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, 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

• 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

The Instructor

Leslie Hildula, MBA

Leslie helps entrepreneurs achieve their goals. Working with the SBDC since 2012, she has been coaching and educating clients in 3 counties, and led the growth of the Retail SBM program. A graduate of Pacific University and Golden Gate University (with a Masters in International Management), Leslie has consulted with business owners throughout the West Coast and overseas. She started her professional career in Silicon Valley in the high tech industry and came back home to Oregon in 1990. In Oregon, she’s had the opportunity to work in both the private and public sectors and understands the vital synergy between them. Her retail clients include Aries Apparel, Crafty Wonderland, Folly, Frock, Ink & Peat, Queen Bee, Radish Underground, Red Castle Games, Salty’s Pet Supply, and Tilde.

What Our Clients Say

“Regardless of your expertise or background, this was extremely eye opening, inspiring and beneficial!!” Vanessa Curry, co-owner of Small Fry

“I walked away from each class with nuggets to take back to my business. It inspired me to be a better business woman.” Elle Poindexter, co-owner of Small Fry

“Even with 10 years of Retail Management experience, there was never a week that I didn’t learn something new!” Sarah Marshall

“It was nice to meet other small business owners (or future) and talk about troubles & pleasures in owning your business.”

“I came into this class with little direction about how to launch my business and I left with greater confidence and meaningful connections. I found it very valuable to hear from successful business owners in the community and found the classroom offered a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere. I look forward to keeping in touch with the Retail Business Builders group and making my mark in the community.” Chanel Urist, Made of Coco

“Having a handful of advisors to talk through decisions with has been absolutely crucial for helping the growth of my business and my confidence in myself to run it.” Sarah Chellis, EyeDentity

Client Interviews

Watch as Leslie Hildula interviews past and present students from her retail business programs and learn about the challenges and solutions to their small business experience. Learn more here.