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