East Multnomah County One Stop Career System

Differently-Abled Business Association

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In a ground breaking partnership between The United Way and East County One Stop, Portland will open its first Business Association to support business owners with a disability.

The Differently-Abled Business Association (DBA) is an economic development endeavor to support entrepreneurs with disabilities starting or expanding their business.

DBA will provide three comprehensive business objectives in Multnomah County:

1. Entrepreneurial Development Services (EDS) provides businesses with developmental services: mentoring program, training classes, and individual counseling.
2. Resources for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (RED) provides the following resources: Internet Member Directory, Member Internet Business Library, Quarterly E Newsletter, and Computer Lab access, and DBA Web Page on Community Events.
3. Community Outreach Program (COP) provides participants with opportunities to build relationships through networking events and a 24/7 virtual procurement fair.

"ECOS is thrilled that the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has chosen to support development of a "Differently-Abled Business Association" to support business owners who also have a disability," states Joan Pasco, Project Manager, East County One Stop and Consultant for Workforce and Community Development. "ECOS' mission is to support employment options that bring people to self-sufficiency. We believe self-employment is a viable and desirable path for many individuals, especially persons with disabilities as their access to the traditional workforce can often be challenging."

DBA services will be available to self-employed individuals with disabilities. Support services include:

• Mentoring Program - Support for clients through our mentoring program
• Counseling Program - Provide one on one business support
• DBA Business Directory -
• DBA Library - Access to Internet Library for Business and Support Resources
• Quarterly Newsletter - Highlights participants and events in the community
• Computer Lab -Access to computer lab for participants
• DBA Web Link - Web page for up-to-date information on the community

In addition, DBA is planning a unique Virtual Internet Procurement Fair, an interactive trade fair to explore bidding opportunities and provide interaction with government agencies.

Contact Information:

The DBA will be open to the public soon..

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