City of Portland small businesses that have been impacted by COVID and/or a natural disaster can access free business advising services. Businesses can schedule an appointment to get help accessing loans, grants and other business support programs like technical assistance and workshops.

How it works

  • 1. Schedule an appointment

    Select a date and time that works with your schedule to meet with an advisor. If you need assistance in your language, our Central Navigators can help.

    Schedule an appointment

  • 2. Complete the business intake form

    Before you meet with your advisor, check your email for an intake form and complete it prior to your appointment. To make your initial consultation efficient, be specific in your intake form about the kind of help you’re looking for.

  • 3. Meet with your business advisor

    The initial consultation will be by phone or Zoom videoconferencing. Your advisor will use the first meeting to assess your business needs, and may refer you to programs that support your business goals. Business advisors can also assist you with completing applications for loan or grant programs.

  • 4. Get follow-up support

    If you have follow-up questions after your initial consultation, contact your advisor.

  • 5. Rate your service

    You will receive a follow-up survey after you meet with your advisor. Let us know what you think of the services you received.

Portland Small Business Hub client Cass Evans tells us about her experience with the Hub.

 

What to expect

Our business advisors can help your small business with the following:

 

General questions

 

Advisors can answer general questions that you have about your business.

 

Referrals

 

Advisors can provide referrals to business resources, technical assistance services, affordable commercial lease options, marketing, tax and legal support. They can also refer you to long-term technical assistance that may be a good fit for your business (e.g. business planning).

 

Finding business loans & grants

 

Advisors can help identify loans or grants available to you based on your business stage and industry.

 

Application Assistance

 

Advisors can assist with completing applications for loans, grants, licenses, permits and certifications. (We cannot guarantee your business will be awarded the loan, grant, license, etc.) Visit our Resource Library to learn more about current services available to small businesses.  

Have additional questions?
Check out our FAQ, or connect with our Central Navigators. Call 503-241-4594 or chat with us Mon - Fri (8am - 12pm, 1 - 5 pm) using the chat button below.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. This program is intended to provide services to business owners located in the city of Portland or who are residents of the city of Portland. Priority businesses include those owned by people of color, women, non-English/limited English speakers or in industries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

  • No. There is no limit to accessing services. However, services are needs-based and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority may be given to first-time clients when the volume of inquiries is high.   

  • Available services could include using a trauma-informed approach to assist and advise businesses seeking resources; supporting businesses with completing forms and compiling documents for COVID relief funding; and referring businesses to other technical assistance resources or support as needed. Providers can help businesses identify available funding opportunities and eligibility requirements, advise businesses on how to gather documentation to apply for available opportunities. 

  • You can start by chatting with us live, calling 503-241-4594, or emailing hello@pdxsmallbizhub.com to speak directly to a central navigator. The central navigator can assist clients by answering questions, scheduling one-on-one appointments with business navigators and making referrals to other resources as needed.

  • Appointments may be conducted by phone, remotely or in person.

  • No. There are no income eligibility requirements.

  • There is no restriction on business ownership and accessing multiple services.

  • This program is a resource navigation platform to help local businesses access local, regional, national, and federal resources. This platform does not provide funding in-house or guarantee client needs will be met. Providers will do their best to connect businesses to other resources or services for deeper or longer-term services as needed.  

  • Inquiries are answered in a timely manner in the order received. The standard period for expected response is within two business days.  

  • No. The resource navigation services that this program provides to business owners are free of charge. Different providers might have different eligibility requirements for their own programs such as loans, grants, and other services. Please do check with each agency for eligibility and costs. 

  • Assistance is available in the following primary languages: Spanish, Russian, English, and Vietnamese. Chinese and other languages are available with assistance from an interpreter.

  • Data will be used for reporting and program evaluation only. However, as a federally funded program, the Small Business Hub client data is reported to our federal funders. Demographic data will be collected and shared via business intake forms and through post-service customer satisfaction surveys. 

  • When you schedule an appointment with a service provider using the Hub, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions to add to your calendar or cancel meeting. Follow that link to cancel an appointment. 

  • Yes. This program is funded by ARPA federal funds and is effective through July 1, 2024.