PCC Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

06/08/2026

Meet Kasten Spethmann, Capital Access Advisor at PCC Small Business Development Center (SBDC), who helps small business owners navigate one of the biggest challenges in business: funding.

Drawing on her background in venture capital, Kasten works with clients to demystify the world of investment and financing. She helps business owners understand how equity funding works, prepare the materials investors expect to see, identify funding opportunities, and negotiate with confidence. Just as importantly, she coaches small business owners on creative funding strategies so they can grow their businesses without giving up more ownership than necessary. What makes Kasten’s work so impactful is her ability to turn complex financial concepts into practical guidance that helps business owners make informed decisions about their future.

When she’s not helping clients unlock capital, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her husband, dog, and friends. Whether it’s boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or surfing, Kasten loves being on the water and making the most of the Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

We're grateful for advisors like Kasten who help small business owners chart a path toward growth, sustainability, and long-term success.

06/05/2026

What starts as a dream can become a destination.

When Christopher Phillips came to the PCC Small Business Development Center (SBDC), he had one question: "Is this idea viable?"

Through our Business Builders training program and advising, he transformed a long-held dream into Selected Stories, a thriving independent bookstore in Southeast Portland.

"The biggest milestone is that my shop is open!," he says. Several months later, he's building a loyal customer base and a true sense of community. "I can't picture how much harder it would have been to find my way without the PCC SBDC. Starting a business on my own, just having someone knowledgeable to bounce ideas off was so useful."

Ready to take your business idea to the next level? Explore our training programs like Business Builders and advising support to help bring your vision to life. Learn more about Selected Stories: https://www.pcc.edu/small-business/2026/03/selected-stories/

05/28/2026

Thank you to the amazing network of Oregon Small Business Development Center Network leaders, including our own PCC SBDC Director, Tammy Marquez-Oldham, for your tireless leadership and service to our small business community!

The Oregon SBDC Network’s recent Spring Leaders Meeting was a valuable time to connect, collaborate, and prepare for the year ahead.

Our Network leaders gathered to learn from Business Oregon economist Damon Runberg about Oregon’s current economic landscape and emerging small business trends, while also preparing for the Network’s upcoming accreditation review.

Strong partnerships, shared learning, and continued collaboration help us better support Oregon’s small businesses and communities across the state.

05/28/2026

Expanding into global markets can be a powerful way to grow your business.

From reaching new customers to increasing long-term resilience, World Trade Month highlights the opportunities of international expansion. With the right strategy and support, selling internationally is more accessible than you might think.

The Oregon Small Business Development Center Network can help you explore your export potential and take the next steps. Learn more: https://oregonsbdc.org/service/global-trade-center

05/26/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave people who made the ultimate sacrifice 🇺🇸

We remember them, honor them, and express our gratitude for their service to our country today and always.

05/07/2026

Happy National to America's more than 36 million small businesses! This week, and always, we honor the entrepreneurs who power our economy and make communities vibrant places to live and work. Learn more: https://www.sba.gov/nsbw

05/07/2026

The PCC Small Business Development Center (SBDC) plays a vital role in supporting small businesses across the Portland metro region.

Home to Oregon’s Global Trade Center and specialty programs like “Getting Your Recipe to Market,” in 2025 the Portland SBDC advised 430 clients, helped businesses create 81 new jobs, and supported business owners in securing $3,135,663 in capital infusion to fuel business growth.

Learn more about the Portland SBDC, or connect with their team: https://buff.ly/MUzAIjg

04/28/2026

For two decades, Portland Community College’s Small Business Development Center, in partnership with Oregon State University's Food Innovation Center, Portland Oregon and New Seasons Market, has helped food entrepreneurs turn homemade recipes into retail-ready products through the Getting Your Recipe to Market (GYRM) training program.

With more than 500 graduates and over 300 businesses launched, GYRM has guided aspiring food makers from idea to store shelf — many starting with nothing more than a passion and a recipe. Here's to 20 years!

04/22/2026

Building a business is tough — don’t do it alone! The Portland Community College Small Business Development Center (PCC SBDC) has supported Oregon small business owners for over 40 years through training programs like Business Builders.

The next cohort begins May 13. Register by April 30 for an early bird $100 discount. Gain essential skills, expert guidance, and the confidence to succeed with structured training and personalized advising. 🔗Learn more and sign up now: pcc.edu/small-business/business-builders

04/21/2026

For 20 years, PCC’s Small Business Development Center has helped local food makers turn recipes into retail-ready products through our Getting Your Recipe to Market training program.

This 12‑week journey has supported 500+ graduates, launched 300+ businesses, and even gives participants the chance to pitch directly to New Seasons Market buyers. “It’s incredible to think about how many entrepreneurs start with an idea and walk away with something real,” said SBDC Director Tammy Marquez-Oldham.

From idea to shelf-ready brand — GYRM continues to fuel Oregon’s local food economy. Celebrate with us GYRM's 20 years of impact and apply now to join the next program cohort: https://www.pcc.edu/news/2026/03/gyrm-anniversary/