Pathways to Prosperity

About this event

At the Port of Portland, we’re committed to making it easier for people in our region to access quality jobs and grow their business. Join us for a day of workshops and information sessions designed to help local small business owners, entrepreneurs and craftworkers -- including those from underrepresented communities—learn about the many ways to work with the Port (because some may surprise you!).

For small business owners in construction and trades, consultants, artisans, and service providers, we’ll share upcoming opportunities to do business with our airports, marine terminals and business parks, and guidance for proposing and bidding on our contracting opportunities. We’ll have members of our team available to offer direction and answer questions so your business can benefit from the work we do.

Conference Tracks:

Construction and Trades -

This track will be geared toward small businesses focused on construction and trades, such as:

• Architectural and Engineering Services

• Commercial construction

• Concrete work

• Painting

• Consultants

Professional Services and Goods -

This track is geared toward small businesses focused on Professional Services and Goods, such as:

• Catering

• Event planning

• Accounting

• Consultants

• IT Support and Tech Services

• Entrepreneurs

• Small business retail and makers

Pathways to Prosperity Agenda:

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Breakfast & Networking

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration & Check-In

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Opening Remarks & Announcements with Mayra Arreola, Chief Shared Prosperity Officer

9:45 AM – 11:15 AM | Morning Breakout Sessions

• Airport Retail Possibilities for Small Business

• Getting Certified: COBID Overview & One-on-One Support

• Port of Portland: 5-Year Capital Plan & Upcoming Contracting Opportunities

• Winning the Work: Insider Tips for Navigating the Solicitation Process

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM | Lunch & Keynote Address, introduction by Curtis Robinhold, Port of Portland Executive Director, and keynote by Commissioner Katherine Lam

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Afternoon Breakout Sessions

• Getting Certified: COBID Overview & One-on-One Support

• Foundations of Contracting: Understanding Project Manuals, Insurance, and Bonding Requirements
• Inside the Mentor-Protégé Program: Structure, Services, and Success Stories

• Understanding Public Solicitations: How to Navigate RFPs, ITBs, and Solicitation Requirements

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Closing Remarks with Nikoyia Phillips, Community Impact Director

3:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Networking Mixer & Happy Hour

Moving with Purpose

With our three airports, three operating marine terminals, and five business parks, the Port of Portland is an economic engine for transforming this region into a place where everyone is welcome, empowered, and connected to the opportunity to find a good job or grow their business.

Our job is to pull down barriers and connect people and local businesses who have been left out of the region’s economic growth—including people of color, low-income workers, and people with disabilities—to powerful opportunities. Using our resources, expertise, and influence, we create jobs, help locally owned businesses grow, and help attract more quality employers to the state.

Want to learn more about the Port's work with small businesses? Visit us at: https://www.portofportland.com/business/smallbusiness