Business Spotlights Blog Posts | Page 5

Shashonna Knecht, tattoo artist and owner of the NE Portland tattoo studio La Petite Tattoo, discusses the logistics of reopening and talks about the challenges and advantages of her business model in the new COVID economy.

Nonprofits have plenty to teach small business owners about managing money and people, communicating a mission, carving out a needed niche, writing a business plan, and using social media to tell their story. Learn more about North by Northeast Community Health Center, the only free health clinic in Oregon dedicated to African American/Black health, and see how following the pattern of a successful nonprofit can change your business ethics and efficacy.

Ashley Miller took COVID-related job loss and uncertainty and turned her misfortune into opportunity, starting Ruby’s Cleaning Service just months into the worldwide pandemic. Thanks to hard work and a solid niche in the real estate market, this cleaning business looks to have a bright future. Read on as we turn our small business spotlight on Ruby’s Cleaning Service, LLC.

Located in Portland, Oregon’s Sellwood neighborhood, the Pied Piper cafe opened in 2015. The business boasted a contained play area, served fresh food, and even had a patio and on-site parking. It was also the type of desired community gathering spot dreamed about by other frazzled parents juggling work and kids in the upscale district. Owner Melissa Swan recently closed her doors. Read more about her journey here.

Wilson applied for a Payroll Protection Program loan with the bank where she has her business account. She was quickly approved and saw the loan deposit less than two weeks after approval. Per the SBA’s instructions, she understood 75% of the loan needed to go into payroll and employee retention during the next two and a half months in order to be eligible for forgiveness. There is ample trepidation about following the government’s directions.