Upcoming Events
CORAL Chats: Community Organization Roundtable – Ask A Lawyer
A free monthly space to ask questions, learn together, and strengthen your work. Online.
ADX Fest: Your Art Is Your Business®
Networking + Educational Seminar for Artists, Makers, and Creative Entrepreneurs. In person event in Portland, Oregon.
BLD PNW 2026
Welcome to BLD PNW (B Corp Leadership Development - Pacific Northwest), the largest gathering of purpose-driven people and organizations in the Pacific Northwest! By creating space for community, collaboration, and celebration, we build a stronger movement to use business as a force for good.
This will be our 10th annual BLD PNW conference -- the longest running BLD in the US & Canada -- and our first since B Local PDX became On Purpose Oregon. Our region is known for a high density of Certified B Corps, but we also have a thriving ecosystem of benefit corporations, worker-owned cooperatives, perpetual purpose trusts, and businesses with other eco-social certifications. Add in a robust nonprofit sector, and you can see the outlines of an economy where impact isn't exceptional -- it's expected.
Our 2026 theme is Together On Purpose, which asks what becomes possible when we focus on our shared values and opportunities. Whether you have one of the distinctions listed above, or are simply a supporter of racial equity, climate justice, and a stakeholder-driven economy, you will be at home in and inspired by this gathering.
Read more: https://onpurposeoregon.org/bld-pnw
Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/blocalpdx/2253756
Among the lenghty speakers list is:
Michael Jonas - Narwhal Law & Business Strategy
His Session Description:
Organizations want to make a difference, but too often collaboration stops at networking, referrals, or sponsorships. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how businesses, nonprofits, government, universities, cooperatives, and community organizations can build deeper partnerships around shared goals. Participants will map the relationships and resources already in the room, explore different partnership models, and then put those ideas to work. In small groups, we’ll creatively tackle real challenges facing our communities and explore what becomes possible when organizations bring their different resources, perspectives, and strengths together on purpose.
Hiring with Confidence: Employees, Contractors, and Compliance Basics
Learn the key differences between employees and contractors, what compliance looks like for each, and how to onboard correctly. Online.
Learning with a Porpoise: Pumpkin Spice and Brand Advice
This collaborative workshop brings together a designer and attorney for a practical conversation on building a brand for your business and protecting your creative work. Online.
A Spooktacular Grand Opening at Kaleidoscope Penguin Collective
Come explore the space, meet some of the people and organizations making things happen here, and help us celebrate the grand opening of Kaleidoscope Penguin Collective and Narwhal Law and Business Strategy’s new office, with an appropriately weird Halloween twist. In person in Portland, Oregon.
Nonprofit Impact Conference
Michael Jonas will be hosting a "Ask a Nonprofit Lawyer" table at Nonprofit Association of Oregon’s second annual Nonprofit Impact Conference. In person event in Portland, Oregon.
CORAL Chats: Community Organization Roundtable – Ask A Lawyer
A free monthly space to ask questions, learn together, and strengthen your work. Online.
Learning With a Porpoise: The Legal Side of the AI Boom
We'll explore the evolving legal landscape around artificial intelligence for businesses and nonprofits. Hybrid Event: Join us In person in Portland Oregon or Online.
Legal Nuances Between Contract vs Employees in the Professional Wedding World
A wedding industry event hosted by PDXperts. In person event in Portland, Oregon.
Small Business Health Check: Your Legal & Compliance Diagnostic
A thorough check list of what your business needs. Online.
Collaboration and Partnership Options for Small Business Owners
This session explores the options available to small business owners who want to work together, from informal collaborations and referral relationships to joint projects, strategic partnerships, and shared business ownership. Online.
Making the Most Out of Your Client Service Agreements
This session explores the options available to small business owners who want to work together, from informal collaborations and referral relationships to joint projects, strategic partnerships, and shared business ownership. Online.
Partnership Agreements: Contracts, Clauses, and Common Pitfalls
Explore common ways people team up, including general and limited partnerships, joint ventures, community partnership agreements, MOUs, and contractor relationships. Online.
Protect What You Create: IP Basics
We’ll break down copyrights, trademarks, and patents; who owns IP by default; ownership versus licensing; and how to address intellectual property in your contracts. Online.
Key Terms for Better Contracts
A deeper look at important terms to include in your construction service agreements. We'll explore payment terms, permits, warranties, change orders, and other essential clauses that help protect your business. In person event in Portland, Oregon.
Harvest Abundance: Connect with Nonprofit Professionals
Intentional networking in areas your nonprofit needs. In person event in Portland, Oregon.
Bridge Building Blocks - Avoiding Contracting Pitfalls
For the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project, Michael Jonas with Narwhal Law & Business Strategy will share real-world guidance on contracts, risk reduction, and protecting your business interests. Additional contributors include Joe Smetak, SBA and Jessica Reese, Tried & True Consulting. Online.
Protect your Business with Client Service Agreements
Even solopreneurs & freelancers need a contract. Learn how to set clear expectations and protect yourself legally. Online.
Commercial Leases: High Stakes, Hidden Terms, and Hard Lessons
Commercial leases are complex, highly negotiable, and often filled with hidden risks. Learn what you need to know before you sign. Online.
CORAL Chats: Community Organization Roundtable – Ask A Lawyer
A free monthly space to ask questions, learn together, and strengthen your work. Online.
Deciding Better Together Session 1: Board Collaboration
For nonprofit boards and leaders. In person event in Portland, Oregon.