One Lifeline In a Bad Economy

What a difference a year makes.

Last year, SHOP Symposium started as a way for local small business owners to meet and showcase their various specialties.

This past Monday, the second annual event became a chance instead for small businesses to rally and help each other out with tips and tricks on surviving the current recession.

“It began as a showcase to benefit local businesses, and many of the same people are here today,” saud Ericka Dickey, owner of event co-host Social Enterprises and principal of Crave Portland. “Collaboration is now the key word.”

Produced by Social Enterprises and Crave Business, SHOP Symposium featured speakers addressing topics including tips from successful local entrepreneurs, keys to increasing PR exposure, and strategies for succeeding in the downturn. Throughout the day-long event at Portland's Center for the Performing Arts, the 150 attendees mingled and asked questions of contemporaries that face similarly daunting prospects. Through collaboration, Dickey hopes each attendee will come away stronger than before, with contacts to help them succeed.