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 Metro Chamber at the end of the program. Each year, the Chamber 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 our long-standing and generous partnership with Chamber member, Bank of America.
“As the number one lender to small businesses, we understand that small business is the backbone of Portland’s economy,” said Roger Hinshaw, president, Bank of America Oregon/Southwest Washington. “Given our deep commitment to supporting small businesses at every stage of their development, we congratulate this year’s cohort on their achievements and look forward to seeing the lasting impact they will make on our local economy.”
The 2025 cohort reflects a wide range of industries including tree climbing tourism, custom bass guitar manufacturing, and private investigation services. The diversity in industries underscores how Portland’s unique, creative culture fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. Fun fact, this year was the largest graduating classes we’ve had since 2011!
The Portland Metro Chamber is proud to recognize the following 2025 graduates:
Ally Stinnett Rundel and Daniel Jasa— McClain’s Printmaking Supplies
Alyssa Hoppe — Hoppe Shoppe
Bonnie Morales — Fabrika LLC DBA Kachka Dumplings
Carla Titus — Wealth and Worth Within
Chylese Austin — Lark and Fir Realty LLC
Christina Rischar — Wander Studio
Crystal Chanel— Press Release Marketing
Dahlia Hanson — Speed-o Cappuccino
Edward Ajaeb — Nighthawk Strategies
Eli Pelster — Columbia Gear Works
Ellis Hahn — LEH GUITARS
Giora Katzin — RTM Access Control LLC
Heather Rose — Peak Tours and Transit LLC
Jeri Alcock — Rose City Philanthropy
Jason Staats — Where to Eat Guide
Jeff Rowe — Durham Construction
Jimmy Heberling — Barrel Room Portland
Jon Westdahl — Squirrel and Crow
Kieron Wilde — First Nature Tours
Leo Fischer — Tree Climbing at Silver Falls
Magdelene Salinas — Ground to Crown
Marlena Johnson — Living Tree Wellness Center LLC
Noah Cable — Wellspent Market
Rick Olson — Olson Brothers Woodworks LLC
Sophie Thomson — Hey Love
Stacey Clark — Clark Lumber and Hardware
Steve Waters — Backwoods Brewing Company
Ty Brown — The Millennial Group
Special thank you to the Alyssa at Hoppe Shoppe for hosting us for this very fun end of year party!
“We are proud of and inspired by the 2025 Small Business Management Program graduates. These entrepreneurs embraced the challenge of committing to a 10-month program, and they have gained the tools to grow their businesses, overcome challenges, and create positive change in our community,” said Andrew Hoan, President and CEO of the Portland Metro Chamber. “We look forward to seeing the difference they will make in Portland’s business community and beyond.”
If you want learn more about this program, please contact Becca at rmcculloch@portlandalliance.com.