Start or Grow Your Business
Economic Development is a priority for our City. Our Economic Development team are working to understand the needs of local businesses and work with them hand-in-hand to help them grow. In the meantime, please use the resources below to help guide you in starting or growing your business, and don’t hesitate to contact our Economic Development Manager, Erik Adair at AdairE@sherwoodoregon.gov any time.
Sherwood’s Economic Development Department has compiled useful links and information on their Licenses, Codes, Permits & Fees page. Start here to obtain a Business License, take a look at the Fee Schedule and learn about the basics of the City’s Municipal Code.
The Business Wizard is a state-run website designed to help you understand which government requirements apply to your new business and what resources may be available to you. The Business Wizard will provide a list of referrals and possible licensing requirements for registering a new business based on your answers. The State also publishes a helpful How to Start a Business in Oregon Guide.
The State of Oregon also offers business support services through their website, Business Oregon. Find information about Oregon’s competitive advantages, as well as resources on financing, growing your business and innovation, among other tools.
The Oregon Small Business Development Center Network, composed of 19 conveniently-located Centers, provides no-cost, confidential advising, training, online courses and resources for businesses throughout the state. This comprehensive assistance is offered to anyone who owns or operates a business or is planning to start a business, and covers every aspect of business development and management. Businesses in every industry and at every stage of growth, from start-ups to well-established companies, from one employee to 500, are welcomed.
One of 19 Small Business Development Center’s in the State, the Portland Community College program offers resources and support for those looking to grow or reinvent their current business, as well as launch or operate a new business.
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) believes that small business is America’s most powerful engine of opportunity and economic growth. The SBA offers a variety of programs and support services to help you navigate the issues you face with your initial applications, and resources to help after you open for business.