We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization

A Community Partner

BDI has been a community partner in providing enhanced education, agency and corporate collaboration and contracting opportunities to regional small businesses for over 20 years.

Our Impact in Oregon:

185

Small Business Owners & Staff Served
in 2024

4115

Hours of professional training
in 2024

210+

Small Business Development Practitioners
Engaged in 2024

Our Mission

Empowering economic growth and fostering inclusion for small and diverse businesses through education and collaboration of small businesses, business inclusion practitioners, and public and private organizations.

Unleash the Power of Business

Our Vision

To be a recognized top-tier training/education contributor for Oregon and SW Washington businesses.

Looking into the Future

Core Values

  • Access
  • Opportunity
  • Integrity
  • Partnership

What we believe

Our mission statement underwent a transformative update to better reflect our commitment to fostering a more inclusive business landscape. Our renewed commitment to focus on economic growth and fostering inclusion for all small businesses signifies our dedication to a broader and more comprehensive approach. By emphasizing education and collaboration among small businesses, business inclusion practitioners, and public and private organizations, we aim to create a more interconnected and resilient ecosystem that uplifts businesses from various backgrounds. This change underscores our commitment to access, equity, and inclusion, promoting economic empowerment for a wider spectrum of enterprises and contributing to a thriving and inclusive business community.

Kimberly Sutton, BDI Board Chair

Our Staff

Marcie Dole
Marcie Dole

Program Coordinator
Business Development Institute

Marcie Dole
Marcie Dole
Jeannet Santiago
Jeannet Santiago

GO Program
Director
Business Development Institute

Jeannet Santiago
Jeannet Santiago
Carol McIntyre
Carol McIntyre

GO Program
Technical Assistance Advisor
Business Development Institute

Carol McIntyre

Carol McIntyre

Passionate – Dedicated – Diverse

Meet Our Board of Directors

BDI is managed on a volunteer basis and includes representatives from the federal, state, and local government agencies
as well as large corporate partner companies, and local small businesses.

Kimberly Sutton
Kimberly Sutton

Board President
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Sr. Mgr.
Fortis Construction, Inc

Kimberly Sutton
Kimberly Sutton
Nina Jones
Nina Jones, MCA

Board Vice President
Assistant Director of Business Diversity and Inclusion | WSDOT

Nina Jones
Nina Jones, MCA
TBD
Lillian Stevenson

Board Secretary
CEO | Berrien Concrete

Lillian Stevenson
Karen Egner BDI Board Member
Karen Egner

Board Treasurer
Small Business & Workforce Coordinator
Hoffman Skanska Joint Venture

Jennie Rodriguez
Karen Egner
Riko Tannenbaum
Riko Tannenbaum

Senior Executive | Metro

Riko Tannenbaum
Riko Tannenbaum
Jennie Ridriguez
Jennie Rodriguez

President | Twirl Advertising & Design

Jennie Rodriguez
Jennie Rodriguez
Antonio Ramos
Antonio Ramos

Project Engineer | RJ Ramos

Antonio Ramos

Deborah Matthews
Janaya Bjornstrom

Vendor Diversity Coordinator | PCC

Janaya Bjornstrom

Daphne Patrick
Daphne Patrick

DBE & Workforce Equity Manager | TriMet

Daphne Patrick

Veronica Brummell
Veronica Brummell

Lead Compliance Specialist III | COBID

Veronica Brummell

Friends of BDI

There are many ways to support BDI’s work. If you are a person who wants to contribute, but cannot make the full commitment of joining the Board of Directors,
Friends of BDI may be right for you. » Learn More about FRIENDS OF BDI