PORTLAND FRANCHISE OWNER WINS NATIONAL AWARD
Pat Farmer’s career with Domino’s has taken him all the way from folding pizza boxes as an employee to owning a company franchise in Portland. Now, it has also helped him win a top award.
Farmer recently was named a recipient of an International Franchise Association Golden Franny award. The award program was created 20 years ago and recognizes franchise owners whose operations excel in areas that include community involvement, operational audits, store safety and security, and team morale.
Owning a Domino’s franchise has been a family affair for Farmer. His father, Jeff, purchased his first store in 1987. Farmer and his brother Chris followed in their dad’s footsteps and now own and operate a total of 42 Domino’s stores in Oregon and Washington.
“Winning this award is such an honor,” Farmer said. “My family has put together a very special company where we give our team members the same opportunities that we have been given. They know they can start as a driver or customer service representative and can work their way up through management to become supervisors, corporate team members or even franchisees – just as we did.”
This is Farmer’s fifth time winning a Golden Franny Award.
TO MARKET, TO MARKET
If you have always dreamed of seeing your homemade salsa or lemon pound cake on store shelves, the Small Business Development Center at Portland Community College may have the program for you.
THE SBDC will once again offer its popular Getting Your Recipe to Market program beginning in September.
The SBDC describes the program as an intense 12-week dive into what it takes to move a product from the idea stage to store shelves. Topics covered in sessions will include business basics, product development, food safety, packaging, production and distribution.
The program was developed through a joint effort between the SBDC, the Food Innovation Canter and New Seasons. Presenters include instructors, business advisers and food professionals.
The first session is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 27. The last session will be held on Dec. 13. The cost is $1,995.
Entrepreneurs interested in enrolling in the program will be required to participate in a guided phone interview and fill out a program application. For more information, visit the oregonsbdc.org.
CREW OFFERS MENTORSHIP FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
The Portland chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW Portland) is offering slots in its annual mentorship program.
The program began in 2016 as a way to connect Portland-area real estate professionals in the early stages of their careers with industry veterans. Through working with mentors, program participants gain valuable insight, learn about industry best practices and develop important relationships and networks.
The program will include monthly session that begin in September and end in May 2023. CREW is requesting that applicants be able to commit to attending at least five of the sessions.
Applications are available online at crew-portland.org/events. The deadline for submission is Sept. 2.
AGC SUMMER CONVENTION PLANNED FOR SUNRIVER
The Associated General Contractors Oregon-Columbia chapter will hold its annual summer convention, scheduled for August 4-6.
The conference is recognized as one of the main sources of industry information and networking for large and small businesses involved in the building industry in Oregon and Southwest Washington. This year’s agenda includes national speakers, educational breakout sessions, evening entertainment and plenty of opportunities to network and build industry connections. Family activities also will be scheduled.
The event will be held at Sunriver Resort, 17600 Center Dr. in Sunriver in Central Oregon. For agenda and registration information, go to www.agc-oregon.org/events.
GRANTS GALOR
A Perfect Match: City of Tigard Opportunity Fund — Interested in opening a storefront small business in the rapidly growing Tigard Triangle area in Tigard? The City of Tigard’s Triangle Business Opportunity Fund has matching grant funds available to help cover construction costs for tenant improvement build-outs. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for eating and drinking establishments; retail, personal services and professional services businesses are eligible for up to $25,000. Visit the Opportunity Fund grant program (tigard-or.gov/business-development) to review criteria, including a map of included commercial areas, and an application.
Get Connected: Federal program helps pay for internet — The federal Affordability Connectivity program helps low-income households cover costs for broadband service and internet-connected devices. Eligible households can receive a discount of up to $30 per month on internet service. For more information and to check eligibility, visit the Affordability Connectivity Program at affordableconnectivity.gov.
SoGal Grants for Black Women Entrepreneurs — SoGal Foundation’s Black Founder Startup Grant program has $5,000 and $10,000 cash grants available for Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and there is no application fee. Apply online (iamsogal.com/black-founder-startup-grant).
Amber Grant for Women — Each month, WomensNet’s Amber Grant Foundation gives away up to $30,000 in grants to women entrepreneurs. At the end of each year, all monthly winners are eligible for two $25,000 overall annual grants. Applications are due by the end of each month. Applications not selected for a grant will automatically be submitted for the next month. Application fee: one-time $15 fee. Apply online (ambergrantsforwomen.com).
Reach for Success — Hello Alice is accepting applications for the Antares REACH Grant Program. The program will provide $20,000 grants to selected small businesses ready to move to their next stage of growth. Priority will be given to businesses that provide important community services and are owned by historically underrepresented entrepreneurs. Applicants also must have less than $5 million in annual revenue, have a demonstrated need for the grant money, and have a plan for growth in hand. Apply online (helloalice.com/grants).