Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs

What Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs does

The Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME) is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(6) membership organization founded in 1987 by Sam Brooks in Portland, Oregon. The organization operates under the mission of promoting entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities across Oregon and Southwest Washington, anchored by the motto 'Everybody's In, Nobody's Out!' It serves approximately 550 members comprising minority-owned, woman-owned, emerging small business, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises (MWESBDV), alongside public agencies, partner non-profits, and large businesses. Core programming consists of twice-monthly in-person networking meetings (CAEPT Networking Meetings for contractors, architects, engineers, and professional technical professionals on the second Friday; Coffee & Issues Forums for civic engagement on the last Friday), an annual Trade Show & Luncheon now in its 39th year at the Oregon Convention Center with 133 booths and 2,000+ attendees, an annual Youth Entrepreneurship Conference for ages 14-21 that has cumulatively trained 1,000+ young entrepreneurs since 2004, a Veterans Committee, and a Technical Resources Program connecting members with capital, coaching, and certification partners. Digital services are limited in scope and include a member directory, Bids platform, Jobs Board, and online member portal — there is no proprietary technology platform powering the business.

OAME generates revenue through a diversified mix of annual membership dues, tiered event sponsorships (Platinum $15,000; Gold $10,000; Silver $7,500; Bronze $5,000; Supporter $2,500), trade show booth fees ($450-$1,200 depending on company size and membership status), youth conference sponsorships ($100-$3,000+), and tax-deductible donations from individuals, businesses, and agencies. The organization is staffed by 1-10 employees and is overseen by Chair Summer Fowler with Founding Chair Sam Brooks. Major institutional sponsors for 2026 include OHSU, Nike, Wells Fargo, US Bank, Hoffman Construction, Metro, Multnomah County, the Portland Bureau of Human Resources, and Portland Community College, alongside a curated set of capital and technical assistance partners (Business Oregon, Craft3, Business Impact NW, Kiva Oregon, PCC SBDC, Black United Fund of Oregon, MESO, and the University of Oregon Portland as host venue).

The organization's go-to-market motion is community-led: growth is driven by recurring in-person events, member referrals, and sponsorship cultivation rather than direct sales or paid acquisition. Distribution is regional, confined to Oregon and Southwest Washington, and is anchored by a host venue partnership with the University of Oregon Portland Library and Learning Center for monthly meetings and the Youth Conference. The core 'product' is the curated community itself — member testimonials consistently attribute business survival, client acquisition, and growth to relationships built through OAME — and competitive positioning rests on 35+ years of brand equity rather than technology differentiation.

Name

Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs

Legal name

Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs

Website

https://oame.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME) is a Portland-based nonprofit membership organization founded in 1987, serving 550+ minority, woman, veteran, and emerging entrepreneurs across Oregon and SW Washington through monthly networking meetings, an annual Trade Show, a Youth Entrepreneurship Conference, and a Technical Resources partner program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees provide access to networking events, business directory listings, technical resources, and member discounts on conference room rentals and event space.
2. Event Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships at various levels (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Supporter) for annual events including the Trade Show & Luncheon, Youth Entrepreneurship Conference, Sam Brooks Classic, and monthly networking meetings.
3. Booth and Exhibitor Fees: Trade show booth reservations charged to exhibitors based on company size and membership status, ranging from $450-$1200 per booth.
4. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, businesses, and agencies supporting OAME's mission to promote minority entrepreneurship and youth programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

OAME is a non-profit, tax-exempt membership organization that provides business development resources, networking events, advocacy, and technical assistance to minority-owned, woman-owned, emerging small, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Its core offerings include a member directory, online bids and jobs boards, a Technical Resources Program with one-on-one assistance, recurring CAEPT networking meetings and Coffee & Issues forums, and signature annual events such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Conference, Trade Show & Luncheon, and Sam Brooks Classic golf fundraiser.

Product overview

OAME is a non-profit, tax-exempt membership organization founded in 1987 with approximately 550 members. Rather than a unified software product, OAME offers a portfolio of programs and services including a member directory, bids platform, jobs board, technical resources program, and various networking events. The organization hosts recurring networking meetings (CAEPT Networking Meetings and Coffee & Issues Forums), an annual Youth Entrepreneurship Conference for ages 14-21, the Annual Trade Show & Luncheon with 133+ booths, the Sam Brooks Classic golf fundraiser, and an annual Holiday Celebration. Additional services include a Veterans Committee, discounted conference room rentals, marketing support, and advocacy for minority entrepreneurs in Oregon and SW Washington.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Youth Entrepreneurship Conference: Annual conference for youth ages 14-21 focused on promoting youth entrepreneurship statewide through training and mentorship from Oregon businesses.
• Trade Show & Luncheon
• Sam Brooks Classic
• CAEPT Networking Meetings
• Coffee & Issues Forums

Products and services

• OAME Membership (Annual) Annual membership subscription for minority-owned, woman-owned, emerging small business, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises (MWESBDV), providing networking access, member directory listing, technical resources, advocacy, and discounted event space rentals.
• OAME Member Directory Online directory listing OAME's approximately 550 member businesses, providing visibility and networking opportunities for MWESBDV-certified enterprises.
• OAME Bids Platform Online platform connecting members with contracting and funding opportunities, allowing minority entrepreneurs to access public and private sector bidding opportunities.
• OAME Jobs Board Resource listing employment and contracting opportunities for OAME members and the broader entrepreneurial community.
• Technical Resources Program One-on-one technical assistance helping entrepreneurs navigate every stage of business development, with a catalog of trusted local partners spanning access to capital, business coaching, certification, legal services, and culturally specific support.
• CAEPT Networking Meetings Monthly networking meetings held on the 2nd Friday of each month for Contractors, Architects, Engineers & Professional Technical professionals, offering industry networking, agency introductions, teaming opportunities, and business development.
• Coffee & Issues Forums Monthly forums providing a platform for civic engagement with speakers from public agencies, elected office, and community leadership discussing topics impacting small businesses.
• Veterans Committee Dedicated committee empowering veteran business owners and supporting employers of veterans, connecting them with tools, resources, and relationships needed to succeed in business and life.
• Youth Entrepreneurship Conference Annual conference providing free entrepreneurial training to youth ages 14-21, with OAME coaches and mentors teaching youth how to start and run a business, including intensive training, business practices, hands-on workshops, financing basics, and marketing and sales guidance.
• Annual Trade Show & Luncheon Annual trade show and luncheon at the Oregon Convention Center featuring approximately 133+ exhibition booths and 2,000+ business visitors, connecting small businesses with public and private sector partners.
• Sam Brooks Classic Annual golf fundraiser at TopGolf honoring OAME founder Sam Brooks, bringing together community leaders, entrepreneurs, and supporters to celebrate his legacy and raise funds for the organization.
• OAME Holiday Celebration Annual year-end celebration of community, gratitude, and collective progress of the OAME business family.
• Assistance Request Form Request form connecting entrepreneurs with OAME's team for personalized business development assistance and support.

Quantifiable outcome

• NWR Construction grew from near-closure during recession to 13 employees through OAME connections
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BIM Connection, LLCcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 Platinum and Gold sponsor of OAME. Provides CAD and BIM connection services. Logo featured on OAME website and event materials as platinum/gold level supporter of the organization.
• LevycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 Platinum and Gold sponsor. Restaurant and food service company. Featured as supporter of OAME's mission and events.
• Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 Platinum and Gold sponsor. Major Oregon research university and healthcare provider supporting OAME through sponsorship.
• Portland Bureau of Human Resources (We Are Better Together)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 Platinum and Gold sponsor. City of Portland agency supporting workforce diversity and inclusion initiatives through partnership with OAME.
• Hoffman Construction CompanycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 Silver sponsor of OAME and Sam Brooks Classic supporter. Major construction firm in the Pacific Northwest committed to diversity in contracting.
• Metro GovernmentcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 Silver sponsor and supporter of Youth Entrepreneurship Conference. Regional government agency supporting diversity and economic development.
• Multnomah CountycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 Silver sponsor. County government supporting minority entrepreneurship through OAME partnership.
• Oregon Health AuthoritycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 Silver sponsor. State agency supporting health equity and community programs through partnership with OAME.
• Portland Community CollegecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 Silver sponsor and supporter of Youth Entrepreneurship Conference. Major community college providing educational resources and support to OAME.
• US BankcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 Silver sponsor and supporter of Sam Brooks Classic. Financial institution supporting minority business development through sponsorship.
• NikecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 sponsor of Trade Show and Youth Conference. Major Oregon employer supporting diversity initiatives and entrepreneurship programs.
• Wells FargocoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 sponsor of Trade Show and Youth Conference. Financial services company supporting minority entrepreneurship through sponsorship.
• TriMetminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 sponsor of Trade Show and Youth Conference. Portland metropolitan transit agency supporting community programs.
• David Evans and Associates IncminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 sponsor of Youth Entrepreneurship Conference. Engineering and consulting firm supporting youth entrepreneurship programs.
• Walsh Construction Co.minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 sponsor of Trade Show and Youth Conference. Construction firm committed to diversity and inclusion.
• HDRminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20262026 sponsor of Trade Show. Engineering and architecture firm supporting OAME events.
• Business OregoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerState government economic development agency providing access to capital, loans, loan guarantees, bond guarantees, and small grants. Includes COBID certification office. Referenced in OAME Technical Resources as a key partner for business financing.
• Portland Small Business HubcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaboration between Prosper Portland and local community partners providing free one-on-one culturally specific resource navigation. Referenced in OAME Technical Resources as a partner for business advising.
• Portland Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides free one-hour advising sessions and 10-month Small Business Management Scholarship Program. Listed in OAME Technical Resources as a business development partner.
• Black United Fund of OregoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRuns the 9-month Emerging Entrepreneur Program (EEP) that helps participants develop 5-year business plans and learn capital raising. Parent organization of MESO. Listed in OAME Technical Resources.
• Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerGrassroots organization providing Individual Development Accounts (matched savings) and small business support in response to gentrification and increased rents in North/Northeast Portland. Listed in OAME Technical Resources.
• University of Oregon PortlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for OAME networking meetings at the Library and Learning Center. Provides space for CAEPT meetings, Coffee & Issues Forums, and Youth Conference. Active partnership supporting OAME events.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• SCORE: SCORE is a national nonprofit network of volunteer mentors and advisors that helps small businesses launch and grow through mentoring, workshops, and resources. It is OAME's most direct functional peer: nonprofit, mentor-driven, free advisory services, and listed in OAME's own partner directory.
• Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon & SW Washington (APACC): APACC is the regional AAPI business association serving Oregon and SW Washington via networking, advocacy, and corporate connections. It targets the same minority-entrepreneur member base in the same geography as OAME.
• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Oregon: This is a regional minority business association serving Hispanic/Latino entrepreneurs across Oregon with networking, advocacy, and supplier-diversity engagement. It operates in the same geography and serves an overlapping member base, making it the closest direct peer to OAME in the Pacific Northwest.

Broad incumbents

• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC): NMSDC is the national umbrella certifying and connecting minority-owned businesses with corporate and government buyers. Like OAME, it operates at the intersection of minority entrepreneurship and corporate/public procurement, making it a direct functional peer at much larger national scale.
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC): WBENC is the leading national certifying body and support organization for women-owned businesses, connecting them to corporate supplier-diversity programs. It is directly comparable to OAME in targeting an under-represented entrepreneur segment for contracting and capital access.
• U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC): USBC is a national Black business association providing advocacy, capacity-building, and corporate connections to African American entrepreneurs. Its mission, member-driven advocacy model, and corporate-sponsor engagement closely mirror OAME's role at a national scale.
• National Urban League: The National Urban League is a historic civil-rights and economic-empowerment nonprofit with entrepreneurship and small-business development programming for Black and other minority entrepreneurs. Its mission scope and minority-business empowerment focus align with OAME's charter.

Emerging players

• Mercy Corps Northwest: Mercy Corps NW is a Pacific Northwest nonprofit that runs small-business development, lending, and refugee/minority entrepreneur programs with similar technical-assistance and capital-access programming. It is referenced in OAME's own Technical Resources catalog and overlaps heavily on target audience in the same region.

Regional players

• Greater Portland Inc (Portland Metro Chamber): Greater Portland Inc is the regional chamber of commerce that convenes business, government, and civic leaders to grow the Portland metro economy. While not minority-focused, it draws on overlapping sponsor pools (Nike, Hoffman Construction, US Bank, Wells Fargo) and addresses minority-business inclusion across its supplier-diversity programming.
• TiE Oregon (The Indus Entrepreneurs): TiE Oregon is a regional chapter of the global TiE network supporting entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking events, and founder programs. While TiE is not minority-focused, it operates the same regional networking, sponsor-supported, nonprofit-funded model targeting Pacific Northwest entrepreneurs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/oamefb
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/oregon-association-of-minority-entrepreneurs
• Instagraminstagram.com/oame1987
• Xx.com/oame

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs