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Office of Small Business

Source: PDF pp. 402-403 ↗ · raw: 402 · 403

Breadcrumb: Service Area Summaries > Community & Economic Development > Prosper Portland > Office of Small Business

City of Portland Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget Community & Economic Development > Prosper Portland > Office of Small Business Office of Small Business Budget Revenues by Fund 2023-24 Actuals 2024-25 Actuals 2025-26 Revised Budget 2026-27 Proposed Internal Revenues $0 $0 $1,910,632 $1,116,088 General Fund $0 $0 $1,910,632 $1,116,088 Grand Total $0 $0 $1,910,632 $1,116,088 Program Expenses by Major Object Program expenses only include personnel, internal materials and services, external materials and services, and capital. 2023-24 Actuals 2024-25 Actuals 2025-26 Revised Budget 2026-27 Proposed External Materials and $0 $425,990 $1,910,632 $1,116,088 Services Grand Total $0 $425,990 $1,910,632 $1,116,088 Program Description and Goals In the spring of 2024, City Council charged Prosper Portland with creating and implementing an Office of Small Business (OSB). The OSB aligns with the goals outlined in the City's economic development strategy, Advance Portland. Outcome 2.3.1 focuses on centralizing small business assistance and services provided through the City of Portland, while Outcome 2.1.4 emphasizes the need to expand the Portland Small Business Hub (PDX Small Biz Hub) to serve as a centralized resource. Supported by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Prosper Portland launched the PDX Small Biz Hub in July 2022. This online platform provided Portland small businesses with centralized resources, navigation services, and business advising through a network of service providers. These services are pivoting to PDXOfficeOfSmallBusiness.com, which provides expanded web- based infrastructure and centralizes all small business programs and services. Services include intake for staff liaisons who provide customized one-on-one support to businesses needing assistance navigating City and Prosper Portland services and regulations, resources to assist new businesses in key industry segments, support for existing businesses to manage and grow their companies, navigation to help businesses build community and peer connections, news and updates that affect Portland small businesses, and storytelling to celebrate and amplify the incredible small business ecosystem in Portland. The new office is led by a dedicated manager and supported by three skilled liaison staff. Their critical responsibilities include coordinating small business programs at Prosper Portland, providing one-on-one support and navigating services, introducing web- 402

City of Portland Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget based services and training, and collaborating with City bureaus to enhance service delivery for Portland's small businesses. This office is an integral part of Prosper Portland's overall economic development support, strategy, and community work, providing a front door and support to small businesses engaging with the agency. The office:

  • Delivers services with a customer-facing approach
  • Provides a central place for businesses to access government information or seek help
  • Tracks inquiries and business needs
  • Standardizes and customizes high-quality services delivered by public staff and third-party providers
  • Engages and builds relationships with business districts, neighborhood associations, and key associations
  • Collaborates with City bureaus and external partners to create pathways to better support small business challenges and opportunities
  • Is a central hub for information related to Portland small businesses
  • Highlights and celebrates small businesses throughout Portland Services
  • Helps new and existing small businesses connect to the appropriate City bureaus with a human-centered approach.
  • Provides assistance in navigating common business issues such as permitting, licensing, procurement, and funding/finance.
  • Supports small business growth and resilience through wraparound support and resources that are grounded in an empathetic, one-on-one approach.
  • Works in collaboration with business districts and associations to support community vibrancy.
  • Celebrates and increases the awareness of small businesses in Portland.
  • Creates ongoing peer-to-peer and community networking opportunities for small business owners. Equity Impacts The OSB website is accessible in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Vietnamese. When needed, services are available in specific languages or interpretation is provided. Materials will be translated to help those with limited, or no English skills and the office will tailor services to individuals facing higher barriers. Community outreach is done with an equity facing lens and staff will track business demographics for those served via appointments with liaison staff to ensure services are equitably distributed. Currently, about 63% of the businesses served through PDX Small Business Hub identify as a BIPOC-owned business. Changes to Program Resources
  • General Fund: Prosper Portland's ongoing portion of General Fund is projected at a similar level as FY 2025-26. 403

Parent: Prosper Portland · PDF: pp. 402-403 ↗