PCC Emphasizes Shared Values, Inclusivity, and Support for Small Businesses and Students
One of the central themes of Portland Community College’s Strategic Plan is a commitment to “Shared Values,” emphasizing support for people, connectedness and empowerment. Through a human-centered approach, PCC seeks to build a vibrant college community where everyone feels valued.
This effort is grounded in cultivating a sense of belonging and care, achieved through shared governance, transparent decision-making, and professional development. PCC’s dedication to these values extends beyond its campus, enriching the wider Portland community, especially through its support of small businesses and marginalized communities.
Fostering Economic Growth Through the SBDC
For over 45 years, the Oregon Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at PCC has been a vital resource for local entrepreneurs, especially in the Portland metro area. The center has empowered thousands of business owners, helping them grow and sustain their ventures. The SBDC’s comprehensive support system combines personalized one-on-one, confidential business advising with training programs led by seasoned business experts, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing market.
One of the SBDC’s standout offerings is its no-cost “Intro to SBDC” orientation, which provides local entrepreneurs with educational resources and a structured plan of action tailored to their specific business needs. This program serves as a launching pad for aspiring business owners to develop a clear strategy in finding support for their entrepreneurial journey.
A testament to the success of PCC’s SBDC is the story of a new LGBTQ+-owned small business. Nathan Wade Carter owns How Convenient, which is a unique convenience store in East Portland. Carter, who dreamt of leaving the food service industry to become his own boss, found guidance and support through the PCC SBDC’s Business Builders training program. With personalized advising, he turned his dream into a reality, officially opening his doors on Oct. 2.
How Convenient is not just a store—it’s a community hub where locals can discover everything from classic snacks to artistic greeting cards. Carter emphasizes the value of leveraging the SBDC’s resources, advising other entrepreneurs to, “Use the PCC SBDC as a resource and launch pad for exploration, and ask lots of questions. Trust your gut as to what’s right for you, your business, and your vision.”
Beyond individual success stories, the SBDC offers resources for entrepreneurs at every stage, from turning homemade recipes into commercial-ready products to navigating the complexities of exporting and importing.
Championing Belonging and Inclusivity
The college is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all students, staff and faculty. Central to this mission is the work of the Culture Transformation & Development (CTD) Department, which encompasses three interconnected teams: Restorative Belonging, Inclusive Learning, and Equity Strategy. Together, these teams lead proactive and strategic initiatives to cultivate a culture of belonging, equity and inclusion across PCC’s campuses.
The CTD department’s efforts include developing and implementing B-JEDI (Belonging, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) strategies, facilitating restorative practices, and identifying and addressing policy gaps. By offering B-JEDI training, managing professional development activities, and providing organizational orientations, the CTD team ensures that every member of the PCC community feels welcomed, valued, and equipped to succeed.
The mission of the CTD is to nurture a transformational learning culture where racial justice, continuous improvement, and personal growth are not just ideals but integral parts of the college’s fabric. By embedding these principles into its operations, PCC continues to set the standard for community colleges nationwide.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Students
A cornerstone of PCC’s commitment to inclusivity is its network of Queer Resource Centers (QRCs), which provide essential support for students of marginalized genders and sexualities. The QRCs focus on advocacy, education, leadership development, and programming, all aimed at creating an inclusive and intersectional campus climate. The centers’ vision is for PCC to be a leader in gender justice, sexual liberation, and equity for all individuals, transcending the boundaries of the college and making a lasting impact on the broader community.
The QRCs collaborate across campuses to offer district-wide events and initiatives, ensuring that all PCC students can access resources. They also manage programs like the Gender Inclusive Spaces Committee and the annual Rainbow Graduation, celebrating the achievements of LGBTQ+ graduates. Through these initiatives, PCC actively dismantles barriers and promotes a campus culture where every student can thrive authentically.
A Commitment to Shared Values
PCC’s dedication to shared values, inclusivity, and community support is evident in every facet of its operations, from small business development to fostering a sense of belonging on campus. As a member of Oregon Pride in Business (ORPIB) since 2023, PCC’s ongoing efforts reflect a long-standing commitment to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community and supporting small businesses.
By prioritizing human-centered approaches, PCC not only enhances the educational experience but also contributes to the social and economic vitality of Portland and beyond. Whether through helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams or providing resources for marginalized students, PCC exemplifies what it means to be a true community college—where shared values lead to shared success.
For more information about PCC’s Small Business Development Center, call (971) 722-5080 or email sbdc@pcc.edu. To learn more about the Queer Resource Centers, visit PCC’s Queer Resource Centers.
