry Questionnaire: https://tinyurl.com/BOPInquiry
Step 2: Submit payment of $175 (Non Refundable)

Note: If your income does not support the full fee, please complete Step 1, then contact us.

Questions: Contact us at psubop@pdx.edu or (503) 725-9820

How might the world’s unicorns uplift designers of the future by engaging with their former selves?

A ‘unicorn’ has many definitions – primarily, it is used in reference to an individual who has surpassed the odds and become successful within their given field. In Portland, a unicorn is often described as a woman of color who has obtained a successful career as a designer. Our city is flush with aspiring creatives who bring their personal and professional experience to the table, expanding design as we know it and creating impactful products and services to broader communities. For these individuals, a mentor is key; someone who has become a proud unicorn and aims to give back to their younger selves by sharing their expertise and wisdom, thereby boosting the potential impact of the design industry.

Angela Medlin, Founder of FAAS and House Dogge, is one such unicorn. From a decades-long career in functional apparel design, Angela embarked on a new journey to take aspiring designers from around the world under her wing and give them intensive, hands-on, mentorship-based, real-world experience and education at FAAS – the Functional Apparel and Accessories Studio.

Join Angela for a morning of inspirational storytelling as she delves into her personal history becoming a successful functional apparel designer, and how she took the leap to apply everything she learned to invigorating a new generation of diverse ‘Solutioneers.’

About the Speaker

Angela Medlin, Founder of FAAS (The Functional Apparel & Accessories Studio), is changing the face(s) of the apparel industry. She built a successful career designing and directing for renowned global brands that include Nike/Jordan, Adidas, The North Face, Levi Strauss & Co., Eddie Bauer, and Cross Colours. In 2017, Angela left her leadership position at Nike/Jordan brand to collaborate with Dwayne Edwards, Founder of Pensole Footwear Academy. Working in partnership, their shared goal is to close the gap between under-represented creatives and the footwear/apparel industry. Together, they are preparing the next generation of diverse designers in an unprecedented ‘learn while doing’ program in FAAS.

$15 tickets in advance, $20 at the door. This is a cash-free event. Doors open at 8:30 am, presentation begins at 9:00 am. Breakfast will be served.

What is Design Museum mornings?
Design Museum Mornings is a monthly event series brought to you by Design Museum Portland. These events are meant to inspire you before your day begins and bring you closer to the Design Museum Portland community. Each event will include a short presentation by a local thought-leader, free breakfast, and great people to wake up with. These events are hosted and sponsored by various generous businesses of the Greater Portland area. If you are interested in hosting one of these events, please check out our host page here for more information.

Mondays 9 to noon. Oregon Small Business Development Center and Portland Community College present ENCORE Business Builders to help you turn your experience into a rewarding small business.

What to Expect
Each week we’ll bring in subject-matter experts to teach on important areas. Sessions meet weekly for 10 weeks and are 3 hours long.

Through the 10 week program, you will:

Learn how to manage your business more effectively
Learn how to improve your business’s profitability
Network with small business owners
Gain clarity in your business
Dedicate time to work on your business
Work one-on-one with a business advisor
Learn from subject-matter experts
Take the Next Step in Building Your Business
Included in Program
Week 1: Mission, Vision, Goals
Week 2: Principles of Solopreneurship
Week 3: Models of Growth for the Solo Business
Week 4: Financial Recordkeeping
Week 5: Pricing for Profit
Week 6: Raising Money
Week 7: Legal Details for Your Business
Week 8: Branding and Sales for the Solo Business
Week 9: Getting Your Business On the Web
Week 10: Marketing with E-tools

For a detailed course outline, complete the form on this page | ENROLL NOW

This workshop series includes instruction, discussion, resource referrals and templates that will help you develop, communicate, and execute your existing business or new business idea.

Five week series (once a week). Open to the community.

Sessions include:

Intro to the PSU Business Outreach Program and the roles of an entrepreneur
Understanding your target market, market research and advertising
Building a new or revised business plan
Budgeting, recordkeeping and financing your business
Legal issues, entity selection, employment overview and local resource referrals
To register:

Step 1: Complete our Inquiry Questionnaire: https://tinyurl.com/BOPInquiry
Step 2: Submit payment of $175 (Non Refundable)

Note: If your income does not support the full fee, please complete Step 1, then contact us.

Questions: Contact us at psubop@pdx.edu or (503) 725-9820

We’re excited to present Della Rae, the Director of The Oregon Women’s Health Network. She will discuss “Leadership Essentials: Components of Leadership, Examining Individual Values, and Effective Listening”.

For twelve plus years, Della has been committed to advancing women’s overall health as a community advocate and author of “Little Book of Self-Care.”

Della’s work began when she co-founded, with her sister, the non-profit organization, Sisters of the Community, a cause that connected people who wanted to donate household goods with those in need. For her efforts and more Della received accolades that range from the Safeco Foundation National Hero Award, a Portland Business Journal 40 under 40 Award, the Symetra Community Champion Award, and the Delta Sigma Theta Woman of Excellence Award. It’s natural that a significant chunk of Della’s professional skills and background also includes driving organizational culture and human resources management.

Oregon Womens Health Network

Della’s LinkedIn Profile

Join us July 8:

5:30 Arrivals and Connecting

6:00 Introductions, Presentation and Discussion

7:00 Networking

The Alberta Space is located on the second floor in the rear of 5010 NE 9th St and Alberta St, Portland, Oregon. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood.

The Alberta Space

At LinkedIn Local PDX, all are welcome and we encourage diversity of thought. For the planet, we aim to be zero waste (please bring your own bottles and mugs). For people, our events are all inclusive and welcoming. We will serve light refreshments on compostable materials.

Save the date for our next gathering on August 12 with Hussain Al-Baiety.

* Please be advised that a photographer may be present taking pictures. If you choose not to participate,
please let the staff know when you check in. *

LinkedIn Local PDX is on Facebook and Twitter @linkedinlocalpdx and the LinkedIn Group: LI Local PDX. Join us there for conversations and to learn more about events!

See you there!

Your LinkedIn Local PDX Co-Hosts

Kim Allchurch Flick

Bill Cohen

Michael Chen

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Things To Do In Portland, OR
Portland Networking

Portland Business Networking

This workshop series includes instruction, discussion, resource referrals and templates that will help you develop, communicate, and execute your existing business or new business idea.

Five week series (once a week). Open to the community.

Sessions include:

Intro to the PSU Business Outreach Program and the roles of an entrepreneur
Understanding your target market, market research and advertising
Building a new or revised business plan
Budgeting, recordkeeping and financing your business
Legal issues, entity selection, employment overview and local resource referrals
To register:

Step 1: Complete our Inquiry Questionnaire: https://tinyurl.com/BOPInquiry
Step 2: Submit payment of $175 (Non Refundable)

Note: If your income does not support the full fee, please complete Step 1, then contact us.

Questions: Contact us at psubop@pdx.edu or (503) 725-9820

Networking. Food. Drink. And amazing fast-paced pitched from 5 PDX startups. That’s all there is to it! The makings of a perfect evening hanging out with other like-minded folks and forging long-lasting relationships.

Presenters will pitch for EXACTLY 99 seconds, followed by 4min. of Q&A. YOU, the crowd, then vote for the winner. All participants walk away with incredible prizes (both Google Cloud and AWS credits). But NOW, the winner gets an even BIGGER package: valued at upwards of $25K!

Come see what this event sensation now across 45 cities worldwide is all about. Or if you haven’t been in a while, swing by again. Either way, hope to see you soon!

NOTE: Proceeds from ticket sales for this workshop go to Lean Portland in support of our volunteer efforts with nonprofits.

Whether you work for a manufacturing company, work in an office, or provide customer service, Six Sigma can help you solve important and challenging problems within your organization, using a structured approach and data analysis.

In this Six Sigma primer we’ll address:
– How the DMAIC model and analysis tools increase the chance of solving problems
– The different Six Sigma belt certification levels (Yellow, Green, Black and Master Black Belt)
– Popular analysis tools such as graphical tools, designed experiments (DOE), measurement studies, statistical process control, regression analysis and statistical software
– How Six Sigma compares to Lean
– Examples of Six Sigma applied to sustainability (environmental and social)
– Exercises for measuring time and conducting experiments

Join Brion Hurley from Business Performance Improvement to better understand how Six Sigma can be integrated into your organization.

Roots of Six Sigma
In 1986, engineers Bill Smith & Mikel J Harry introduced Six Sigma within Motorola, as a way to improve business performance, and make it easier for employees to utilize effective quality improvement tools.

Why did Motorola come up with this program? It all began in the late 1970s, when a Japanese firm took over a Motorola factory that manufactured television sets in the United States. The Japanese promptly set about making drastic changes to the way the factory operated by reducing the variation from product to product. The factory was soon producing TV sets with 1/20th the number of defects they had produced under Motorola management, and this translated to fewer warranty claims and customer complaints.

Six Sigma refers to the ability of processes to produce a very high proportion of output within specification (without defects or errors). Processes that operate with “six sigma quality” over the short term are assumed to produce long-term defect levels below 3.4 defects per million opportunities.

After Motorola achieved tremendous quality improvements, the popularity spread to other companies. Jack Welch, CEO of General Electric (GE) made it integral to his business strategy in 1995, requiring his managers to achieve Green Belt certification if they wanted to get promoted.

By the late 1990s, about two-thirds of the Fortune 500 organizations had begun Six Sigma initiatives with the aim of reducing costs and improving quality. Today, Six Sigma continues to be practiced and implemented within many manufacturing, banking, healthcare, service and financial organizations.

BRION HURLEY
Lean Six Sigma Consultant
Business Performance Improvement LLC, Portland, Oregon
www.biz-pi.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brion-hurley-432192

Brion Hurley lean six sigma consultant portland oregon

Brion, a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, teaches Six Sigma Green Belt and Lean classes, facilitates workshops and kaizen events, performs statistical analysis, and mentors and engages employees through improvement efforts in the manufacturing and office areas, with emphasis on environmental impacts within a company. In addition, he holds numerous sustainability certifications, and has experience driving sustainability efforts at both the corporate and regional level by applying process improvement techniques to reduce electricity and solid waste. He volunteers his time with nonprofits to teach and coach Lean concepts through an organization called Lean Portland. He is the author of the book, “Lean Six Sigma for Good.”

Mondays 9 to noon. Oregon Small Business Development Center and Portland Community College present ENCORE Business Builders to help you turn your experience into a rewarding small business.

What to Expect
Each week we’ll bring in subject-matter experts to teach on important areas. Sessions meet weekly for 10 weeks and are 3 hours long.

Through the 10 week program, you will:

Learn how to manage your business more effectively
Learn how to improve your business’s profitability
Network with small business owners
Gain clarity in your business
Dedicate time to work on your business
Work one-on-one with a business advisor
Learn from subject-matter experts
Take the Next Step in Building Your Business
Included in Program
Week 1: Mission, Vision, Goals
Week 2: Principles of Solopreneurship
Week 3: Models of Growth for the Solo Business
Week 4: Financial Recordkeeping
Week 5: Pricing for Profit
Week 6: Raising Money
Week 7: Legal Details for Your Business
Week 8: Branding and Sales for the Solo Business
Week 9: Getting Your Business On the Web
Week 10: Marketing with E-tools

For a detailed course outline, complete the form on this page | ENROLL NOW

***Applications are due by June 10th!***

The next Social Pitch is on September 8th!

The Social Pitch provides emerging social entrepreneurs with an opportunity to receive funding and engage the community with their projects. It is an alternative funding model for community good.

In person attendee:
Your ticket price gets you a delicious bowl of soup and a vote. At the end of the afternoon, after hearing the presentations and a short Q&A session with the do-good entrepreneurs, ballots are counted, and prizes are awarded. Remote attendee: Your ticket price gets you a vote. At the end of the afternoon, after watching the presentations and a short Q&A session with the do-good entrepreneurs, your votes via our Facebook poll will be counted, and prizes will be awarded.

What funds the cash prizes?
One hundred percent of the ticket revenue goes to funding the Cash Prizes. Your money goes directly to supporting an amazing community project or social enterprise! Thank you!

How does it work?

1. People with great, early-stage ideas (projects or startups) that will provide lasting benefit to our community submit applications, and we pick five of them to present their ideas.
2. Then, community members buy tickets to attend—whether in-person or via Facebook Live tickets—with each ticket granting the attendee a vote. If you’re an in-person attendee, you also get to enjoy freshly-baked bread and a bowl of soup brought to you by SoupCycle!
3. After the five presentations, the attendees vote, and all of the votes are tallied. The presenter with the most votes wins the cash prize!

Beyond the cash prize (everyone is a Winner.) Each presenter receives:

– Cash Prizes from ticket revenue of The Social Pitch and business service prizes (such as marketing or tech support)
– Your own custom-made promotional video to use to promote your project (value: $500)
– Pitch Clinic (value: $50)
– Up to 30 days of On-Demand membership at HatchLab PDX (value: $675)
– Plus, the experience and networking the finalists gain from being a part of this program and community (value: priceless)

More info!

The Social Pitch

The Social Pitch FAQs

Please submit here!

Changemaker Application: The Social Pitch