Guide to Oregon State Small Business Services and Resources

Start with the secretary of state's office

The secretary of state's corporation division offers information, forms and publications to would-be entrepreneurs, as well as established businesses.

I recommend: Get the excellent guide, How to Start a Business in Oregon, a 46-page downloadable outline of how to open shop there. Eventually, you'll register your new business at this site, too.

Discover Oregon's clusters

Oregon's economy is driven by clusters of similar and related firms concentrated in a small area. Clusters include electronics, forest products, food processing, metals and sports apparels industries, among others.

I recommend: Learn how Oregon encourages its cluster industries at Oregonclusters.org

Tap Oregon's small business financial assistance programs

The Oregon Economic and Community Development Department offers information and support to small businesses, including financial assistance programs and low-interest loans available to small businesses. The office also helps businesses find potential customers and resources in the international marketplace.

I recommend: Learn about Oregon's financial incentives for small businesses.

Take advantage of Oregon's free consulting services

Oregon Small Business Development Centers, a network of 20 offices in the state, provides free one-on-one business consulting, workshops, publications, networking opportunities and educational programs.

I recommend: Find consulting centers' locations at Bizcenter.org.

Let Oregon help you find workers' compensation insurance

Obtaining affordable workers' compensation plagues small business owners. Oregon has responded by establishing the Oregon Small Business Ombudsman to help obtain this key insurance for small businesses.

I recommend: Get help finding workers' compensation insurance and related problems at Oregon.gov (run a search for "small business ombudsman").

Get site-specific advice from Oregon's many chambers of commerce

If you're thinking about relocating your small business in Oregon, talk to people who live, work and play in your potential area by contacting the local chamber of commerce.

I recommend: Consult Oregon's Chamber of Commerce and its Chamber Directory.

Consult with Uncle Sam about running a small business in Oregon

The U.S. Small Business Administration has a full range of services available in Oregon, both on line and at its district office in Portland.

I recommend: Consult SBA's list of services in Oregon.

Get advice from seasoned executives

SCORE, the non-profit association of retired business executives, has six branches in Oregon offering both face-to-face and email business counseling.

I recommend: Consult Score.org for executives willing to advise you on your small business.

Find help for the smallest of businesses

The Oregon Micro-enterprise Network (OMEN) supports business with fewer than five employees, including many home-based businesses, as well as low-income and other disadvantaged entrepreneurs, with training, technical assistance, access to capital, access to markets and wealth building programs.

I recommend: Check out OMEN's services for micro-businesses.