Business Support

Small Business

More than 44,000 firms with less than 50 employees are in business in the Portland area; small businesses represent 95% of all firms and employ 254,000 people with a payroll of approximately $2.1 billion. Nearly three-quarters of the net new jobs in Portland are created by small business. Our local economy is populated by thousands of small business enterprises, many of which struggle for viability and survival while providing hundreds of thousands of jobs with billions of dollars in payroll.

PDC Small Business Assistance Toolkit (PDF)

PDC recognizes small business as a powerful economic engine. We are a resource to help businesses locate and access Portland area resources that can help small business succeed and profit - driving positive results for the region's economy.  Our staff is available to talk with small business owners, or those considering starting a small business, about anything from where to find help with a business plan to how to get involved with the small business community. 

In addition, the city's Small Business Advocate acts as a liaison and a voice for small business.

Important Resources for Small Businesses

Portland Development Commission Resources

• Business Finance Programs are designed to address gap financing and promote job creation and retention.
• Storefront Improvement Program provides matching grants and technical assistance to business and property owners in eligible neighborhoods. Recipients can use the support for a variety of improvements, ranging from repainting to purchase of new windows and awnings.
• Contracting Opportunities with PDC for vendors, suppliers and contractors.
• Online New Business Checklist covers information to help you start your new business. (View/download a print publication in .pdf format.)
• Portland Business Assistance Guide is a consolidated listing of services available for new and existing business owners, such as free counseling, workshops, etc.
• Portland Business Handbook covers an array of topics such as where to find financial assistance, where to go for permits and zoning information, how to do business with local government, and where to find employees or employee training programs.
• Development Opportunity Services Program provides businesses and property owners with technical assistance and resources to assess the feasibility of redeveloping property along commercial main streets.
• Small Business Advisory Council (SBAC) serves as a liaison and a voice for small business in city policy, planning and economic development.
• Portland Metropolitan Region Fact Book provides an overview of the Portland metropolitan area and makes the case for the region as an excellent location for doing business.

City of Portland Resources

• Business In Portland
• City of Portland website (PortlandOnline.com)
• City of Portland Business Licensing/Income Tax provides information about licensing requirements for small businesses and pertinent information about income tax.
• Permitting provides information about such topics as zoning, permits, and occupancy that may pertain to business location, remodeling, and/or expansion.

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