Clients Speak Out: No Cuts to Native Prosperity!
The Urgent Call to Protect Small Business Support
As Portland’s small business community faces a critical moment, entrepreneurs across the city are raising their voices to protect vital resources that have been a lifeline for many. The proposed elimination of $13.1 million in general fund dollars from Prosper Portland threatens to dismantle years of intentional work building equitable economic development systems – particularly the highly effective Inclusive Business Resource Network (IBRN).
Why Small Businesses Need Prosper Portland Funding
The IBRN program has been crucial for countless Portland entrepreneurs. Through comprehensive business mentorship, targeted small business resources, essential legal and professional referrals, and access to much-needed grants, this program provides the foundation many underrepresented business owners need to survive and thrive in today’s challenging economic landscape. Without this vital support system, many of Portland’s most vulnerable small businesses would face insurmountable barriers to success.
This support is crucial for business owners of color, immigrants, women, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs. Removing this safety net would leave vulnerable communities at risk at a time when small businesses are already navigating immense challenges, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
The IBRN has made a measurable impact in our community, connecting entrepreneurs with programs that truly understand their struggles and prioritize their long-term success.
Stories from Portland’s Small Business Owners
Behind the numbers and policy debates are real people whose livelihoods depend on these programs. Here are just a few of their stories:
From Homelessness to Business Owner
“NAYA helped me restore my pride. I was homeless and out of a job in the winter months sleeping in my car. Then I joined NAYA programs. I honestly can say without this program I don’t know where I would be. With the training programs and financial support NAYA provided, that gave me an opportunity to better myself. I went from homelessness to having my own place. I went from not having a job to owning a business.” — Monty Vann, Executive Manager, Rokee Security
The First Black-Owned Mobile Beauty Supply
“…being a part of IBRN with NAYA has been a true game-changer. The program has provided me with consistent guidance, encouragement, and access to resources, especially funding, that I would not have had otherwise… This kind of support isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary for Black-owned businesses like mine to thrive, especially in industries and systems where we are often overlooked and underfunded.” — Nicole Mason, Owner, Elegant Boutique Beauty Supply
A 24-Year Family Business Stays Afloat
“The inclusive business resource network is so important to small businesses like ours. We are Caribbean Spice; a specialty grocery store located on the corner of 42nd and Prescott and family-owned and operated over the last 24 years. We are so grateful to IBRN for one-on-one business advice and consistent notifications about happenings and opportunities around the city as owning a business can be an isolated experience.” — Aruna, Fitzroy, Christopher, and Catherine Anderson, Caribbean Spice
Building Resilience Through Crisis
“As a small business, we have faced numerous challenges, particularly during some of the most difficult times in recent years. From the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to a devastating kitchen fire, repeated break-ins, vandalism with graffiti on our building, and yet another recent fire incident, NAYA has remained a constant and reliable partner. They’ve helped us navigate each of these crises, whether through technical assistance, emotional support, or helping us identify and secure the financial resources necessary for recovery.” — Ae Sangasy, Owner, Khao Niew Lao Street Food
Community Transformation
“I’ve watched the neighborhood blossom. From new exterior painting, and fresh fauna adoring the reclaimed doorways that have now become alive again with fresh thoughts, skill, desire and love. From a diving neighborhood moving into the direction of the dark; to a thriving community literally shining with new lighting… I’m Jerald Todd McDade, and I own The Moving Guy, built by the IBRN program and NAYA. Ending these programs will put this neighborhood and many more like it back into the dark.” — Jerald Todd McDade, Executive Director, The Moving Guy PDX
Stand with Portland’s Small Business Community
The stories shared here represent just a fraction of the lives transformed through Prosper Portland’s programs. Behind each small business, there is a person, there is a dream and a community that also benefits from the success of each of these entrepreneurs.
As budget decisions loom, the future of these programs and of the businesses that rely on them hang in the balance. The time to act is now.
Click here to learn how you can support Prosper Portland and NAYA!
Your voice matters! Raise it in support of community businesses TODAY.