Oregon Micro Enterprise Network

Notes from the nonprofit

The Oregon Microenterprise Network is a State Microenterprise Association of micro business development organizations, programs and practitioners. OMEN is a diverse network of member-organization committed to microenterprise development throughout Oregon. Members include micro business development organizations, financial institutions, economic development organizations, Small Business Development Centers, state and local governments and agencies, revolving loan funds, chambers of commerce, university business outreach programs, and small business owners.

Oregon Microenterprise Network (OMEN) was formed in 1998 by a group of small business service providers who recognized the need to cooperatively tackle issues of funding, training, messaging and scale. OMEN members provide training, business development consulting, access to capital, and other enterprise opportunities to micro business owners and entrepreneurs with limited access to economic resources. OMEN serves a resource for members through various capacity building services such as market research for entrepreneurs seeking to start or expand their business through its MarketLink ™ Program, to individual seeking to start a business through the Self Employment Assistance Program, and through a Business Outreach Program designed to provide guidance to businesses on how to access health care for their employees, through the Affordable Care Act - Cover Oregon Project. OMEN provides leadership and a voice for state wide micro business support, access to training, best practices and networking opportunities at its Annual Summit on Entrepreneurship, as well as communication tools to keep members informed of industry trends and opportunities.

The Oregon Microenterprise Network envisions, by 2015, will become: the voice of microbusiness in Oregon; the standard-bearer responsible for convening and engaging members in developing a shared vision for the industry; and, the leader in efforts designed to strengthen and grow the industry and to increase public awareness of the benefits and impact of the micro business industry on Oregon economy.