Sam and the Portland City Council unanimously passed the Small Business Bill of Rights, a resolution to make sure small businesses have a voice in the decision making process, making Portland more business-friendly.

The resolution brought forth by the Small Business Advisory Council (SBAC) was co sponsored by all five commissioners and marks a philosophic change in how the small business community and City government work together.

According to the Bill of Rights, small businesses have the right to expect City Council to:

• Work with the business community to develop, promote and maintain education, training and informational programs and resources that assist the start-up, operation and/or expansion of businesses;
• Support and promote programs that provide access to capital, financing and city incentives for small business start up, survival and/or expansion;
• Establish and maintain a fair system of taxation and fees that encourages small businesses to start, survive, grow and remain in Portland; and
• Actively seek and expand opportunities for small businesses to provide products and services to the City.

The resolution recognizes the importance of Small Business in Portland. In the Portland Metro region we know that 95% of all firms are small businesses (less than 50 employees) and that they employ more than 250,000 people.

At the hearing, Sam said, "We know that small businesses are particularly vulnerable to economic and policy fluctuations." Acknowledging the clear commitment to the success of Small Business in our community that the resolution establishes, Sam urged everyone to "breathe life" into the bill.

Sam urged a two-way relationship: "We agree to work with the business community when developing policies and to consider their particular needs in the process. For businesses, this is an opportunity to step into a closer relationship with the public sector. We are committing to working with you - and so we will need you there to work with us."

"I think this is a good indication and true testimony that government and business can work together and sustain this great state we are so proud of," said Ken Turner, Vice Chair of SBAC. "It's a great day for all of us."

Based on Portland 's success at being the first city in Oregon to formalize a working relationship with the small business community, the Governor's Small Business Council is looking to Portland as a model of collaboration between the private sector and government and may introduce similar legislation at the state level next year.

Related Documents

• Resolution
• Small Business Bill of Rights

Community Partners

• Small Business Advisory Council

Media Mentions

• Portland City Council Declares Support for Small Business - Oregonian, 11-29-07
• Take a Break from Commuting, Willamette Week, 11-28-07
• Council Approves State's First 'Small Business Bill of Rights," Portland Tribune, 11-28-07

Blog

• Portland Adopts Small Business Bill of Rights - PortlandSmallBusiness.com, 11-30-07

 

EMAIL

Your Email: *

Your Name: *

Send To: *

Enter multiple addresses on separate lines or separate them with commas.

Message Subject: (Your Name) has forwarded a page to you from CommissionerSam.com

Message Body: (Your Name) thought you would like to see the CommissionerSam.com web site.

Your Personal Message: *