Avenue Foundation Supported Local Entrepreneurs
The Portland-based program has distributed over $90,000 in grants to BIPOC-owned businesses since 2022.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Local business owners from historically marginalized groups have accessed over $90,000 in funding and mentorship through the Avenue Foundation. The organization supports BIPOC-owned enterprises with $1,000 grants and digital marketing coaching.
Why it matters
Business owners in underrepresented communities often face significant hurdles when seeking traditional financing compared to their peers. This program aims to bridge that capital gap by pairing direct funding with professional support to help businesses grow.
Since 2022, the foundation has supported 45 entrepreneurs with over $90,000 in total grant funding. This comes as the city reports a disparity in financing, with White-owned firms securing full financing at more than double the rate of Black-owned firms as of 2021.
The players
Avenue Foundation
A Portland-based philanthropic organization providing financial support and mentorship to BIPOC-owned businesses.
Avenue Agency
A company that funds the foundation by allocating one percent of its total revenue toward grants.
The details
The foundation operates by allocating one percent of Avenue Agency's revenue toward these $1,000 grants. To qualify, a business must be at least 50 percent BIPOC-owned and registered in Oregon, with additional preference given to woman-owned businesses and nonprofits. Beyond the cash award, participants receive digital marketing consulting and coaching to maximize the impact of the funds. The organization evaluates candidates using a scoring rubric that reviews physical storefronts, websites, and social media presence.
Timeline
2021: Financing disparity data for local firms was recorded.
2022: The grant and mentorship program commenced operations.
2025: Nav.com conducted a survey regarding local business support.
March 2027: The foundation plans to hold its first business mixer.
Beyond the Bridges
This program aligns with the 2021 small business financing disparity data that highlighted significant barriers for minority entrepreneurs. It acts as a private-sector intervention to address the systemic funding gaps identified in that regional analysis.
Small business owners can visit the official portal to determine their eligibility for the $1,000 grant and mentorship track. Registered Oregon businesses that meet the BIPOC and woman-owned criteria should prepare their digital presence for review.
The takeaway
The foundation highlights that financial support is most effective when paired with technical mentorship for underrepresented founders. Interested business owners should keep an eye on the application portal for new funding cycles.
What happens next
The Avenue Foundation is scheduled to hold a mixer for participating business owners in March 2027.
Further reading
For more context on local charitable initiatives, see our coverage of Philanthropy.
More information
To review eligibility requirements or submit an application, visit the Foundation grant application and information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Southeast Examiner of Portland Oregon.
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