Clatsop College Opens Small Business Program Applications

Local business owners in Astoria can apply for a program offering expert guidance and a $500 tuition scholarship.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Scholarships

Clatsop College Opens Small Business Program Applications

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Clatsop Community College has opened applications for its Small Business Management Program, which aims to improve profitability and decision-making for local entrepreneurs. Participants are eligible for a $500 scholarship funded by Northwest Oregon Works to help offset the standard program tuition.

Why it matters

The program provides business owners with the essential tools and professional guidance needed to strengthen operations and increase profitability. By offering scholarships, the initiative reduces the financial barrier for local businesses looking to improve their strategic planning.

The Small Business Management Program requires a standard tuition fee of $899, which is reduced to $399 after the $500 scholarship is applied. The curriculum spans 11 interactive sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours.

The players

Clatsop Community College

An educational institution based in Astoria that provides local training and development services to the region.

Northwest Oregon Works

A regional organization that provides financial support for training programs to aid local economic growth.

The details

The program features Level 1 and Level 2 cohorts that utilize both in-person and HyFlex attendance models to accommodate different schedules. Participants work closely with a dedicated business advisor for regular meetings to support their specific growth objectives.

Timeline

  1. Level 1 classes begin on Nov. 4, 2026.

  2. Level 2 classes begin on Dec. 9, 2026.

Culture Shift

The Small Business Management Program maintains a 40-year legacy of providing structured professional guidance to the local community. This long-standing commitment highlights the consistent regional emphasis on fostering business resilience and sustainable growth.

Entrepreneurs in Astoria and the surrounding counties can utilize this program to access professional advisors and tools at a discounted rate. Accepted applicants will need to manage a schedule involving bi-weekly sessions to complete the 11-part curriculum.

The takeaway

Business owners looking to scale should prioritize professional development programs that offer direct access to expert advising. Leveraging available scholarships can significantly lower the overhead costs of accessing high-level management training.

Further reading

Learn more about local financial aid opportunities for business development on our Scholarships page.

More information

To review eligibility requirements or start an application, visit the Small business program application portal.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Astorian.

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Do you believe local business development programs are effective at helping small businesses grow and succeed?