indie business...

Networking doesn't have to feel like a sale. Or an awkwardly ostentatious forum for egotistical schmoozing and one-upmanship. Networking should feel more like socializing—finding common interests and then sharing ideas and solutions to problems—especially in Portland's diverse but cooperative small business culture. So-called networking "events" shouldn't even necessarily be formal affairs or paid more...

Portland's micro coffee roasters and our D.I.Y. spirit in the press is nothing new. And last week The New York Times' travel section gave another tip of the hat to what it called Portland's "D.I.Y. coffee culture." Did The NYT cover a few of our great, local micro roasters? Yes. But our D.I.Y. coffee culture? Not so much. As Mr. Green Beans, Portland's "Do-It-Yourself destination" where you can more...

There are many unwritten, long-practiced rules of communication. We all know (or at least we should) that when confronted with big decisions, whether in work or love, it's always best to "sleep on it." Another truism is: "Don't ask a question if you don’t want to know the answer." And despite the fact that many men and women find true love in the workplace, we're told: "Don't date someone more...

Believe In Movement, formerly known as Believe Movement Studio, is kicking off 2012—its third year in business—with a new partner, a new look, a wider variety of exciting movement classes, and a goal to become a gathering space for the community. In light of difficult economic times Believe In Movement has proven it has staying power, attracting a committed group of students from the Woodlawn neighborhood and adjacent more...

The trend of new businesses seen sprouting up in October, November and December shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. A diverse array of businesses opened in January that, when cobbled together, include candy, pizza, bottle, and specialty burger shops, a Doctor Who-themed English pub, a modern musical and improv theater-cabaret-bar, and a retail store that sells, among other things, handmade oddities, antiques, sweaters, kimchi, more...

From multi-week courses to single workshops, a variety of small business education opportunities are available to all entrepreneurs more...

"Local business make our region great. And loving local businesses just got sweeter." —Supportland Neighborhood Notes recently sent out more than 75 Supportland rewards cards loaded with points as a thank you to those that filled out our reader survey. And in response, we got a few questions, like “How do you use this thing?” Supportland co-founder Katrina Scotto di Carlo isn’t caught off guard: more...

Any small business owner or organization can create value through creative calendaring. more...