President Biden announced important changes to the PPP, including a two-week window for businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
LEARN MORE Close

Success Stories

‘Havin’ Fun Habitat’n’ in the Pacific Northwest

'Havin’ fun habitat’n' is how Kim Erion today describes her construction company’s approach to its work. Founded in 1993, LKE Corporation is a full-service construction company specializing in environmental reclamation, wildlife habitat enhancement, wetland development, and watershed restoration. Erion knew back then that getting her foot in the door in the highly competitive and established construction industry would pose some difficult challenges and knew she could use some help.

Solution

She turned to Portland SCORE to get the counseling and training to help her run her business with confidence. As the company grew, Erion enrolled in programs like the Portland Community College Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) Level 3 Business Management course and the SBA Emerging Leaders Program to prepare for the firm’s expanding opportunities. In 2017, LKE graduated from the SBA 8(a) Business Development... Read More


High Impact Technology co-founders Russell Monk and Tom Ohnstad in front of the company's 23 patents

Blast Protection Makes an Impact with Oregon’s Exports

Protecting service members in Iraq and Afghanistan was the top priority in 2004 for High Impact Technology co-founders Russell Monk, Tom Ohnstad and their team when they developed Ballistic Jacket, a self-sealing/self-healing protective coating for military fuel tanker trucks. Projectiles could be shot into the fuel tank, but no fuel could leak out. By 2013, reduced demand by the U.S. government gave Monk and his team an opportunity to take the company in a new direction.

Solution

With 23 patents under its belt, the company knew its technology had applications to protect critical infrastructure not only in the U.S. but all over the world.  In order to introduce itself to the global marketplace, High Impact Technology had to find a way to connect with potential international customers in a... Read More

Building on a Family Tradition in the Pacific Northwest

Growing up with a contractor for a father and being one of six brothers and sisters as part of his “crew,” the constructing business came naturally for Brenda Fairbanks who started Daybreak Construction in 2000. After nearly 10 years of doing smaller residential and commercial projects, Fairbanks was ready to expand her business and explore the opportunities of entering the federal contracting marketplace. As she was preparing to take the next step, tragedy struck as she was involved in a serious car accident leaving her unable to walk for nearly a year.

Solution

As Fairbanks was recovering, she learned that she was accepted into the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program, a nine-year government contracting certification to provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities. With the help of an SBA backed loan, Fairbanks was able to... Read More

Paying It Forward and Making a Global Impact in Oregon

Donating a fleece blanket to a homeless shelter near the customer for every blanket the company sells is the business model Sackcloth & Ashes co-founder Bob Dalton has used since producing his first blanket in Monmouth, Oregon in June 2014. He was inspired to start the company when he learned his hardworking single mother had found herself living on the streets in 2013 in Florida, and as a way to make a difference, he learned what homeless shelters needed most - blankets. Dalton’s talents of marketing the one-for-one business model to retailers and co-founder Jordan Tardie’s operational management skills, helped propel the brand’s popularity across the country, but they needed access to capital to help them take their message to the global marketplace.

Solution

In 2019, Co-owner and Chief Financial Officer Samuel Campbell, with Tardie and Dalton, approached the West Salem Branch of Columbia... Read More

Pages