Project Description
Inclusive Business Resource Network
Contact:
Amanda Park, email or 503-823-3340; Morgan Masterman, email or 503-823-6839; Katherine Krajnak, email or 503-823-0013;
From tech startups to neighborhood retail, small businesses are vital to the city’s economy. The Inclusive Business Resource Network is a citywide program that brings multiple services for small business into a single network to provide greater efficiencies and cross-functional innovation. The Network leverages the power of partnership to increase the success of underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Through focused resources, collaboration and client-centered services the Network seeks to drastically shift outcomes for business owners of color, immigrants, women founders, and other underrepresented minorities. Approximately 600 businesses are served through the Network each year, and 400 businesses – 65 percent owned by women and 75 percent owned by people of color – receive long-term support (30+ advising hours a year).
Services that integrate with the network include the Mercatus platform; a portfolio of capital programs such as micro loan products, seed funding and business loans; and legal support, accounting, and market research.
Prosper Portland will invest $2.5 million among the network providers in FY 2017-18 and is committed to achieving the following outcomes by 2022:
Navigating business services
Long-term business advising
Peer to peer learning
Networking & workshops
Financing for your business
Prosper Portland
Provides access to technical assistance, loans and new markets to help your business grow and thrive. Resources include affordable commercial tenanting, matching grants and loans, and industry support and connections.
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Related Programs
Prosper Portland Business Finance Programs
Prosper Portland works with Portland businesses to identify business needs and eligibility for either our assistance programs or those of our partners.
Mercatus
An online platform that highlights entrepreneurs of color through storytelling and a comprehensive inventory.
Startup PDX Challenge
The Startup PDX Challenge (2013-2015) focused on supporting entrepreneurs with diverse founding teams and the ambition to scale to a national or international market.
Inclusive Startup Fund
The fund provides early-stage investment capital and mentoring to local high-growth companies founded by underrepresented groups across a variety of industries.