Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

The program

In this 10-week program, you will:

• Learn how to develop a business model able to innovate and adapt during changing economic conditions
• Network with other small business owners and learn solutions to navigating these times
• Hear from experts to ensure your company is compliant
• Ensure consideration of safety measures for your staff, customers, and community are in place
• Gain clarity about your business within current market conditions
• Learn how to work on your business in an efficient manner
• Work and plan one-on-one with a business advisor
• Learn from subject-matter experts

Each week we’ll bring in subject-matter experts to teach on important areas. Sessions meet weekly for 10 weeks and are 3 hours long. Business Builders is more than just a class. It includes:

• Group learning and networking to discuss challenges, exchange resources, and find solutions with peers.
• Up to 5 hours of one-on-one advising during the 10-month period following Business Builders
  Access to specialty business advisors with a wide range of expertise
• Access to market research resources such as Southern Oregon University Market Research Institute, SBDCNet, Reference USA, MarketLink, and Euromonitor
• You’ll enjoy 30 hours of online, live classroom business education with 10 weekly, 3-hour sessions taught by subject-matter experts. Subjects include:
  • Defining mission, vision, and goals
  • The Business Model Canvas
  • The Pillars of Marketing
  • Building Your Brand
  • Marketing in the age of COVID-19
  • Understanding Legal Concepts
  • Bookkeeping and Finance
  • Pricing is an Art
  • E-Commerce Sales: Virtual Business Model
  • Financing Your Business

The investment

• Time:
  • 30 hours in class, divided into 10 weekly, 3-hour sessions
  • Plus, Up to 5 hours of one-on-one advising during the 10 month period following Business Builders
• Financial:
  • Tuition is $799
  • Payment terms are available through Portland Community College
  • An additional person from your business can take the course for 1/2 price, $400
• The return:
  • Invaluable advice from industry experts that will save you years of frustration
  • Support from a network of peers and mentors
  • Confidence to make the right decisions for your new business

What our clients say

Join over 240 business owners who have completed this program since 2006.

¡°I went into Business Builders not knowing what my business should look like. It showed me the avenue for success and avenues I wouldn¡¯t have considered. It certainly helped me build a strong foundation. I probably wouldn¡¯t have lasted the recession without my advisor from the program.” Amy McAuley, Founder & Owner of Oculus Fine Carpentry

¡°You¡¯re going to learn something you didn¡¯t think you didn¡¯t know. They bring in experts in various fields. And in one of the sessions you¡¯re going to have an ¡°aha!¡± moment.” Roy Weedman, Bud Construction LLC