In a recent meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade, significant strides were highlighted in supporting small businesses across the state. Trevor, a representative from the agency, presented a range of new resources aimed at enhancing communication and transparency for business owners.

One of the key developments is the introduction of quarterly newsletters, now available in both English and Spanish, which have attracted around 14,000 subscribers. These newsletters serve as a vital tool for sharing updates on new policies, helpful programs, and upcoming events that could impact small businesses. The agency has also launched a legislative tracking website, designed to keep business owners informed about relevant bills and regulations. This initiative responds to feedback indicating that many businesses were unaware of new laws affecting them. The website is updated monthly and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of legislation that could influence small business operations.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the completion of the Corporate Transparency Act, which mandates businesses to report ownership information to the U.S. Department of Treasury. The agency is now directing inquiries to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, ensuring that businesses can access necessary information without incurring costs.

Looking ahead, the agency plans to enhance its outreach by visiting counties that were previously underserved and updating essential publications like the "Oregon Start a Business Guide" and the "Oregon Employers Guide." These resources are widely utilized by small business development centers and are crucial for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of starting and running a business.

The committee expressed appreciation for the agency's efforts, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication and collaboration in addressing the needs of small businesses. As the agency continues to refine its resources and outreach strategies, it remains committed to supporting Oregon's small business community in navigating the evolving economic landscape.