For help with developing your business plan or general small business guidance, check out the Small Business Development Centers. In addition to classes they have free counseling and mentoring. The Portland office is an offshoot of Portland Community College and is located in the Lloyd Center Mall. The phone number is (503) 978-5080, and you can visit them online at: http://www.bizcenter.org.

SCORE is an organization of working and retired business executives who volunteer their time to assist people in starting up new businesses or growing their existing small business. Their phone number is (503) 326-5211 and online at: http://www.scorepdx.org.

Mercy Corps Northwest offers a variety of services to individuals in all stages of Business Development and is one of the few potential sources of financing to entrepreneurs who are not "bankable" but nevertheless have viable business ideas. Visit Mercy Corps Northwest.

The Portland Development Commission several business finance programs to assist businesses. You can find more information on their website http://prosperportland.us/.