Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Weeks 1-8: 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
• Understanding and executing your business model
• Mastering the art of pricing for sustainable growth
• Building the fundamentals of your business, branding, and marketing strategy, encompassing a comprehensive and integrated view of your business goals
• Managing finances efficiently, with a focus on bookkeeping and financing
• Navigating legal issues, including intellectual property, contracts, and business structure
• Discovering effective Human Resources strategies for talent acquisition, while learning about hiring regulations and requirements

Weeks 9-12: Industry-Focused Training

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. You’ll learn about:
    • 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. You’ll learn about:
    • 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. You’ll learn about:
    • Merchandising
    • Inventory control and turnover
    • Location selection
    • Online sales
    • Hiring the right people
    • and more!

The Investment

• The tuition for this invaluable program is $999. Early Bird Special: Register by December 15, 2025 to receive $100 off tuition!
• An extra team member from your business can enroll for half price at $500.
• Convenient payment plans are available through Portland Community College.

The Return

• 36 hours of classroom training, including 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.
• Access to top-tier business planning templates and software, plus long-term business advising at no-cost.
• The confidence to make informed decisions for your business, allowing you to unlock the potential of your business journey!

Business Builders Alumni Stories

Join the hundreds of business owners who have completed this program!

How do I register for Business Builders?

Submit the interest form above to connect with the Business Builders training program facilitator. After confirming that the program is a good fit for your business, the facilitator will help you complete your enrollment.

What kind of business is right for Business Builders?

Business Builders is ideal for early-stage businesses. We often see:

• Restaurants and brick-and-mortar businesses that are preparing for startup.
• Consultants and other service-based businesses who have worked with some clients but need help building a foundational business strategy and learning about new business basics such as hiring and financing.
• Business owners who have been in business for a few years, but never had the opportunity to learn about business ownership and strategic planning in a structured way.
• First-time business owners or those starting a business in a new industry.

Are there any requirements to join Business Builders?

You must have a clear business idea and be in the process of starting or already operating your business.

Can I use financial aid for this training program?

No. Because Business Builders is a stand-alone, non-credit training program offered through PCC’s Community Education program, FAFSA and other financial aid options do not apply.

Are other sponsorship opportunities available?

If your business is located in the City of Hillsboro, City of Tigard, or City of Portland, tuition support may be available. Submit the form above to connect with the facilitator and learn more.