Oregon Microenterprise Network

CDBG is accepting public comment on the proposed 2011 CDBG Method of Distribution through September 8, 2010.  Click here to view and download templates.

OMEN welcomes its 2010-2011 Asset Building Corps VISTA team.  The fourteen member team starts their year of service on August 20th, 2010, serving at various nonprofits around the state.  For more information on the OMEN Asset Building Corps VISTA team, click here.  This years VISTA host sites include:

• Adelante Mujeres
• Bienestar
• Economic Opportunity Initiative/Portland Development Commission
• Financial Beginnings
• Food Roots
• Hacienda CDC
• Innovative Change$/Innovative Housing Inc (IHI)
• MERIT (MicroEnterprise Resources, Initiatives & Training)
• NEDCO (Neighborhood Economic Development Corp)
• OMEN (Oregon Microenterprise Network)
• PCRI (Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives, Inc)
• Proud Ground
• Portland State University Business Outreach Program
• Salem-Keizer CDC

In partnership with the Latino Business Alliance and Chemeketa Community College SBDC, MERIT is hosting a Latino business expo and conference, Expo Negocio – Latino Business Showcase!, at the Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry on September 10^th and 11^th.

Latinos are not just impacting the economy as consumers; they are also becoming entrepreneurial drivers of the economy, starting businesses at a faster rate than any other demographic. Expo Negocio will recognize the contributions Hispanics are making to our economy and explore best practices to help Latino entrepreneurs prosper.  This two day event includes:

Friday:

• Luncheon with guest speaker Lydia Muniz, the Governor’s advocate for Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business
• Panel discussion facilitated by Grace Gallegos that will explore cross cultural communication and the role that it plays in business

Who should attend?  Business and economic development professionals, small business owners, leaders from Latino organizations, community members, educators and public officials. The cost to attend Friday’s conference is $20 and includes lunch. Registration is required to attend the luncheon.

Saturday:

• Exhibition area spotlighting many of the region’s Latino businesses
• Workshops for business owners and others wanting to start small businesses. Workshops to be offered include bookkeeping, taxes, health insurance, business financing, obtaining a contractor’s license in addition to classes that will help people with business ideas figure out how to get started. Workshops will be offered in Spanish.

There is no cost to the general public for admission to the business exhibition and workshops. Exhibitor tables are available for a reasonable fee, registration information can be found on the exponegocio.org website.

This event brings together economic development professionals and small business owners with an emphasis on best practices to help Latino entrepreneurs grow and prosper. This conference will include excellent opportunities to learn new business strategies, network, be challenged by keynote speakers, learn new skills in small business workshops, experience a food demonstration area, and showcase regional businesses.

For more information, contact Forrest Peck, Director of MERIT at 503-399-5088 or via email at forrest.peck@chemeketa.edu, or Lucy Escobar from the Latino Business Alliance at 971-218-0807.

Click here find out how to apply and to learn more about the OMEN Oregon Asset Building VISTA team.