Introduction
There are many resources available at the Federal, Regional, County and City level to help startups and small businesses. And, of course, the business owner must be aware of the pertinent regulations, permits, business licenses and other requirements imposed by governments. This page provides links to government resources where business owners can find help, and find out about regulations, permits, etc.
Federal Resources
Small Business Administration
- Business.gov guides you through government rules and regulations
- Portland Small Business Development Center
- Portland Small Business Development Center - Workshops
- Startup Kit includes an excellent outline of SBA services
- SBA Startup Guide
- SBA Oregon Small Business Resource Guide
- Small Business Development Centers Small Business Development Centers in Oregon Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)
- Small Business Technology Transfer Program (SBTT)
Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights
State of Oregon Resources
- Bureau of Labor and Industries
- Technical Assistance for Employers
- Wage and Hour Division
- Secretary of State, Corporate Division: This site has several helpful links for startups. A sample is listed below.
- Business Name Search: Find out if the company name you've selected is available in the state of Oregon
- Oregon Business Guide: The Oregon Business Guide provides a general checklist to help you through the process of registering your business. It also includes the basic employer information previously published in the Information for Oregon Employers booklet. Finally, it lists business assistance programs that may be good resources as you begin and continue to run your business
- Oregon Corporate Division, Forms and Fees Forms for registering your business, and more
- Economic and Community Development Department: The Oregon Economic and Community Development Department's goal is to strengthen the state's economy in an effort to put more Oregonians to work in good jobs. They work with the private sector to create an environment that encourages business expansion, creation and relocation; and with local communities to help develop the infrastructure they need to attract business and keep their economy going.
- Oregon Investment Fund: In July 2003, HB 3613 passed the Oregon State Legislature and enacted a mandate for the Oregon Investment Council ("OIC") to design a $100 mm program that encourages the growth of small businesses within the state of Oregon. To accomplish this mandate the OIC chose to develop a fund of funds, the Oregon Investment Fund ("OIF"). This fund will commit capital to private equity and venture capital funds that will in turn invest in companies located primarily in the state of Oregon, as well as the Northwest region. In addition, a significant percentage of the assets of the OIF will be invested directly into operating companies alongside the OIF's private equity and venture capital managers.
- Oregon Growth Account: The Oregon Growth Account (OGA) was created within the Education Stability Fund (ESF) in 1995. The ESF receives 18% of Lottery proceeeds, of which 10% flow into the OGA. The purpose of the OGA is to earn returns for the ESF by making investments in or providing seed capital for emerging growth businesses in key industries, primarily in Oregon. The OGA funds are invested via venture firms, including Endeavour Capital, Fluke Venture Partners, SmartForest Ventures, Tamarack Mezzanine Partners, Timberline Venture Partners, and Northwest Technology Ventures.
City Resources
The following pages provide links to startup and small business resources for Cities in Oregon