Recognizing that small business is the lifeblood of a healthy economy, Governor John Kitzhaber created the Governor's Small Business Council by executive order in 1998. The Council works with the Governor, the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department and other state agencies to develop recommendations on best practices for promoting the growth and economic vitality of Oregon's small business sector. The Council is made up of eleven small business owners and managers from diverse economic sectors from around the state.
Members serve three year, staggered terms and they meet monthly.
Early in its development, the Council received a Model of Excellence Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration in recognition of the Council's focus on creating a level playing field for Oregon small businesses.