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Resources that Bright Light Your Business Ventures
Access the right business resources and the right time to help your business shine.
Beyond the tailored support of the GRO Navigator, we offer an array of public resources and organizations designed to guide your journey. From navigating taxes to sourcing materials, applying for an EIN, or finding support as a veteran-owned business, we. ensure that you have the right resources at the right time. Get help making your business glow with confidence and shine at every stage.
In the Dark About Where to Start? Download the GRO Greater Start-up Checklist.
Our Start-up Checklist is your guide to launching a successful business. Designed for entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journey, this checklist provides all the essential to-dos and information you need to get started.
ENTREPRENEUR ORGANIZATIONS
Explore this section to find resources to empower you as an entrepreneur.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC)
We are building Oregon’s best businesses right here in Columbia County. Our Center assists small businesses with advising, classes and access to the resources they need to be successful. Our Center is backed by a statewide network of support, helping small businesses access the right assistance wherever they are in Oregon.
OREGON ENTREPRENEUR NETWORK
OEN helps entrepreneurs start up and scale up by connecting them to peers and mentors, startup funding opportunities, and hands-on training. A nonprofit, membership-driven organization with a 28-year track record, OEN is Oregon’s only organization that supports scalable startups from every industry across the state.
BUSINESS OREGON
Business Oregon is the state’s economic development agency. The Business Oregon Commission oversees the agency’s activities to ensure a coherent, integrated approach to economic development and a continuous policy direction that can transcend changes in executive and legislative leadership. Business Oregon administers more than 80 grant, loan, tax incentive, and other programs to further the development of businesses, communities, and economies in Oregon.
OREGON ASSOCIATION OF MINORITY ENTREPRENEURS (OAME)
OAME is a non-profit, tax-exempt membership organization founded in 1987 with the mission to promote and develop entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities in the State of Oregon & SW Washington. OAME focuses on providing support services to small businesses. We are an all-inclusive organization and encourage everyone to live by our motto: “Everybody’s In, Nobody’s Out!”
NaVOBA
NaVOBA provides a direct link for contracting between corporate America and Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprises® (VBE) and Certified Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprises® (SDVBE).
BUSINESS ASSETS & FAQ
Below is a list of resources that cover commonly asked questions when starting a new business.
- Oregon Department of Revenue resources for doing business in the state of Oregon. Click for Information
- Oregon Secretary of State license requirements in the state of Oregon. Acquire a State Business License
- Register your business in Oregon. Click to Register
- Know which permits you need to operate a business in Columbia County. Click for Permit Guide
- Need to register a trade or service mark? Click to Register.
- Acquire licenses, permits, and certificates from the State of Oregon. Click for Directory.
- Search for available business names with the Oregon Business Name Search directory. Click to Search.
- File for your EIN with the IRS using the PDF in the link. Click for the EIN Form.
- Are you doing business under another name? File for "Doing Business As" (DBA). Click for DBA Instructions.
- Choosing between an LLC and a SCorp? This article from Investopedia can help. Read the Article.
- Need business tax help? The SBDC created a Business Tax Preparation Checklist. See the Checklist.
- What is your tax responsibility as an employer. Click to Find Out.
- Get a full understanding of credits and deductions for your business. Access the List.
- Need help starting your business? Download the Start a Business Guide.
- Learn how to write a business plan for the US Small Business Administration. Learn How.
- Figure out what your start-up costs will be. Get Guidance.
- Gain an understanding of your tax liabilities from the IRS. Learn More.
- Unsure if you need business insurance? Read this article from the US Small Business Administration. Read More.
GRANTS & FINANCING
If you're looking for funding opportunities explore this section to find resources.
STATE SMALL BUSINESS CREDIT INITIATIVE (SSBCI)
The state of Oregon applied for federal funds to bolster existing small business financing programs, as well as create new programs to provide and support access to capital for new and growing Oregon businesses. The U.S. Treasury announced in August 2022 that Oregon’s application was approved and the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) will steer $83.5 million into Oregon.
ECONOMIC EQUITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM
During the 2022 short session, the Oregon legislature passed SB 1579, the Economic Equity Investment Act, to build economic stability, self-sufficiency, wealth building, and economic equity among disadvantaged individuals, families, businesses, and communities in the state. The program was allocated $15 million and distributed funding to organizations to implement programs and provide resources to eligible beneficiaries to address longstanding economic inequities in four key areas: ownership of land and property; entrepreneurship and business development; workforce; and intergenerational wealth building.
ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT LOAN PROGRAM
Created by the Oregon Legislature in 1991, the Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund provides direct loans to help start-ups, micro-enterprises, and small businesses expand or become established in Oregon. This fund fills a niche not provided through traditional lending markets.
GRO GREATER COST-SHARING GRANT
This program offers a unique opportunity for business owners like you to receive specialized assistance at a fraction of the cost. Don’t miss out on this chance to get the help you need right now.
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