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Where independent retailers go to gain
Your business is an essential asset to the neighborhood, its residents, and the local economy.
Together we create new opportunities and restore retail community.
Our Team
Sarah Shaoul
Passionate about human engagement, Sarah works with businesses to establish and maintain healthy ethos and culture to propel businesses to thrive forward.
Sarah Shaoul is a business consultant and coach with over 25 years of experience owning, operating and building retail brands.
Jim Hassert
An active listener, Jim swiftly identifies issues within a business and acts efficiently to implement opportunities for improvement.
Jim Hassert has over 15 years experience owning and running small businesses and loves helping passionate owners turn vision into reality.
Advisory Team
Jared Mees
Owner at Tender Loving Empire
Tender Loving Empire curates a collection of goods and music from hundreds of independent makers for people who want to support their creative community, surround themselves with beauty and live wholehearted.
Michele E. Reeves
Founder at Civilis Consultants
Civilis Consultants works to assist commercial districts to recognize and leverage their strengths, craft unique brands, and ultimately, increase sales per square foot.
Ashley Henry
Executive Director at BBPDX
BBPDX works to engage Portland's business leaders in the civic processes that shape the direction of the city. Ashley is passionate about connecting leaders with strategic opportunities to bring greater shared prosperity to all Portlanders.
Will Cervarich
Co-Owner and Director of Development at Betsy & Iya
Founded in 2008 Betsy & Iya is a brick and mortar shop in NW Portland and jewelry brand. Will specializes in systems, operations and brand strategy.
Rebecca Armstrong
CEO at North
Rebecca spearheads agency direction and guides communications strategies for clients that include Hydro Flask, Peet's Coffee & Tea, New Seasons, Hood River Distillers and Green Valley Creamery among others.
Ciara Presller
Founder at Pregame
Author of Game Plan: Achieve Your Goals in Life, Career, and Business. For 10+ years Ciara has been working with entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators to create their game plan to launch and grow.
Bridgid Blackburn
Co-Owner at Cargo
Cargo is a 25 year old home goods and lifestyle shop in Portland's Central Eastside. Bridgid is on the board of the CEIC, Venture Portland, founder of Merchants & Makers Committee and serves on committees for the Regional Arts Council, Business for a Better Portland, and Portland Means Progress.
Betsy Cross
Founder and Co-Owner at Betsy & Iya
Founded in 2008 Betsy & Iya is a brick and mortar shop in NW Portland and jewelry brand. Betsy is the Lead Deisnger and Creative Director.
Ray Moseley
Business Mentor at Prince's Trust
Ray Moseley has a varied professional career starting in sales at IBM, then Investment Banking at Smith Barney. The mainstay of his career was spent as a principal building AND1 to a $250m global brand.
Mitch Daugherty
Executive Director at Built Oregon
Built Oregon supports the growth of Oregon’s consumer product industries in order to create sustainable, inclusive, and innovative job growth.
Sponsors & Partners
