Division Midway Alliance collaborates with Livelihood NW  to provide locally owned small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs with the information and resources they need to succeed. In response to COVID-19, Livelihood NW has shifted its business advising services online and is currently supporting the DMA community by phone and video call. DMA and Livelihood NW work together to coordinate, communicate, and create a friendly introduction for current and future business referrals, as well as ensure workshops, training, and other business resources are shared regularly. We encourage business owners to schedule business advising meetings directly through Livelihood NW’s website using the links below. You are welcome to work with a DMA Community Liaison or email hello@livelihoodnw.org for scheduling assistance. 

To make an appointment, email Erica Baldwin at erica.b@livelihoodnw.org

OPEN BUSINESS ADVISING SERVICES:

These services are available in English, Spanish, or with interpretation (you can bring someone you know, a DMA Community Liaison, or Livelihood NW will coordinate with IRCO language services).

• Resource Navigation: If you are looking for resources to start or grow your business, or aren’t sure what support may be available to you, schedule a meeting with one of Livelihood NW’s Business Navigators to find your path forward. East Portland businesses can receive up to 10 hours of FREE support per year. Common topics include: Business Foundations, Assistance with forms & applications, Resource referrals, and Other general business questions
• Strategy & Planning: This support is best for business owners or entrepreneurs seeking professional business advice to plan their next steps, make strategic decisions, overcome challenges, and achieve goals. East Portland businesses can receive up to 10 hours of free support per year. Common topics include: Business planning, COVID-19 Recovery strategy, Marketing strategy, Projections & Financials, Leadership & Management, Goal setting & Visioning
• Accounting Advising: Accounting Advisors can discuss any bookkeeping or accounting questions you have, including questions related to the financial reports needed for COVID-19 relief funding. East Portland businesses can receive up to 10 hours of support per year, and each meeting costs $5. Common topics include Bookkeeping systems, Payroll, Invoicing, Financial reports, and Connecting with other specialized financial professionals and resources.
• Consulta en Español: Livelihood NW está disponible para discutir cualquier pregunta de negocios que tenga (incluyendo preguntas relacionadas con COVID-19). Obtenga más información sobre las herramientas y recursos disponibles para ayudarte a iniciar, mantener o hacer crecer su negocio o idea. Las empresas del este de Portland pueden recibir hasta 10 horas de asistencia GRATUITA al año.

WORKSHOPS:

Livelihood NW currently offers the following low-cost virtual business workshops: Business Development Series, Intro to Bookkeeping, and Quickbooks Training Series. Subsidies are available as needed.

One-On-One Consulting

Business advisors work on an individual basis with clients in areas such as identifying business and marketing strategies, establishing operating and accounting procedures, financial planning, and developing human resource policies. In addition, advisors network clients with a host of beneficial contacts and resources in the Portland Metropolitan Area.

WE OFFER COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES THAT INCLUDE:

• Business Development Workshops

• Business Planning & Strategy Development

• Market Research & Analysis

• Accounting System Setup & Training

• Human Resources Support

• Financial Analysis & Loan Packaging

• Small Business Forums & Peer Networking Events

• Resource & Referrals to other Professional Services including Legal, Credit Repair, Tax Prep, and more