• Membership ››
• Grants ››
• Webinars ››
• Catalytic Investment Initiative ››
• Podcast ››
• Sponsorship ››
• Fee-For-Service ››

Podcast

Season 3

Episode 2: Battlegrounds Gaming Cafe in Hollywood

In this episode of the Small Business Portland Podcast, Eleni talks with Steve Coker of Battlegrounds Gaming Cafe. Steve shares his story of following his passions and dreams right into creating this unique community space located in the NE Portland Hollywood District. Tune in and get inspired for your next gaming adventure!

Episode 1: Portland Winter Lights Festival

In this illuminating episode, Eleni chats with Alisha Sullivan, Executive Director, and Misty Post, Art Director, of the Willamette Light Brigade which is the non profit that curates and produces the infamous Portland Winter Lights Festival! Take a listen to this engaging conversation all about lighting up Portland.

Season 2

Episode 10: St. Johns Small Business Empire

Partners in business and in life, Kate Simer and Keith Kurczewski, talk with Eleni about their 3 businesses in St. Johns. La Paloma, 3 Tracks Music and Descansa Property Management offer a plethora of services and products. From guitars and music lessons to gifts, an event space, and even a full on property management company, these two sure know the ins and outs of small business!

Episode 9: Welcoming Fall with Blackthorne Mercantile

Located in the Williams District, Blackthorn Mercantile is a local merchant of all things essential for home and living. Eleni sits down with Blackthorn owner, Lisa Stanger, to talk about her favorite products, upcoming events, and other ways that Blackthorn can help you usher in the fall season.

Episode 8: Frock Boutique: 20 Years on Alberta Street

Eleni chats with Ali and Angie of Frock Boutique on Alberta Street about their origins at Burning Man, their favorite items in the store, and their plans for celebrating their upcoming 20th anniversary.

Episode 7: Comida, Cultura, and Comunidade with Favela Brazilian Cafe

Eleni sits down with Rodrigo Baena of Foster’s Favela Brazilian Cafe to talk about Brazilian culture, building community, and their new location at Taborspace in the Belmont District.

Episode 6: Self Care with Dr. Marcea Wiggins of SANTÉ Aesthetics & Wellness

In this episode, Eleni sits down with Dr. Marcea Wiggins of SANTÉ Aesthetics & Wellness to discuss their new holistic medspa in the Stadium District and the services they offer including holistic medical care and a full range of aesthetic treatments.

Episode 5: Saving the World One Sweater at a Time

Animal, Plant, Mineral specializes in local, handmade, ethical, sustainable, and vintage clothing and home goods. In this episode, we spoke with Owner, Faith Jennings about her store, her passion for sustainable clothing, and tips for caring for your favorite sweater.

Episode 4: Food, Fashion, and Mutual Aid with Deedee Hopkins

Deoshia (Deedee) Hopkins owns Good Deeds in the Alberta Arts District, which is a Black Femme-owned full-service company focused on food, fashion, and events, and also incorporates mutual aid. We sat down with Deedee to talk about her latest endeavors, including a new food truck project called ‘The Pull Up’ and a boutique in the Lloyd Center called ‘5th Avenue.’

Episode 3: A One-Stop-Shop for Plants, Gifts and… Tortoises?

In this episode we chat with Elizabeth Hsia, owner of Reclamation in the Williams District about proper plant care, great gift ideas and the shop mascot, Elliot!

Episode 2: Talking Tattoos with Tattoo 34 in Hawthorne

In this episode we chat with Nisha Supahan of Tattoo 34 on Hawthorne about what it is like to be a Black and Indigenous-owned business in Portland, pivoting during the pandemic and their upcoming Flash Day event.

Episode 1: Catching Up with Bella’s Italian Bakery in Lents

In honor of Women’s History Month, new Small Business Portland Podcast host Eleni Gerding chats with owner of Bella’s Italian Bakery, Michelle Vernier, about her journey to become a business owner in Lents, her favorite things to bake, and more.

Season 1

Episode 5: Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is

Listeners get to hear from the passionate powerhouse that is Sarah Shaoul of PDX SOS and Bricks Need Mortar. Sarah and host Joy Church talk about the impact of the latest shutdown on small businesses and the broader impact on housing prices and neighborhoods. Sarah shares ways for consumers to support small business through PDX SOS and by taking the #PortlandPledge.

Episode 4: Your Friendly Neighborhood Book Store

The Small Business Portland podcast talks with a real Portland treasure, Christine Longmuir, owner of Two Rivers Books. Listeners will hear how Christine and her business partner, Fuschia Troutman of Weird Sisters Yarn, have adapted to serve their customers during the pandemic; building an even stronger community through an increased number and type of virtual events, offering local delivery, donating to local charitable organizations, providing truly exceptional customer service, and showcasing BIPOC-owned businesses in the Portland area. Christine shares how she started in the book business and talks holiday strategy with us, too. Please give this a listen and share your feedback!

Episode 3: “The Holidays” Start in October

Joy is joined by Bridgid Blackburn of Cargo, Jeff Lynott of the Foster Area Business Association and Liz Smith of the St. Johns Boosters to discuss preparation for the upcoming Holiday Season- starting with Halloween.

Episode 2: What’s Going Down in Old Town?

Joy is joined by Helen Ying, Chair of the Old Town Community Association, and Jessie Burke, owner of the Society Hotel and OTCA Board Member, to discuss the situation in Old Town during the pandemic, street demonstrations, housing crises and more.

Episode 1 – Social Media During a Pandemic

Joy is joined by district organizers Calvin Hoff and Deborah Rochford to discuss the importance of and strategy for small business social media in interesting times.