News and Events – Page 3 – Association of Home Businesses

Learn to Use Canva

CANVA is a free, cloud-based designing tool that is simple to use and learn. With its numerous templates, drag-and-drop interface, and thousands of design assets, anyone can create beautiful marketing materials, including flyers, postcards, social media posts, presentations, and video.

At AHB’s next monthly meeting, Thursday, March 16, 2023, Zoe Morrison will demonstrate this powerful tool for marketing, offer basic Canva tips and tricks, and provide a Q&A session afterwards. The virtual presentation will be projected on the big screen at our in-person dinner meeting in the Sellwood neighborhood of Southeast Portland.

Zoe Morrison has provided remote administrative tech support and social media services to home-based and small businesses throughout the country since 2007. An active member of AHB, Zoe is sole proprietor of a photo scanning service. Find her on Instagram @zoemorrisondigitalnomad.

DATE/TIME: Thursday, March 16, 2023 | Doors 6:00 pm | Dinner 6:30 | Program 7:00

LOCATION: SMILE Station, 8210 SE 13th Ave (at Tenino, one block south of Tacoma), Portland, Oregon, 97202

COST: $10 door fee includes supper; open to everyone.

RSVP: To make sure we have enough food for all who attend, we kindly request attendees to RSVP in advance via email to communications@ahboregon.org or via phone, 503-232-2326. This is a hybrid meeting, meaning people who prefer to join via Zoom are more than welcome to join us as well. When you RSVP, please let us know you plan to do so, so we can send you the Zoom meeting link.

Start the Year Off Right with SCORE—and Flying Pancakes

Join AHB on Thursday evening, January 19, 2023, for a presentation by Peter Cantone Jr. (photo at left) of Portland SCORE along with an all-you-can-eat “breakfast for dinner” provided by renowned pancake flipper Sheldon Penner, owner of Chris Cakes Northwest.

The nonprofit SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals. Since 1964, the organization’s volunteers have provided education and mentoring to more than 11 million entrepreneurs. Thanks to generous support from the SBA and the selfless contributions of thousands of dedicated volunteers, most of SCORE’s offerings are delivered at no cost. Come to AHB’s January 19th meeting to learn how your business may benefit from the services and mentoring offered by SCORE volunteers in Portland.

Sheldon Penner
pancake flipper extraordinaire

The success of Chris Cakes Northwest is found in its ability to turn standard pancake breakfasts into fun, interactive food experiences where people not only get fed, but get to celebrate the joy and laughter of being a kid again. Chief pancake flipper Sheldon Penner has prepared breakfast for hundreds of folks at special community and private events all over Oregon. In 2021, he made parking lot breakfasts for many of our region’s wildfire refugees. In addition to amazing pancake flipping, Chris Cakes Northwest recently expanded into Mobile Grillin’ offering large-scale catered lunches and dinners featuring grilled chicken, hamburgers, and/or hot dogs.

The in-person meeting takes place at SMILE Station, located at SE 13th Avenue at Tenino Street (one block south of Tacoma) in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland. Doors open at 6:00pm and the presentation starts at 7:00. There is a $10 charge for dinner. The meeting is open to the public and may also be attended virtually.

To reserve your spot at the in-person dinner, or to request the virtual meeting link, please send an email to communications@ahboregon.org, or call 503-232-2326.

Ten Great Tax-filing Tips for the Self-employed

Attention small business owners! You’ll want to save the evening of Thursday, February 16, for an up-to-date review of tax tips for freelancers presented by our favorite local tax preparer, Kevin Minkoff, CPA. Kevin will discuss a number of strategies you might employ to lower your Schedule C taxes. Possibilities include covering health reimbursement accounts, employing spouses and under-age-18 children, renting from your spouse, home office deductions, business vehicle deductions, de minimis fringe benefits, business travel, and the smartphone rule. Kevin’s informative talks are always followed by Q&A, and his lively presentation style makes tax talk quite entertaining!

AHB meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month. We moved back to in-person meetings a year ago, but have retained a Zoom option for those who prefer attending remotely. There is plenty of space to spread out at the SMILE Station, and masking is optional.

DATE/TIME: Thursday, February 16, 2023. Doors open 6:00pm, dinner served at 6:30, program begins at 7:00.

LOCATION: SMILE Station, S.E. 13th at Tenino (a block south of Tacoma), Sellwood Neighborhood, Portland, Oregon

COST: $10 door fee includes supper; open to everyone.

RSVP: To make sure we have enough food for all who attend, we kindly request attendees to RSVP in advance via email to communications@ahboregon.org or via phone, 503-232-2326. This is a hybrid meeting, meaning people who prefer to join via Zoom are more than welcome to join us as well. When you RSVP, please let us know you plan to do so, so we can send you the Zoom meeting link.

Take Your Business to the Next Level—Affordably

At the Thursday, November 17th dinner meeting of the Association of Home Businesses, presenter Sandy Hubbard, CSM, takes up the question: “What Does it Mean to Take Your Business to the Next Level – and How Can You Do It Affordably?”

Whether you want to grow your business, be more profitable, or just be more effective as a small business owner, there are things you can do – strategy-wise – to lay the foundation for stepping up to the next level. Sandy is a marketing consultant and strategist for businesses that use print, email, social media, video, podcasting, online platforms, courses, communities, and more. Her talk will include time for idea sharing and Q&A from the audience.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for pre-dinner networking at the SMILE Station on S.E. 13th and Tenino. First-time visitors are welcome to attend as our guest. Members and returning guests pay $10.

Please R.S.V.P. to help us with our meal arrangements. Email communications@ahboregon.org or leave a message at 503-232-2326. Virtual attendance is also possible (and free): just request a Zoom meeting link when you R.S.V.P.

Sorting Health Insurance Options for Small Businesses and the Self-employed

Do you find the health insurance market confusing? At AHB’s September 15th meeting, presenter Adam Reid will do his best to resolve your health insurance questions by reviewing the Marketplace (Obamacare), Medicare, and state and federal subsidy options. Adam’s presentation will focus on how self-employed people or very small businesses can get the very best health insurance for their needs. He will answer questions, and cover the different factors and options involved in choosing the right plan.

A licensed insurance agent since 2018, Adam Reid is a member of the team at Health Plans in Oregon, one of 24 Oregon insurance agencies selected by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace to help people sign up for and re-enroll for health insurance care plans.

DATE/TIME: Thursday, September 15. Doors open 6:00pm, food served at 6:30, program begins at 7:00.

LOCATION: SMILE Station (in the Sellwood neighborhood), SE 13th Avenue at Tenino (one block south of Tacoma), Portland, Oregon

COST: $10 door fee includes supper; open to everyone.

RSVP: To ensure enough food for all attendees, please RSVP in advance — via email to communications@ahboregon.org or via phone, 503-232-2326. Virtual attendance is also possible (and free): just request a Zoom meeting link when you RSVP.

Annual AHB Member Picnic, August 17

It’s a tradition. August is the month that Association of Home Businesses members gather for our annual picnic. Warm weather, cool breezes and long evenings make for a great outdoor ambience in the side yard of the SMILE Station. In addition to lively conversation, in past years members have been entertained by live music while chowing down. There are always lots of different food choices, and this year, along with the usual burgers, summer salads, and desserts provided by members, we’re looking forward to some tasty barbecued chicken professionally grilled by member Sheldon Penner, owner and head pancake flipper at Chris Cakes Northwest. This is a “members only” event, so if you’d like to join us on Thursday, August 17, we invite you to join AHB!

9 Essential Productivity Tips

“You CAN manage it all, if you follow nine productivity tips,” says Zoe Morrison, virtual presenter at AHB’s June 16th in-person meeting. “Most of us have a world of productivity tools at our fingertips, but don’t know how to use them.”

In this session, Zoe, a self-described “digital nomad and Google evangelist,” will walk us through nine tools that can be used to streamline your work flow. She’ll compare apples to oranges, and provide insight into how to make the most of the tools at hand, whether managing a team of one or one hundred.

DATE/TIME: Thursday, June 16. Doors open 6:00pm, dinner served at 6:30, program begins at 7:00.

LOCATION: SMILE Station, S.E. 13th at Tenino (a block south of Tacoma), Sellwood Neighborhood, Portland, Oregon

COST: $10 door fee includes supper; open to everyone.

RSVP: To make sure we have enough food for all who attend, we kindly request attendees to RSVP in advance via email to communications@ahboregon.org or via phone, 503-232-2326.

Interpreting Financial Reports Like A Boss

Do your financial reports generate more questions than answers? You’ll want to schedule a seat at the table (in-person or virtually) at July’s AHB meeting for another enlightening presentation by member Lura Frazey. On Thursday, July 21, Lura will unravel the hidden secrets in financial reports. It’s guaranteed, you’ll come away from this informative session armed with the information you need to have an impressive conversation with your local banker.

Presenter Lura Frazey of Easy e-Office is a full-charge bookkeeper who sees her work with small businesses as a partnership. Her favorite part of serving small businesses is the role she plays in their successes.

DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 21. Doors open 6:00pm, dinner served at 6:30, program begins at 7:00.

LOCATION: SMILE Station, S.E. 13th at Tenino (a block south of Tacoma), Sellwood Neighborhood, Portland, Oregon

COST: $10 door fee includes supper; open to everyone.

RSVP: To make sure we have enough food for all who attend, we kindly request attendees to RSVP in advance via email to communications@ahboregon.org or via phone, 503-232-2326.

From Your Brain to Broadband: How to deliver your ideas online and get paid for it

You already have the knowledge, ideas, and services perfectly suited for reaching online customers. How do you set up online systems to deliver content and accept payment?

Damashe Thomas of Bedrock Innovations will answer that very question at the May 19th meeting of the Association of Home Businesses. Whether you are looking to sell ebooks or teach an online course, Damashe will discuss the best solutions available. From DIY and plug-and-play options to fully-customized solutions, this valuable overview will help you decide which will work best for your business and your budget. Learn about:

Platforms for selling products and digital content
Payment processing options
Integrating third-party services with your website
And more

AHB is once again meeting in person! Plan to be at SMILE Station, S.E. 13th at Tenino (a block south of Tacoma) in Sellwood, on Thursday evening, May 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. The $10 door fee includes supper; meetings are open to everyone. To attend, simply RSVP by sending an email to: communications@ahboregon.org or call 503/232-2326.

Damashe Thomas is the founder and Chief Technology Consultant of Bedrock Innovations, llc. He partners with small business owners by handling their back-office and web tech and helping his clients understand how to make smart technology choices. As a family man and small business owner who is also blind, Damashe has a broader-than-usual perspective on what needs to happen to make technology work comfortably for everyone. Whether you are running a side-gig off your dining room table or need to make sure your staff has accessible, practical solutions to everyday problems, Damashe and his team at Bedrock have right-sized options for your business.

Pivoting to Keep Up with the Times

In response to the many challenges presented by COVID-19 and its variants these past two years, many businesses, organizations and individuals have changed the way they do business, meet their organizational goals and/or take care of their families. Pivoting became an apt description for the quick responses required in navigating a constantly changing landscape leading to an unknown future.

Join AHB Thursday evening, March 17, for a conversation about “pivoting” led by AHB member Nancy Chapin of TSG Services. In her roles as lead organizer of the Hawthorne Street Fair and President of the 82nd Avenue Business Association, among others, Nancy has demonstrated great pivoting skill. How have you and others managed? How would you assist others in identifying methods and thinking through potential results? What have these operational adaptations meant for your business and what do they or can they mean for the future of our communities and our lives? Please join us for what promises to be a lively discussion.

DATE/TIME: Thursday, March 17. Doors open 6:00pm, dinner served at 6:30, program begins at 7:00.

LOCATION: SMILE Station, S.E. 13th at Tenino (a block south of Tacoma), Sellwood Neighborhood, Portland, Oregon

COST: $10 door fee includes supper; open to everyone.

RSVP: To make sure we have enough food for all who attend, we kindly request attendees to RSVP in advance via email to communications@ahboregon.org or via phone, 503-232-2326.