Oregon: Resources

Maintained by the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department, Business Oregon provides information relating to the state economic environment to help investors start businesses in Oregon. Information pertains to business and industry data, international expansion, and workforce development. The website also has a guide for starting businesses in Oregon and a list of state and federal financial incentive programs.

Launched in 2002, the Oregon Business Plan is a collaborative effort to foster economic development in the state. It brings together the public and private sectors who drive initiatives toward this cause. The organization holds regular meetings and conferences that allow for networking opportunities with major players in the Oregonian economy.

The Oregon Small Business Development Center Network focuses on providing assistance to current and potential small businesses in the state. It offers consulting for technological start-ups, resources for international business expansion, counseling, and training workshops. Services are free of charge, except for workshops and materials, which require a nominal fee.

The Oregon branch of the U.S. Commercial Service specializes in helping small to medium-sized companies develop and execute exporting strategies. The site provides a resources database on topics like international market research, financing export transactions, and engaging trade partners. There are also paid services to help the companies enter international markets or looking to expand their business overseas.

This document provides the legal framework that a manufacturer who is interested in pursuing a sales representative or distributorship arrangement in Oregon should follow. Brief summaries of potential legal issues involving contracts, representative statutes, noncompetition provisions, franchise details, tax implications, and Oregon antitrust laws are also included. Prepared by: Ater Wynne LLP Attorneys at Law.