Business Builders

Business Builders training program alumni headshots

Business Builders alumni

Are you seeking a clear path to success in today’s ever-evolving business landscape?

The Business Builders training program equips you with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to forge ahead confidently. Our innovative 12-week training program blends foundational business education with industry-specific training and insights from subject matter experts, ensuring your business thrives, regardless of your industry.

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About Business Builders

The Core: Building Your Business Foundation

Embark on an initial 8-week journey delving into essential business fundamentals and strategies every business owner needs to know. Gain insights into:

  • Crafting a robust business mission, vision, and goals
  • Strategizing and executing your business plan effectively using proven templates
  • Mastering the art of pricing for sustainable growth
  • Understanding the fundamentals of marketing and branding, encompassing a comprehensive view of digital marketing opportunities
  • Managing finances efficiently, with a focus on bookkeeping and financing
  • Navigating legal issues with expertise, including intellectual property processes and strategies for optimizing your business structure.
  • Discovering effective Human Resources strategies for talent acquisition, team management, fostering a positive workplace culture, and enhancing productivity.

Industry Focus: Tailored for Your Business Needs

The final 4 weeks focus on industry-specific training tailored to the unique challenges faced by business owners in key sectors. You’ll be able to select which industry focus is right for you.

  • Restaurant/Food Business:
    • Designed for anyone with a restaurant, food cart, catering business, or other food-serving business.

      Throughout the 4 weeks, you’ll delve into the nuances of the food industry, including topics such as:

      • Financing
      • Menu design
      • Restocking
      • Regulations
      • Restaurant-specific marketing considerations
      • and more!
  • Service:
    • Designed for any service-related business such as cleaning, consulting, health or alternative medicine, SaaS provider, creative freelance, and more.Throughout the 4 weeks, you’ll navigate challenges specific to service-based businesses by exploring topics such as:
      • Consultative sales
      • Business-to-Business (B2B) marketing
      • Long-term relationship management
      • Contracting
      • Client services agreements
      • Pricing for long-term projects
      • and more!
  • Retail:
    • Designed for anyone selling products online or in a brick-and-mortar storefront.Throughout the 4 weeks, you’ll uncover the secrets to retail success and consistent profitability while exploring topics related to:
      • Merchandising
      • Inventory control and turnover
      • Location selection
      • Online sales
      • Hiring the right people
      • Brand development
      • and more!

Learn about the Impact of Business Builders from Alumni

Alumni stories

 

Your Business Journey Awaits

The next Business Builders starts on September 24, 2025. Early Bird Special: Register by August 24, 2025 to receive $100 off tuition!

Save your seat here

 

Upon completing the 12 weeks, you’ll leave with a “toolbox” of planning templates from GrowthWheel, a business plan draft using LivePlan, long-term business advising at no cost, and other essential assets to take with you as you continue growing your business.

The Investment

  • The tuition for this invaluable program is $999.
  • An extra team member from your business can enroll for half price at $500.
  • Convenient payment terms are available through Portland Community College.

The Return

  • Advice and guidance from industry experts and specialty business advisors, saving you years of trial and error.
  • Networking opportunities with a community of like-minded small business owners and mentors with a wide range of expertise.
  • The confidence to make informed decisions for your business, allowing you to unlock the potential of your business journey!

What Our Alumni Say

Join the hundreds of business owners who have completed this program over the last 20 years.

Amy at Oculus carpentry, wearing hat and gloves, stands in front of saws and other woodworking tools“I went into Business Builders not knowing what my business should look like. It showed me the avenue for success and avenues I wouldn’t have considered. It certainly helped me build a strong foundation. I probably wouldn’t have lasted the recession without my advisor from the program.” Amy McAuley, Founder of Oculus Fine Carpentry

Man smiling

“Working with the SBDC saves time and money. Small business owners spend a lot of time trying to figure out what to do, where to get help for this and that. The SBDC is a one-stop shop where you can bring any question; they are a great support system to have as a small business owner.” – Michel Mouzong, Founder of NEMILIS Strategy Group

 

CLICK HERE to download the syllabus for this program.

CLICK HERE to read all alumni reviews.

Want to learn more? Connect with one of our advisors today.

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Oregon Small Business Development Centers are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and by the Oregon Business Development Department.
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