OSBA New Message
The Office of Small Business Assistance (OSBA) has often been known for helping people understand licensing requirements or find business resources. We still provide that help, and we continue connecting people with the right agency or nonprofit when they have general business questions. But licensing support is only one part of our work.
OSBA is an ombudsman for small businesses. This means that if your small business run into problems with a local government or state agency, we want to hear from you and help you. When a process is unclear, communication breaks down, or something feels slow or inconsistent, you can contact us. We help make conversations with agencies clearer and more productive. We investigate complaints about agency interactions, and our reports include recommendations for improvements when needed.
Additionally, we track every question, comment, and complaint we receive. Those cases help us spot patterns that show where small businesses experience government delays or other barriers. Then, we share this information with agencies to help them understand what businesses are facing and to encourage changes that make government easier to work with.
If you experience friction with a state or local agency, your feedback matters. We are focusing our messaging on our ombudsman role because we want more small businesses to reach out.
The Small Business Ombudsman for Workers’ Compensation:
Workers’ compensation (WC) can often feel complicated and frustrating for business owners, but it doesn’t have to be. The Office of the Small Business Ombudsman (SBO) for Workers’ Compensation is here to help you navigate the system with confidence.
SBO can assist with any aspect of workers’ compensation. Common questions include:
- Do I need workers’ compensation insurance?
- How do I purchase workers’ compensation coverage?
- Can you help me with a workers’ compensation audit?
- I disagree with my classification code—what should I do?
- I didn’t have insurance and now I’m in trouble. Can you help?
These are just a few examples. Not understanding how workers’ compensation impacts your business can lead to unexpected costs due to issues such as incorrect class codes, lack of verifiable time records, misclassified independent contractors, or not having required insurance.
SBO can also connect you with additional resources. The office maintains a strong network of partners in both the public and private sectors who can assist with many aspects of your business.
Please reach out to the Small Business Ombudsman anytime you have questions or need guidance.
Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The OAME Youth Entrepreneurship Conference is a free, one-day program designed to inspire and equip youth ages 14–21 with the skills, confidence, and connections to turn their ideas into reality.
On Thursday, August 6, 2026, participants will spend the day learning directly from experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals through interactive workshops, team activities, and hands-on mentoring. They'll explore how businesses are built, develop their own business concepts, strengthen their communication and leadership skills, and present their ideas in an exciting business pitch competition for the chance to win cash prizes.
No prior business experience is required, just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to learn.
Since 2004, OAME has helped more than 1,000 young people discover the possibilities of entrepreneurship while building confidence, problem-solving skills, and lasting relationships with mentors and community leaders.
Whether a participant dreams of starting a business, pursuing college, or becoming a leader in their community, the experience provides valuable skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
- Time: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: University of Oregon Portland Library & Learning Center
- Ages: 14–21
- Cost: Free (registration required)
Help us inspire the next generation of innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Learn more and register at: oame.org/events/youth-conference
ORPIB: Serving Oregon's LGBTQIA2S+ Business Community
Oregon Pride in Business (ORPIB) is an NGLCC-affiliated chamber of commerce serving LGBTQIA2S+ business owners, nonprofit leaders, professionals, and students throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. The organization's work centers on three areas: education, advocacy, and connection.
ORPIB members have access to a Member Directory for showcasing their businesses, a private Discord community for real-time networking, and Thrive in Business, a series of educational sessions covering practical business topics. Live sessions and access to an archive of past recordings are included with membership. ORPIB also engages in advocacy work to support LGBTQIA2S+ rights and economic inclusion across the region.
This fall, ORPIB will host its inaugural Rainbow Expo, a free public event taking place September 25–26, 2026, at Social Good Place in Portland's Sunnyside neighborhood. The Rainbow Expo will include a marketplace of queer-owned businesses, a food court featuring food trucks, wineries, and breweries, a Business Services Lounge, and a Community Resource Hub connecting attendees with local support organizations.
The public is welcome to attend at no cost. For more information about participating in the Rainbow Expo, visit orpib.com/rainbow-expo.
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