During this short session, the Oregon Legislature is taking a look at establishing a task force that would consider starting an Economic Gardening program. What in the heck is Economic Gardening? Why should you care? Well, in short, it is spending time, energy, and money on “growing” businesses and entrepreneurs that are already in your community rather than spending those same resources on trying to recruit businesses from outside. The Portland Metro area is already taking on this economic development strategy, so House Bill 3644 would set up a 7-person council to explore expanding the strategy statewide.

This is exciting news for Oregon, which is a small business state. Consider the stats: In 2006, 97.7% of Oregon businesses employ 20 or fewer people and 86% employ 5 or fewer. More than 1 in 5 Oregon residents reported some self-employment income in 2006. In 12 of Oregon’s rural counties, more than 30% of residents report some income from self-employment, with Wallowa and Wheeler counties reporting more than 40%.

As Economic Development manager at RDI, I am quite excited about the state expanding services to serve small businesses in rural Oregon. RDI has always believed that economic vitality comes from within your community, using your existing assets. This one seems like a no-brainer!

Read Oregon Microenterprise Network (RDI’s friend and partner) testimony here.

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