The Oregon Disability Chamber (ODC)
About the Oregon Disability Chamber
Last Updated on Sunday, 07 March 2010 20:00 Wednesday, 17 June 2009 04:00
The Oregon Disability Chamber represents the economic development interests for entrepreneurs with disabilities starting or expanding their businesses. According to the national census report people with disabilities have a higher rate of self-employment and small business experience (12.2%) than people with out disabilities (7.8%).
The program is on a four-year track to expand to a national scope as part of a move to provide a voice through the creation of a Chamber of Commerce for entrepreneurs with disabilities. The idea appears to be unprecedented, says Lucia Olivera, associate manager for access with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. "We haven't heard of anything like that. It seems like a great idea."
The idea builds on the premise that self-employment often proves more successful for people with disabilities than working for others. There are 54 million Americans with disabilities - one in five Americans. They control $175 billion in discretionary income.
"It is time that their business voice was heard," says Kedma Ough, ODC Business Director.
For decades entrepreneurs with disabilities have sought increased access to opportunity, money and influence. Without a collective voice, our business interests cannot be heard. The ODC is the first Business Trade Association to support business owners with a disability. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon we bring the resources, awareness, and opportunities to individuals with disabilities starting or growing their business.
Support the advancement of business opportunities for entrepreneurs with disabilities.
ODC Staff
ODC Staff
Last Updated on Sunday, 07 March 2010 19:42 Tuesday, 23 June 2009 04:25
Kedma Ough, MBA has more than 7 years in economic development creating and enhancing small business programs. Prior to relocating to Oregon, Ms. Ough served as Director of the SBA Women's Business Center in Tucson, Arizona impacting more than 300 small businesses in a two-year time span. Presently, Ms. Ough is a business advisor for the Department of Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation Program, the Commission to the Blind, and Department for Veteran Affairs. Ms. Ough received her Masters in Business Administration degree through Troy State University. From 2003 through 2005 personally assisted more than 70 persons with disability to gain training and development in the pursuit of self-employment
Samantha Sproson has more than 20 years in the Food and Beverage industry, working in both micro business and the corporate world. Prior to moving to Oregon, Ms. Sproson owned and operated a restaurant and catering company, which she built from the ground up. Living and breathing self employment gave her the skills and knowledge to assist others with their dreams while understanding what entrepreneurism means. Ms. Sproson received her bachelors in Anthropology and her MBA from the University of Montana. Presently, she provides resources, referrals, and assistance to entrepreneurs and personally assists entrepreneurs with disabilities to gain training and development in the pursuit of self- employment.
Ms. Sproson has been working with entrepreneurs for the past three years through the Oregon Disability Chamber and has assisted over 100 people with disabilities in starting or moving their business forward.
Ms. Sproson currently presides on the steering and communications committees for the Connecting Communities Coalition. To learn more about the exciting new community, please click on the link below.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Last Updated on Sunday, 07 March 2010 19:28 Friday, 03 July 2009 23:15
Oregon Disability Chamber
Is Located in the Avita Business Center
5257 NE MLK JR. BLVD.
Ste. 201
Portland, OR 97211
Telephone: (503) 998-9560
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Intake
Intake
Last Updated on Sunday, 07 March 2010 19:35 Friday, 03 July 2009 22:47
Lets get started in moving your business forward!
You have made the initial step, now it is time to connect with an experienced business consultant. Below are links to our program Intake Forms.
- Please download the intake forms and complete the forms.
- If you are not able to download the forms or have questions, please feel free to contact our office.
Please email completed intake forms along with this Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Thank you for your interest!
Oregon Disability Chamber
Located in the Avita Business Center
5257 NE MLK JR. BLVD.
Ste. 201
Portland, OR 97211
Telephone: (503) 998-9560
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
State Chambers
State Chambers
Friday, 03 July 2009 22:02
Make a Difference in the State You Live In! Become a State Affiliate for our National Disability Chamber Program!As part of our affiliate program, the following services will provided:
As part of our consideration for a Disability Chamber state program the following should be considered
For more information about the Disability Chamber affiliate program or our National Launch please call or email
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