Running a Business in Gresham
Running a business in Gresham takes the right networks, knowledge, and resources. In order to succeed, business owners have to familiarize themselves with their market, network with the right people, and avail themselves of various resources and knowledge. To help current or aspiring Gresham business owners run a profitable venture, we've put together this page of helpful tips and links.
Start Networking
Networking is key to any business endeavor, and the Gresham Chamber of Commerce is an excellent place to start. On the Chamber's website, you can promote your business, inform yourself of local business-related affairs, and network with other people in your industry or your area. You can browse a member directory to cultivate contacts and leads or join the Chamber of Commerce if you're not already a member. The Gresham Chamber also offers a unique event called "speed networking." Speed networking encourages members to bring their "elevator speeches" and business cards for a fun and fast-paced event that allows partipants to build dozens of business contacts in less than 90 minutes. The contact information for the Gresham Chamber of Commerce is included below.
The Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
701 NE Hood
PO Box 1768
Gresham, OR 97030
503-665-1131
Advance Your Knowledge
Learning is a lifelong journey, and Oregon residents are fortunate enough to have two excellent universities in close proximity. This is also good news for business people, as both the University of Oregon and Oregon State University offer accredited M.B.A. programs. For Gresham residents, Oregon State's program might be more convenient, as it is located in Corvallis. Here is a synopsis of each program, should you choose to advance your business education:
- Oregon State University. Oregon states provides both a traditional MBA program as well as an MBA program for executives. The executive program is designed for mid- or senior-level managers who would like to complete their degree in two years without interrupting their careers. The executive program offers flexible evening and weekend hours to accommodate students' work schedules. For more information, contact the College of Business 200 Bexell Corvallis, OR 97331-2603 or call 541-737-2551.
- University of Oregon. The Oregon MBA ranks in the top 6% of MBA programs nationwide and is the second-best MBA program in the Northwest. Forbes magazine included the University of Oregon MBA Program on its list of "Most Bang for Your Buck" programs. The curriculum has four centers: innovation/entrepreneurship, securities analysis, sports business, and sustainable business practices. The program offers a traditional MBA, an accelerated MBA, and opportunities to study abroad. Contact The Lundquist College of Business 302 Peterson Hall 1208 University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403 or call 541-346-3306 for more information.
We have also compiled a list of useful business resources in Medford, OR for your convenience.
