Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs

The Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME) is a non-profit, tax-exempt membership organization founded in 1987. Its mission is to promote and develop entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities in Oregon and Southwest Washington. OAME aims to create an inclusive environment that fosters business growth and reduces discrimination and racism.

History and Mission

OAME was established by a group of business leaders who recognized the need for collaboration among minority businesses across different ethnic lines. Starting with eight members, the organization has grown significantly, now boasting over 850 members representing diverse ethnic backgrounds, including African-American, Asian-American, Native-American, Hispanic-American, and European-American businesses.

OAME's motto, "Everybody's In, Nobody's Out!", reflects its commitment to inclusivity and support for all businesses and organizations. The organization provides essential services to help small businesses succeed, including free technical assistance, access to capital, incubator office spaces at below-market rates, and large bi-monthly networking meetings.

Core Services

• Technical Assistance: OAME offers free business counseling to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and improve their business operations.
• Networking: The organization hosts regular networking meetings to facilitate connections among business owners, fostering growth and collaboration.
• Marketing: OAME assists members in developing effective marketing strategies to enhance their visibility and reach.
• Access to Capital: Members benefit from access to capital, including SBA microloans, which are crucial for startups and small businesses.
• Business Incubator: OAME provides incubator office spaces at discounted rates to support startups and emerging businesses.

Impact and Membership

OAME supports thousands of businesses, including Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned, Emerging Small Business, and Service-Disabled Veteran Business enterprises (MWESBDV). The organization's membership is diverse and includes businesses from various sectors. Members have expressed their appreciation for the networking opportunities and business growth strategies provided by OAME.

Events and Partnerships

OAME hosts an annual trade show and luncheon, which is a premier event for networking and business development. Additionally, the organization partners with private, public, and educational sectors to provide connections and opportunities for its members.