MarketLink

After apprenticing for years at a local shoe repair store, Julie Derrick decided to start her own small business. With the help of MarketLink, Julie was able to increase her involvement with neighborhood businesses and create a community marketing campaign.

Click here to learn more about JD Shoe Repair.

MarketLink: The Market Research Team for Oregon’s Microenterprises

Since 2006, OMEN has provided sophisticated market research services to low-income entrepreneurs statewide through MarketLink.  Based on the Economic Gardening principles developed in Littleton, Colorado, MarketLink provides microentrepreneurs access to the same customized market research tools and services that many large-scale companies enjoy.  This research helps entrepreneurs find and reach their desired customer base, tap into new markets and make informed business decisions by identifying trends within their respective industries.

OMEN partners with microenterprise development organizations, small business development centers and other business-centered nonprofits statewide to provide technical assistance and training to entrepreneurs as they seek to implement their market research data, resulting in increases in business revenue, new jobs, and financial independence through increases in an entrepreneur’s personal assets. Due to the generous support of several private organizations, local and federal agencies, MarketLink’s services are currently available at no cost to clients of several Oregon organizations.

Economic Gardening

MarketLink now offers market research services to economic development agencies throughout Oregon.  In order to access MarketLink, please contact your local service provider.  A list of service providers can be found here.  For more information, please contact Michael Gurton, MarketLink Program Director, at michael@oregon-microbiz.org.

View organizations that work with MarketLink here.