Minority-Owned Businesses
Strengthening Minority Businesses
These organizations empower minority entrepreneurs to build thriving, successful businesses with tools, guidance, and connections that close the gap in access to information, funding, and mentorship.
Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon
APANO supports Asian and Pacific Islander (API) businesses in Multnomah and Washington Counties. Through their Small Business Support and Advising Program, APANO offers guidance and access to resources. Entrepreneurs can schedule one-on-one consultations to develop business ideas and access resources. APANO also fosters leadership development, empowering Asian and Pacific Islanders with skills and confidence. Learn more.
Black American Chamber of Commerce
The Black American Chamber of Commerce (BACC) empowers Black business owners through culturally competent support and technical assistance, resource navigation, and advocacy. BACC hosts networking events, community-building activities, and workshops . They connect members with funding opportunities and professional service providers. Learn more.
Black Business Association of Oregon
The Black Business Association of Oregon (BBAO) is dedicated to achieving sustainable economic equity for Black businesses across the state. BBAO supports business retention and expansion, helps entrepreneurs launch and grow new ventures, and connects companies with qualified Black employees through workforce development. They also recruit Black businesses to Oregon, offer grant opportunities, and provide business and financial news to empower the Black business community. Learn more.
Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber (HMC) advances economic equity and wealth creation for Latinos in Oregon and SW Washington. HMC offers no-cost, confidential technical assistance in Spanish and English, tailored to the needs of each business. Services include business feasibility assessments, licensing assistance, business plan and marketing development, access to capital referrals, digital training, and guidance with government contracting. Additional resources include grants for website development (when available) and referrals to professional services like accounting and legal support. Learn more.
Minority Business Development Agency
The Oregon MBDA is managed by Business Impact NW and supports Minority Business Enterprises in Oregon by providing technical assistance and consulting. Focused on industries like construction, food, and tourism, the MBDA offers free business coaching, workshops, and access to flexible funding. Services include guidance in financial management, marketing, operations, and securing government contracts. Networking events and referrals to local resources help businesses grow, secure financing, and create jobs, fostering opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Learn more.
The Northwest Native Chamber (NWNC) supports Native entrepreneurs in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho with no-cost, wrap-around technical assistance at every stage of business growth. Rooted in relationship building, education, and economic justice, the Chamber connects businesses with specialists in financial management, legal support, marketing, and more. Programs like Northwest Native Startup offer resources for small businesses, while the Northwest Native APEX Accelerator and MBDA Business Center provide training and support for government contracting and economic development. Learn more.
NW Native Chamber
Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs
The Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME) supports minority-owned businesses in Oregon and SW Washington through services like technical assistance, the OAME Business Academy, and guidance on securing SBA loans. Their business incubator offers low-rent office space, networking, and development resources for startups. OAME also provides free business counseling and access to conference rooms for meetings and workshops. Learn more.
Oregon Pride in Business
Oregon Pride in Business (ORPIB) envisions a thriving network of LGBTQ+ businesses and communities across Oregon and SW Washington. ORPIB collaborates with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the exclusive certifying body for LGBTQ-owned businesses, to offer the LGBTBE certification, enabling businesses to compete for sourcing contracts. ORPIB provides workshops, networking events, and a members directory to connect and support LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations across sectors. Learn more.
Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon
The Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon (PACCO) is dedicated to advancing economic resilience, empowerment, and generational wealth for Filipino and underserved communities in Oregon. PACCO offers initiatives like the EmpowerHer Networking Event, celebrating BIPOC women and business leaders, and the Technical Assistance for Underrepresented Businesses Grant, providing free one-on-one professional advising to eligible businesses who need help starting, sustaining or growing their business. Learn more.
Business Oregon: Certification Office for Business Inclusion & Diversity (COBID)
The primary goal of certification is to level the playing field by providing certified firms a fair opportunity to compete for government contracts regardless of owner ethnicity, gender, disability, or firm size. Programs include Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) for minority- and women-owned businesses, Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) for veteran-owned businesses, and Emerging Small Business (ESB) for small Oregon firms. Learn more.
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon
MESO provides personalized business assistance designed to meet the unique needs of minority-owned businesses. MESO partners with entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and implement strategies for success. Services include business classes, consulting, growth planning, credit building, access to capital, and connections to local resources. MESO also offers Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), a matched savings program that helps entrepreneurs save for business-related expenses with a 5:1 match. With multilingual staff and informational sessions available in English and Spanish, MESO is dedicated to building resilient businesses and thriving communities. Learn more.
Livelihood NW
Livelihood NW provides free and low cost professional business support services throughout Oregon and SW Washington. Their services are centered around breaking down barriers and addressing the wealth gap for underserved populations, specifically low-to-moderate income individuals, BIPOC, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. Services are available in both English and Spanish and include one-on-one in-depth technical assistance, business advising, workshops, trainings, cohort learning, bookkeeping setup & training, resource navigation and referrals. Learn more.