Online Resources

Mercy Corps Northwest has put together the following list of online resources for you to access. For ease of navigation, these informative links are categorized according to stages of business development and ownership. Please also look at our list of Community Partners and Funders, as many of these organizations offer similarly accessible business services.

  • Getting Started
  • Networking
  • General Resources
  • Portland Area Resources
  • Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations
  • Legal Consultation and Information

    • Getting Started

    A few sources to consider as you start your business venture.

    • Small Business Success Index offers a number of short and simple online quizzes in the ‘Resources’ section, to measure your preparedness for your small business, and get you thinking about the next steps.
    • SME Toolkit is a sprawling resource, full of helpful finance and budget calculators, as well as listings specifically targeting minority and female entrepreneurs.
    • How to Start a Business in Oregon (from the Corporate Division of the Secretary of State) is a lengthy planning document designed to help you navigate small business in the state of Oregon, including some of the specifics of Oregon state tax law.
    • Small Business Planner from SBAshows all the steps to starting a business, and offers and online seminar on each of these steps.
    • Some websites offer sample business plans, which you can use as reference while formulating your own. Examples can be seen at Love to Know Business and BPlans.com

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    Networking

    Find business partners, clients, and more with these websites.
    For All Entrepreneurs

    • Biznik is a networking site for communities of entrepreneurs in different US cities and abroad.
    • MicroMentor allow you to find a small business mentor best suited for your needs through this free online resource, and former initiative of MCNW.

    For the Arts

    • Society 6 is a networking site for artists of all mediums, and allows the opportunity for you to post your work.

    For General Business

    • LinkedIn is a leading networking site for businesses and their employees, including contacts within the Portland business community.
    • Jigsaw allows users to freely search and use its huge company directory, to find businesses of interest and more.

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    General Resources

    Websites that will be helpful in building your knowledge of American small business, and what kinds of help and advice are available to you.

    • National Association for the Self Employed has a number of free, downloadable informational packets on topics including tax filing for small business owners.
    • Inc: The Daily Resource for Entrepreneurs  includes content such as informative articles and signup opportunities for mailing lists specific to your interests.
    • The Entrepreneur Center is a great resource to consider, at every stage of business development- getting started, management, and growth.
    • Entrepreneur.Com offers answers to business questions by topic, lots of information for developing commerce online, and a tool to locate vendors.
    • The Small Business United Blog categorizes its posts according to current and future small business concerns, all while offering insight into what makes a small business truly great.
    • StartUpNation is an easy to use resource to consult while developing and maintaining a business. Instructional elements include video clips and clear step-by-step presentation.
    • SCORE is dedicated to helping America’s small business owners. Here, you can ask online questions to experts, locate the local Portland SCORE office for in-person mentoring and workshops, read articles and look at sample business templates, and attend online workshops.

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    Portland Area Resources

    Resources specific to your business needs in the greater Portland area.
    Office and Meeting Space

    • Souk LLC offers affordable office space for meetings and everyday work, at a convenient downtown location.

    Sustainability, Green Business

    • The Natural Step is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping businesses reach sustainability goals.

    Local Artisan Platforms

    • Working Artists offers local artists a means of displaying their work, education opportunities to become more profitable, as well as social services like access to discounted health care and housing opportunities.
    • Trillium Artisans is a nonprofit network for artisans (working with found, recycled, or vintage objects) in the Portland metro area, with earnings of less than 50% of the median family income. Membership benefits include access to business classes, discounted fabrics, and the opportunity to sell through the Trillium storefront.

    Local Business Counseling

    • Local SBDC Office is where you can learn all about what’s offered at the Portland SBDC office, all catered to your specific business needs and goals.

    Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations

    Consider getting in touch with or joining these associations, as they can offer you built-in client base and publicity, and often additional educational resources.

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    Legal Consultation and Information

    Consult these websites to maintain compliance, and troubleshoot any legal concerns you may have.
    General Consulting

    Applying for Permits

    • Through the SBA website, you can see how to apply for the permits your business needs. You can also access this information as it specifically pertains to Portland through the Portland Online website.

    Do you use another website resource that you’d like to see listed? Or do you have a business concern you can’t find the answer to here? Please contact us here with any comments, questions, or suggestions for our Online Resources.
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