By Ken DeJarnatt, Comcast Business
There’s a quiet confidence building across Salem’s small business community. It shows up in the independent storefronts downtown, the energy along State Street and Court Street, and the growing number of entrepreneurs choosing to invest in Oregon’s capital city.
Salem has a true Main Street. Historic Downtown Salem, centered around State Street, Liberty Street, and the surrounding business core, is home to independent restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, professional services, galleries, and neighborhood gathering spaces that define the city’s identity. Events like the Salem Saturday Market, First Wednesday celebrations, and downtown festivals help create the steady foot traffic that keeps Main Street businesses thriving.
Organizations like the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce continue to support that momentum through advocacy, networking, economic development, and direct support for local entrepreneurs. In a city where government, education, and small business all intersect, strong chamber leadership plays an important role.
Nationally, 57% of aspiring entrepreneurs say they plan to launch a business this year, even if economic conditions aren’t perfect. Salem reflects that same entrepreneurial momentum. As the second-largest metro area in Oregon outside Portland and the economic center of the Mid-Willamette Valley, Salem supports thousands of small businesses across retail, hospitality, health care, agriculture, construction, and professional services.
This new generation of entrepreneurs is reshaping what business ownership looks like. They’re opening restaurants, wellness studios, family-owned retail shops, consulting firms, contractors’ offices, and digital-first ventures that still depend heavily on strong community relationships. Many are first-time owners choosing to invest close to home and build something lasting.
At the same time, the reality of running a small business has changed. In 2026, success requires more than a great product or excellent customer service. Business owners need to be AI-ready, cybersecurity-aware, and comfortable using technology to manage operations, connect with customers, and stay competitive.
That can feel overwhelming when owners are also balancing staffing, inventory, finances, marketing, and customer experience. Technology should simplify that work—not create new obstacles. When connectivity is unreliable or systems aren’t secure, growth becomes harder.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way.
With the right technology foundation in place, small businesses can spend less time worrying about infrastructure and more time focused on customers and community. Reliable internet, built-in security, and scalable solutions help businesses operate smoothly while staying ready for tomorrow.
At Comcast Business, we’re proud to support entrepreneurs across Salem and the Mid-Valley. Our goal is to help businesses grow with confidence by providing technology solutions that scale alongside their ambition.
Main Street in Salem isn’t making a comeback; it’s evolving. With the right support systems in place, local entrepreneurs can continue to strengthen downtown and build a stronger regional economy for years to come.
Ken DeJarnatt is an Account Executive for Comcast Business serving Salem. He may be reached at kenneth_dejarnatt@comcast.com or (971) 719-1866
