If you are looking to start or expand a business in Oregon, or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there are a wide range of resources — both government and private — available to help.

While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a wide range of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as solutions live in many different places.

Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these places:

1. State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
2. State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.
3. Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
4. Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options for small businesses.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with the secretary of state's office

The secretary of state's corporation division offers information, forms and publications to would-be entrepreneurs, as well as established businesses.

I recommend: Get the excellent guide, How to Start a Business in Oregon, a 46-page downloadable outline of how to open shop there. Eventually, you'll register your new business at this site, too.

Discover Oregon's clusters

Oregon's economy is driven by clusters of similar and related firms concentrated in a small area. Clusters include electronics, forest products, food processing, metals and sports apparels industries, among others.

I recommend: Learn how Oregon encourages its cluster industries at Oregonclusters.org

Tap Oregon's small business financial assistance programs

The Oregon Economic and Community Development Department offers information and support to small businesses, including financial assistance programs and low-interest loans available to small businesses. The office also helps businesses find potential customers and resources in the international marketplace.

I recommend: Learn about Oregon's financial incentives for small businesses.

Take advantage of Oregon's free consulting services

Oregon Small Business Development Centers, a network of 20 offices in the state, provides free one-on-one business consulting, workshops, publications, networking opportunities and educational programs.

I recommend: Find consulting centers' locations at Bizcenter.org.

Let Oregon help you find workers' compensation insurance

Obtaining affordable workers' compensation plagues small business owners. Oregon has responded by establishing the Oregon Small Business Ombudsman to help obtain this key insurance for small businesses.

I recommend: Get help finding workers' compensation insurance and related problems at Oregon.gov (run a search for "small business ombudsman").

Get site-specific advice from Oregon's many chambers of commerce

If you're thinking about relocating your small business in Oregon, talk to people who live, work and play in your potential area by contacting the local chamber of commerce.

I recommend: Consult Oregon's Chamber of Commerce and its Chamber Directory.

Consult with Uncle Sam about running a small business in Oregon

The U.S. Small Business Administration has a full range of services available in Oregon, both on line and at its district office in Portland.

I recommend: Consult SBA's list of services in Oregon.

Get advice from seasoned executives

SCORE, the non-profit association of retired business executives, has six branches in Oregon offering both face-to-face and email business counseling.

I recommend: Consult Score.org for executives willing to advise you on your small business.

Find help for the smallest of businesses

The Oregon Micro-enterprise Network (OMEN) supports business with fewer than five employees, including many home-based businesses, as well as low-income and other disadvantaged entrepreneurs, with training, technical assistance, access to capital, access to markets and wealth building programs.

I recommend: Check out OMEN's services for micro-businesses.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many types of businesses require state, city or county licenses and permits. State offices listed above will spell out any specific requirements for your industry.
• •  Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are an often-overlooked but terrific place to obtain free or low-cost advice and information, including training seminars and technology resources that are nearby.
• •  Locally-based SBDC consultants can advise you individually on how to write a business plan, market your products and services, find financial resources and other valuable information.
• •  The regional SBA office can plug you into loan and assistance programs, seminars and other initiatives to aid small businesses.
• •  Linking up with a local SCORE counselor is a great way to learn from an experienced individual about state-specific solutions.