State and Local Resources

Oregon and Portland Resources for Starting Businesses

Portland and the State of Oregon are committed to your business success. Both the city and the state offer numerous resources and support organizations that assist with business start-ups.

The Oregon Secretary of State offers the Oregon Business Wizard to help determine licensing, permitting and regulatory requirements. In addition to the wizard the Secretary of State also has information related to incorporation and other pertinent information for new businesses that can be found here. For a printable guide, you can download the Adobe Acrobat file “How to Start a Business in Oregon”. Another state resource is Business Oregon which in addition to supplying information for Starting a Business in Oregon, can potentially help with financing. Business Oregon also supports the Small Business Development Centers, which are operated in conjunction with the state’s Community Colleges. The Portland Small Business Development Center offers classes, seminars and one-on-one counseling for starting businesses.

The City of Portland offers numerous resources for starting businesses, including development assistance, procurement services and potentially financing. The Bureau of Development Services has general information for new businesses and contact information here and also publishes a printable brochure for small businesses. The Office of Management and Finance has information and assistance for new businesses looking to do business with the city including technical assistance, classes and workshops. The Portland Development Commission also offers contracting opportunities, in addition to offering financing for eligible businesses.