BBPDX Civic Access Program
through the civic access program, qualifying BUSINESSES will receive one free year of bbpdx membership at no cost, or they may choose to pay what they can at sliding scale.
Apply soon! Our program funding closes in early 2023.
Thank you to our sponsors for making the Civic Access Program possible.
Acknowledging and addressing historic inequities in Portland is what spurred the formation of BBPDX, and we continue to work hard to engage and amplify diverse voices through our membership program and our collaborative advocacy with leaders from BIPOC Chambers.
BIPOC and LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Portland are historically underserved, and are often left out of conversations that affect the livelihood of their businesses. They continue to be disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and the resulting economic fallout.
Businesses in the retail, hospitality, restaurant and performing arts sectors have also been particularly impacted by the negative outcomes of COVID-19. BBPDX wants to ensure that all of Portland’s entrepreneurs have access to the support and benefits that BBPDX offers.
That’s why we created the Civic Access Program in 2021. Through the program, qualifying businesses will receive on free year of BBPDX membership at no cost, or they can opt-in to a pay-what-you-can sliding scale.
Qualifying Businesses:
Must be located in the Greater Portland Metro Area
Must be a sole proprietorship or business with 10 or fewer employees
Must be currently experiencing economic hardship; preference given to businesses in the retail, hospitality, restaurant or performing arts sectors
Priority will be given to BIPOC and LGBTQ+-owned businesses
Membership benefits include:
Opportunities to engage with elected officials through BBPDX members-only town hall events
Access to networking events and connections that will allow you to learn from and partner with other local businesses
Community exposure through the BBPDX Member Directory
Curated civic engagement opportunities through BBPDX’s Civic Engagement Onramp
Assurance that someone is advocating for you and the livelihood of your business, as well as the community in which it resides
If you are interested in learning more about the program, please reach out to Interim Executive Director, Karin Power, at ed@bbpdx.org.
To learn about the benefits of sponsoring the Civic Access Program, please reach out to Karin Power at ed@bbpdx.org.