A 9-Step Guide to Starting Your Business

It’s a journey to start a small business! If you're looking to start a business in Portland, this guide will help you navigate the process. We've broken it down into manageable steps to make your journey to entrepreneurship smoother. The Portland Office of Small Business created this guide and our staff are here to help.

01. Create a Business Plan
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01. Create a Business Plan

Create a business plan that outlines your business goals, products or services, target audience, marketing strategy, and more.

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05. Register Your Business
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05. Register Your Business

Find step-by-step guidance on how to register your business name, choose a legal structure, and meet state and local requirements.

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08. Hire Employees
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08. Hire Employees

It's crucial for small business owners to understand the general employment requirements as well as resources for employers.

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09. Open & Manage Your Business
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09. Open & Manage Your Business

Get tips on launching your business with pre-opening events, teaser campaigns, collaborations, and email marketing to build early momentum and community support.

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