Announcing the 2023 Small Business Development Scholarship Cohort

The Small Business Management Scholarship Program is a 10-month program run by Portland Community College’s Small Business Development Center with program instructor Dr. Sean Harry. This program is designed to amplify and support small businesses and their job growth and specifically train these businesses in valuable skills to help increase revenue, improve overall operations, and hire new employees. Additionally, each participant receives a complimentary, two-year membership to the Portland Business Alliance at the end of the program. Each year, the Alliance awards program scholarships to small business owners who are ready to move their business to the next level.

These scholarships are made possible thanks to a generous partnership with Bank of America.
 
“Small business has, and always will be, a critical and crucial part of the economy. Their ability to create diverse jobs, provide new opportunities, and drive innovation is an integral part to our thriving community,” said Art Avitia, Portland Business Alliance Board Member and Senior Relationship Manager, Global Commercial Banking for Bank of America. “As long-time supporters of PCC’s Small Business Development Program, we applaud this year’s class and their dedication to improving business relationships in the Portland Metro region.”

For the first time since the pandemic began, this year’s class was able to meet at the Alliance’s office for their first class of the year. Over the next year, they will be participating in monthly classes that will give them the tools needed to give their businesses the advantage to grow and adapt in our ever-changing business economy.

“Through the SBDC program, I met a law firm that helped me with the initial business sale contract of Derek’s when I purchased this business and I was also introduced to my current bookkeeper which has been invaluable,” said Jessica Jones, class of 2022 and owner of Derek’s Shoe Repair. "I didn't even know how much help I needed when I started this course, but then all of it was right there, ready to support me. This program is going to change your life and open up so many doors."

The Alliance is proud to introduce the Class of 2023:

• Aluma Aesthetic Medicine - Inspired by facial treatments that create natural results, Aluma focuses on providing personalized aesthetic care to help create the best version of yourself.
• Columbia Cleanroom - Is a family-run business specializing in the highest quality of cleanroom stationary, digital printing, and consumables for sterile environments.
• Framebuilder’s Supply - asks the question “what do you want to build today?” when it comes to custom bicycle frames, and they offer unique tools and parts to get you on the road faster.
• Gimre’s Shoes - is the oldest, family-owned shoe store in the western United States and provides superior service and shoe selection for you to find you the perfect shoe
• Insurance Store - assists in no-cost healthcare planning for individuals, families, and small businesses, with a primary focus on Medicare.
• Morgan Communications - blends thoughtful strategic planning with key narratives to create compelling, branded storytelling that makes your company shine.
• Oregon Care Home Consulting LLC -  Serves current and future adult foster care home licensees by helping them navigate the licensing process and have a successful adult foster care home business through Aging & People with Disabilities (APD) program.
• Parallel Food & Drink - brings food and wine together with a unique wine club subscription and takes a spin on the traditional to make wine more modern and approachable.
• Poley Creative - works with a talented team of audio engineers, illustrators, and motion designers to create videos that focus on a “teach and tell” story.
• Portland Limousine Service - offers luxury limo and party bus services with many day packages to choose from for any celebratory event.
• Woonwinkel - carries well-crafted, sprightly home and gift items from creators and makers all around the world.