Since 2011, the Portland Metro Chamber has partnered with Bank of America and Portland Community College’s Small Business Development Center to organize the Small Business Management Program, a 10-month training program to help Portland-area entrepreneurs grow their small businesses. Over the past decade, hundreds of companies have gone through this program, resulting in dramatic increases in profitability and the creation of many new jobs in our regional economy.
Today, we’re excited to announce the latest cohort for the Small Business Management Program. The class of 2024 includes:
The Small Business Management program focuses on the mission-critical aspects of running and growing a business, including sourcing capital, financial management, marketing, human resources and hiring, and expanding into new markets. Participants commit to a three-hour class and a one-on-one advisory session each month, for the duration of the program.
Thanks to a generous grant from Bank of America, the Chamber is able to offer this comprehensive training program to a handful of businesses at a significantly discounted rate.
“Portland’s small businesses are an integral part of the city’s economy, and the lifeblood of our communities.” said Art Avitia, Portland Metro Chamber Board Member and Senior Relationship Manager, Global Commercial Banking for Bank of America. “Bank of America is a long time supporter of PCC’s Small Business Development Program because it improves the growth of quality small businesses in our Portland Metro region and the diverse jobs and innovation they bring with them.”
Portland’s small businesses are an integral part of the city’s economy, and the lifeblood of our communities.
This investment in Portland’s small businesses yields huge benefits, both for the program participants and the economy at-large. This is evidenced by metrics, showing marked increases in sales, capitalization, and hiring for companies that have gone through the Small Business Management Program.
According to data collected by PCC’s Small Business Development Center, over the past 12 years, the Small Business Management program has generated nearly $32,000,000 in new economic activity in our local economy. And, over that span, each program cohort has yielded, on average:
