Portland Business Incubators and Accelerators, Part 5 of 5: Women and Minority-Owned Businesses

December 7, 2012 at 7:15 am Impact Entrepreneurs at Portland State University 1 comment

By Jacen Greene, Ames Fellow for Social Entrepreneurship at Portland State University

In part five of our week-long series on Portland-area business incubators and accelerators, we cover programs for women and minority entrepreneurs. To see a complete list of our posts and the programs covered in each, please read the first post in the series.

Portland State University Business Outreach Program (BOP): “The BOP has been assisting low to moderate income entrepreneurs in the Portland community since 1994. With comprehensive business support services, we pride ourselves on assisting business owners achieve their personal and business goals by developing long-term support relationships. These relationships help business owners navigate business challenges and successes over time. From budgeting and record keeping to strategic planning and marketing strategies, the BOP is able to assist.”

“The BOP’s unique model provides a depth of support for entrepreneurs through our professional advisory staff and student resources to assist the small business community grow and prosper. In addition to our long-term support, we offer a 5-week Business Development Workshop series that is a great resource for individuals who are developing a new business idea or who are looking to formalize an exiting business.” — Lara Damon, Director.

Hacienda CDC: Latino culinary businesses can apply to be a part of the Micro Mercantes incubator, a program of Hacienda CDC, where they can develop their entrepreneurial skills. After an 11-week foundations course, participating businesses have access to technical assistance, an affordable commissary kitchen, hands-on training at farmers market booths, technical assistance, classes and consideration for capital. — From the website.

Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME): “OAME is a non-profit, tax exempt organization with a mission to promote and develop entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities in the State of Oregon & SW Washington. OAME Cascade Plaza established its core services as follows:

Technical Assistance
Access to Capital
Matching Capability with Opportunity (Clearinghouse)
Administrative Services
Information and Networking
Incubator With and Without Walls”

— From the website.

Women Of Mindful Business (WOMB): “If you want to create a natural framework for your business+marketing efforts, collaborate with a small group of heart-centered entrepreneurs and learn to weave the feminine into your business, we are the perfect match you never knew you needed. WOMB Sessions are always small groups of women so everyone gets a chance to get to know each other and has the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas, inspirations and suggestions when welcomed.” — From the website.