Avenue Foundation Has Awarded Local BIPOC Grants
The Portland-based organization has provided over $90,000 to support entrepreneurs since launching in 2022.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you believe private grants and mentorship programs are effective at closing the small-business financing gap?
The Avenue Foundation has supported 45 entrepreneurs in Portland with grants and mentorship since 2022. The program directs one percent of Avenue Agency revenue to help BIPOC-owned businesses overcome historical financing barriers.
Why it matters
Business owners from marginalized communities often face significant hurdles when seeking traditional financing compared to their white counterparts. These grants and consulting services help bridge that gap by providing both capital and professional expertise.
The foundation has distributed more than $90,000 in $1,000 grants to 45 entrepreneurs since 2022. Funding is sourced from one percent of the annual revenue generated by the Avenue Agency.
The players
Avenue Foundation
This Portland-based organization provides financial grants and professional mentorship specifically to BIPOC-owned small businesses.
Avenue Agency
This firm serves as the primary funding source for the foundation by allocating one percent of its total corporate revenue to the grant program.
The details
Applicants for the grant must be at least 50 percent BIPOC-owned and registered within Oregon to qualify. The foundation utilizes a formal scoring rubric and physical verification of business locations to evaluate candidates for support, which includes digital marketing coaching.
Timeline
2021: Financing disparity data for local firms was recorded.
2022: The grant program support and funding commenced.
2025: A survey regarding Portland business support was conducted.
March 2027: The foundation plans to host its first business mixer.
Market Landscape
The foundation's grant initiative directly responds to the 2021 business financing disparity data, which highlighted lower approval rates for minority-owned firms. This effort mirrors a broader corporate shift toward targeted philanthropy aimed at stabilizing local small business ecosystems.
Eligible local business owners can apply for $1,000 grants and consulting services to offset operational costs or enhance digital presence. For the general public, this initiative highlights local efforts to support diverse small businesses that are vital to the city's economy.
The takeaway
Small businesses can leverage community-focused grant programs to secure non-dilutive capital that traditional lenders might otherwise withhold. Entrepreneurs should regularly monitor foundation portals for new funding rounds and professional coaching opportunities.
What happens next
The Avenue Foundation has scheduled its first networking mixer for local business owners to take place in March 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to support business growth in the Portland Philanthropy section.
More information
For eligibility requirements or to submit a request for funding, visit the Foundation grant application and information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Southeast Examiner of Portland Oregon.
Live Poll
Do you believe private grants and mentorship programs are effective at closing the small-business financing gap?
