Tools + Tips for Entrepreneurs

Curated with change agents like you in mind.

Design your own safe workspaces with resources*.


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Why provide free stuff to fellow founders?

We believe in amplifying great ideas, including yours. As social entrepreneurs we don’t reinvent the wheel. We build on the brilliant, and give credit where credit is due.

Here is a short curated list of our faves from design innovators, accessibility experts, and social justice creators from around the web and world. If we’re affiliated with the organization or creator, we’ll say so. If not, it was created by a consultant or creative in our collective.

Need something else? We have a link for that.

You have to start somewhere. Why not here?📌


Why should you trust us?

Let’s be real. Everything is A LOT.

  • The internet is literally doubling every year. You need a curator.

  • Information is hard to parse, if you even find the time.

  • We went deep “Internet spelunking” because it’s what we do.

  • Small business owners and creators don’t know where to start. We do.

  • You are simply in survival mode, and this stuff’s free. (How do I pay rent, my few employees, a vendor?)

  • You’re a visual thinker.

  • You need to start and this gives you an entry point..

Who are these curated and created for?

Founders feeling overwhelmed and anyone...

  • who want to make informed decisions.

  • intimidated by of the mountains of information.

  • in need of trusted, tested tools.

  • looking for information within your community, but coming up short.

  • independent business owners (in Portland and way beyond) who need support on where to begin today, right now, for your business, sanity, or both. 


Let us know if there’s a tool or resource you’re missing…we’ve probably got a link or information! If not, we’ll make it happen.

3rd-Party Suggested Resources*

*Not affiliated but this amazing work is worth amplifying.


Safer tech starts with human-centered design thinking.

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Control Your Daily Tech Diet.

Reference this solid list of tips from the Center for Humane Tech on how to disconnect, turn down the volume on distractions and toxic information, and how to get more balanced, accurate information to become a better citizen, parent, partner, employee.

“Together with our partners, the Center for Humane Technology (CHT) is dedicated to radically reimagining our digital infrastructure. Our mission is to drive a comprehensive shift toward humane technology that supports our well-being, democracy, and shared information environment.”

 
 
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Design Ethically with Questions + Dialogue.

Download or order the free
”Ethical Explorer Pack: Your Guide for Creating Responsible Tech” here.
Created by Sarah Drinkwater at Omidyar.

“[It’s] designed to spark group dialogue, identify early warning signs, build internal support, and brainstorm solutions to avoid future risks.”

“At Omidyar Network, we have a human-centered vision of tech that underpins greater individual and community empowerment, social opportunity, and safety.”

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Consider + Center Humanity in Tech

“Let’s recentre human dignity and refocus on questions of power and control…People need to be re-centred at the heart of the conversation on the future of work.”

Download the Future Says report: Ai @ Work.

“[Future Says is] a new global initiative, committed to accountability in the tech ecosystem, to rebalancing power, and to reimagining technology in a pro-public way – built and designed by people for people.”

“The future of work is human.”

 

“True activism takes action over intentions.”

coFLOWco mini-Guide: 📜 Scripts for Hard Conversations

What if I say the wrong thing? What if they do?

Prepare ahead to speak your truth, and how to deliver an effective apology.

Speaking up, listening to others, and bravely fighting for justice is the work. And speaking up means you will put your foot in your mouth, we included a way to repair and #DoBetter. Free Mini-guide is to practice productive communications.

Not guaranteed to give you a trauma-free conversation.


coFLOWco Guide to What Comes Next

Post-January 6th, 2021, be prepared for anything.

Need to commiserate? This $hi# is scary and stressful. It’s confusing and disorienting. You are not alone! Use this guide to ground you in the weeks to come. 

This guide is to help our Collective and community stay safe during elections, stay informed, and get solid tips for navigating the ongoing fight for democracy.

For anyone feeling overloaded or frozen, remember, fear is their goal.

Action, Abolition, Anti-Racist Voting, Antisemitism, Election Fears, Coups, Militias, Censorship, Staying Safe, Insurrection, Protests …and What Comes After.

Tools made in collaboration. ⬇️

This Coronavirus Resource Guide was created with love for our fellow founders and colleagues pushing to dismantle the patriarchy. Gathered by Jen Macias, Creative Director and Founder of Duende and Emily Weltman, Principal Consultant and Founder of Collective Flow Consulting. Oregon focused information but most resources apply nationally.

coFLOWco + Duende

Small Business Resources: Coronavirus Survival Guide for Entrepreneurs

This guide is to help you and your business navigate the early impacts and opportunities from the economic crisis and lack of work.

“While some leaders may be talking about pivoting, marketing and thriving in crisis, our focus is on surviving.

*last updated August 2020. If you still want the guide, email us here.

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So You Want to Form an LLC? 🗂

Small businesses employ 99% of workers in the U.S.

Entrepreneurs are the key to a post-pandemic recovery. To reshape “The Future of Work,” we need diverse voices building ethical, equitable businesses from the ground up. We are the future.

Our DIY LLC How-to demystifies the process. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll be saying “I’m a business owner!” in just a few hours.