We Forged New Partnerships

Business thrives when we help each other succeed

What we achieved:

As Portland and the world adapted in March to limit in-person interactions, BBPDX discovered quickly that connection and collaboration were becoming more important than ever. To foster community connections, BBPDX launched the BBPDX Switchboard, an online platform where the business community can gather to share resources, find answers, and support each other. Through the platform, BBPDX members offered trucking services for the Oregon Food Bank, offered free marketing and consulting services, and shared best practices for sanitation and social distancing in the workplace. Originally intended as a resource for BBPDX members only, it is currently open to the entire community to encourage collaboration across the region. 

We amplified the voices of independent retailers through Bricks Need Mortar and joined United for Relief’s call for deferred commercial mortgage payments to extend financial relief to tenants. Ahead of the November election, we helped bring together more than 60 businesses in support of fair elections and the right to protest.

Further reading:

What Makes BBPDX Special

We Brought Our Community Together

What we achieved:

While large in-person events were put on hold, BBPDX forged ahead with a rich agenda of virtual events for members, providing opportunities to learn from and question elected leaders, share strategies for economic resilience, and join efforts to support those who have been impacted the most during the pandemic.

2020 EVENTS INCLUDED:

• Member forums with Sen. Merkley, Sen. Wyden, and Rep. Blumenauer

• A briefing on the Police Oversight Ballot Measure with Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty

• A town hall meeting with Multnomah County DA Mike Schmidt

• A candidate forum with Metro Council Candidates Mary Nolan and Chris Smith

• Member conversations on racial justice and addressing the root causes of hunger through civic engagement

• Roundtable discussions on COVID-19 recovery and Access to Capital legislation in Salem

• Member briefings on the Homeless Services Ballot Measure, the Metro Transportation Funding Measure, and the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund

We Co-Founded a Statewide Coalition of Small Businesses

What we achieved:

As the economic impacts of COVID-19 became apparent, it was critical that small businesses across the state have a voice in the state’s economic response. When public officials convened to discuss how to allocate financial relief, almost no small business owners were invited to help inform those decisions.

To fill that gap, BBPDX partnered with the Oregon Native American Chamber to form Oregon Small Business United, a statewide coalition that unites and amplifies the voices of organizations serving small businesses, with a particular focus on Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and rural entrepreneurship. In just a few short weeks, the coalition brought together chambers representing BIPOC-owned businesses, economic and community development organizations, and community finance institutions from every corner of the state to help secure over $50 million in state and federal funds to support grants that will help Oregon small businesses survive the pandemic. 

We Listened, Learned, and Brought Businesses Together to Do More

What we achieved:

Since the organization launched, the members of Business for a Better Portland have sought to make systemic change in our city and state through collaboration and civic engagement.

In June, Business for a Better Portland publicly recognized the need to do more and committed to the work of ending institutional racism, prompted by the courageous advocacy and leadership of Black leaders and Black-led organizations in our community.

In the months that followed, we convened a member conversation on racial justice, sharing resources and strategies for confronting white supremacy in our businesses and in our own lives and brought business voices together to send a letter to elected leaders in support of reforming our approach to public safety, investing in Black communities, and addressing systemic racism.

As we work toward a better and more equitable future, BBPDX is committed to advancing racial justice—both in the realm of policy advocacy and in the steps we are taking to grow as an organization. 

We Prepared for the Future

What we achieved:

As several seats have turned over on the board of directors this year, BBPDX has initiated a process for expanding the board, including the development of specific goals for recruiting a board that is committed, innovative, and inclusive. Central to this effort is a commitment to pursue diversity within the organization and advance racial justice in our community. With member retention remaining strong through a difficult year, BBPDX is well positioned to grow membership in 2021 and bring more businesses across the region together to help our community thrive.

BBPDX continues to explore new ways to inform policy at the local and state level in ways that help our community thrive. We are expanding partnerships with culturally specific chambers and supporting representation among businesses representing racial and geographic diversity in regional and statewide economic development conversations. In addition to building relationships statewide, BBPDX is participating in conversations with Mayor Wheeler and city bureaus to inform the City of Portland’s legislative agenda for economic development in 2021.