The Seven Secrets of the Smart Start

Entrepreneurs ready to make their business idea a business reality shouldn’t miss “The Seven Secrets of the Smart Start,” a free program scheduled for the last Thursday of the month from 8:00 to 9:30 AM.  The chamber has partnered with Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to present this quick, fast-paced business basics workshop.  Come learn how to get a smart start and walk away ready to begin your next business endeavor.  There is no charge for this program.

The chamber is committed to helping you start your business.  Based on the overwhelming response of the program’s spring launch, the chamber will continue to provide the resources and solutions that are needed in developing new entrepreneurial business endeavors.  For more information about the chamber’s business services contact your business development manager, Jon-Michael Kowertz at 503.726.2151 or jonmk@hillchamber.org

SCORE Business Counseling at the Chamber

Every Tuesday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM by appointment, business owners, managers and entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to conveniently receive one-on-one SCORE business counseling at the chamber.  Providing an excellent and valuable business resource, Mr. Len Van Regenmorter has available and regular office hours to help you with your business needs.  SCORE counselors are experienced business owners and executives who have accumulated a lifetime of knowledge in a variety of various specialty fields and can help ensure success the success for your new or existing business.  There is no charge for this service. 

Candidates for free and confidential counseling may be planning to go into business, contemplating purchasing or selling a business, planning to expand an existing business, or need to manage change in a business.  To learn more about how SCORE can help your business or to arrange an appointment, contact your business development manager, Jon-Michael Kowertz at 503.726.2151 or jonmk@hillchamber.org.

Operating a Business in Hillsboro, Oregon, a Local Resource Guide

Hillsboro Economic Development Partnership
City of Hillsboro/Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce
From start-up to business expansion and retention, the Hillsboro Economic Development Partnership provides information and assistance to local business in support of building a strong, successful business community in Hillsboro.

Food Service/Restaurant Industry - Washington County Department of Health & Human Services regulates the Food Service and Restaurant industry for the county.  This department provides information on health procedures, bed and breakfast licensing and the Department of Health and Human Services also conducts food handlers testing programs, restaurant inspections, and food service plan reviews.  Contact the Health & Human Services Department at 503-846-8722 or http://www.co.washington.or.us.

Construction and Landscape Contractor’s Business License – If your business is located in Hillsboro, a city license is required.  In addition, Metro, the area’s regional government, offers a single license, which allows contractor’s to do business within 19 different cities. It covers all construction trades, commercial, residential, and landscape contractors.  Qualified applicants pay a non-refundable fee and the license is valid for 12 months.  Applications and additional can be obtained at Metro by calling 503-797-1646 or online at http://www.metro-region.org.

PERMITS
Home Occupation Permit – The City of Hillsboro requires every home-based business to obtain a Home Occupation permit, excluding garage sales, family day care of up to 12 children or adults, or residential/ adult foster homes caring for up to five adults.  The permit process includes an application form and approval by the Planning Department.  Permits are valid as long as an active City business license is maintained, providing the home occupation continues to comply with City zoning ordinances and any conditions of approval attached to the permit.  For questions or an application, contact the City of Hillsboro Planning Department at 503-681-6153 or http://www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/Planning_Department/HomeOccupationPermits.aspx

Obtaining a business name – Refer to the information on the Oregon Business Guide.

Business Zoning - Prior to finalizing a location for conducting business, it is advisable to contact the City’s Planning Department.  Generally, there are three types of zoning: residential, commercial, and industrial.  The Planning Department determines what type of business activity is authorized within a specified area.  Business signage must also be reviewed and approved. For more information, contact the Planning Department at 503-681-6153 or planning_department@ci.hillsboro.or.us.

TAXES
Business Income Tax – There is no business income tax in the City of Hillsboro or Washington County. All businesses are responsible for meeting tax obligations to the state and federal government.  Please contact the State of Oregon at http://www.oregon.gov and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service at http://www.irs.gov.

Personal Property Tax - All businesses are required to file an annual personal property tax report with Washington County assessor’s office. The report should include all personal property on the business premises at the assessment date as well as property placed in storage or held for sale.  For information, contact the Washington County Assessment and Taxation Department at 503-846-8741 or www.co.washington.or.us.

Tri-Met Tax - The transit tax program provides revenue for mass transit.  This program is administered by the Oregon Department of Revenue for the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District (Tri-Met).  The tax applies to both employers and the self-employed.  Taxes are reported and paid quarterly.  For additional information, please visit the Oregon Department of Revenue at http://egov.oregon.gov/DOR/BUS/IC-211-503.shtml

Federal Taxes - All businesses, except certain sole-proprietors, are required to obtain a federally issued Employer Identification Number (EIN).  This process is mandatory for all employers.  Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or http://www.irs.gov/businesses/index.html.

State Taxes - Employers are required to file a Combined Employer’s Registration form with the Oregon Department of Revenue to obtain a Business Identification Number (BIN).  This BIN is used to report and pay payroll taxes and assessments administered by the Oregon Department of Revenue.  Contact the Department at 503-378-4988 or http://www.dor.state.or.us/withhold/bus.html.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
 Oregon Business Guide - This state-based publication combines information and regulations from six state agencies into one document to simplify the process of starting a business in Oregon.   This guide covers information on registering a business name, and setting up a business structure, permits, Federal ID numbers, workers compensation, and sources of business assistance.  To download a copy, go to http://www.filinginoregon.com/obg or call the Oregon Corporation Division at 503-986-2200.

The Workforce Alliance - The Workforce Alliance, a group of public Washington County employment and training organizations, provides customized recruitment, training, retention, and outplacement services to meet business needs. They offer business a single point of access to a wide variety of employment services.  For information, contact the Workforce Alliance at 503-533-2713.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
20 Oregon BizCenters (SBDC) are located throughout Oregon and provide a variety of services to help small businesses, including:

1. Small Business Workshops:  provide information on getting started, financing, marketing, general management, developing a business plan, accounting, and record keeping.
2. Business Advise: free, confidential counseling to small/ start-up businesses.
3. Library and Resource Center: contains over 300 business start-up guides, resource material and forms. 
4. Specialized Trainings, including:
5. Contractors Management Series –covers educational requirements for registration or renewal of a contractor’s license.

For more information, please contact 503-978-5080 or http://www.bizcenter.org/portland.

1. Seminars:  Seminars cover topics such as international trade basics to courses on the major activities, disciplines, and functions of exporting.
2. International Business Management Program: A certificate program designed to provide greater awareness and practical knowledge of how to succeed in international business.
3. Counseling: One-on-one assistance to businesses on the techniques, procedures, and strategies of international trade.
4. Market Research Assistance: Education about the export markets and trade practices of foreign countries and assistance in the development of distribution contacts.

Contact the Small Business International Trade Center at 503-274-7482 or http://www.internationaltrade.pcc.edu.

Oregon Office of Minority, Women, and Emerging Small Business
The OMWES assists minority and woman-owned businesses, and emerging small businesses with targeted government contracting opportunities through a “one-stop” certification program. For information, contact 503-947-7976 or http://www.cbs.state.or.us/external/omwesb.

Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME)
OAME is a non-profit organization promoting and developing entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities in the state of Oregon.  Services include: technical assistance, access to capital, matching capability with opportunity, administrative services, and information and networking.  For more information, please contact OAME at 503-249-7744 or http://www.oame.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BUSINESS RESOURCES
Hillsboro Economic Development Partnership
5193 NE Elam Young Pkwy, Ste A. Hillsboro, OR
503-726-2151, fax 503-681-0535, www.hillchamber.org
jonmk@hillchamber.org

Additional Self Employment Resources

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network:  http://www.oen.org/events/
Oregon Start Ups (have a weekly event calendar):  http://oregonstartups.com/events.html
Oregon Technology Business Incubator (OTBC): http://entrepreneur.meetup.com/1041/calendar/
Small Business website:  http://smallbusinessadvocate.com/
Self Employed Creative Professionals:  http://www.selfemployedcreatives.org/events.htm
Starve Ups:  http://www.starveups.com/starveups/