Icicle Tricycles: Rolling Portland Innovation Into Global Markets
Posted by kayla.banda | Start the discussion
From Portland Streets to International Reach
For over two decades, Icicle Tricycles has been a fixture of Portland’s streetscape—designing and manufacturing custom-branded cargo bikes for food vending, pop-up placemaking, and city clean-up initiatives. From ice cream trikes to mobile tourism kiosks, their products create opportunities for businesses and organizations to engage with the public in creative, accessible ways.
Founder Ryan Hashagen and his team are driven by a simple but powerful mission: “We love to give people the opportunity to activate public spaces and meet people where they are. With a tricycle they are able to expand their business, access places large vehicles cannot and have a low risk entry into entrepreneurship.”
Founder Ryan Hashagen and Customer Success Manager Graham Adams
Finding Support to Grow Smarter
Despite the company’s long-standing presence, Icicle Tricycles faced challenges common to many manufacturers: staying proactive in a fast-moving market and formalizing business systems. “Marketing, standardized business procedures. We have been reactive and slow to the whims of the market and not leaders in an area that we should dominate,” said Customer Success Manager Graham Adams.
Turning to the PCC Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and its Manufacturing Advising Team (MAT), the company began implementing structured business practices. With advising support, Icicle Tricycles improved its website, developed SEO content, and streamlined internal projects. They also invested in tools like a new CRM system and an electric vehicle, helping stabilize sales and drive new growth.
Taking Portland Innovation Global
When Icicle Tricycles sought to expand into international markets—particularly Canada—the Oregon SBDC’s Global Trade Center (GTC) stepped in alongside MAT. In partnership with Business Oregon and the U.S. Commercial Service, the GTC provided targeted market research, facilitated introductions, and helped the team explore new sales opportunities.
Through this collaboration, Icicle Tricycles strengthened existing Canadian buyer relationships and secured new customers, including private companies, government agencies, libraries, First Nations organizations, and even the Meals on Wheels program in New Brunswick.
Ryan, Graham, and Manufacturing Advising Team Advisor John Hanley
Rolling Into the Future
Now operating from a larger production space in Portland’s Old Town, Icicle Tricycles is ramping up manufacturing and positioning itself as a leader in mobile vending and public-space innovation. With the support of MAT and GTC, the company is no longer just pedaling Portland charm—it’s rolling into global markets.
As they reflect on their journey, their message to other small businesses is clear: “The SBDC provides a very valuable process to help check for blindspots.”
Keep an eye out for Icicle Tricycles’ creations rolling through city streets, farmers markets, and public spaces near you—you might just see one bringing new life, flavor, or services right to your neighborhood.
Ready to Ignite Your Entrepreneurial Journey with the PCC SBDC?
Are you ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey or seeking support to take your small business to new heights? The PCC SBDC is here to help. Reach out to us and let your journey begin. Icicle Tricycle’s story is just one example of the countless success stories our clients have created. Embrace the joy of entrepreneurship and create your unique path to success!
Want to learn more about how the PCC Small Business Development Center can help you start or grow your business?
The Oregon SBDC Network is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additional funding is provided by the Oregon Business Development Department, and other private and public partners, with Lane Community College serving as the Network’s lead host institution. SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the US. Language services are available for limited English proficient individuals.
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