MERCATUS
Elevate and Connect Entrepreneurs of ColorMERCATUS
Elevate and Connect Entrepreneurs of ColorMercatus ELEVATES the unique and universal narratives of entrepreneurs of color in Portland and CONNECTS the city and region with local talents, businesses, services and products that come from diverse entrepreneurs.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Support Black Abundance by Supporting Black-owned Business
This Black History Month, Mercatus is excited to showcase the unapologetic amplification of Black-owned businesses in Portland. All month long we will celebrate the people featured in our Black-owned business guide by sharing stories that reflect the vast complexity, joy, and abundance that encapsulates the Black experience.
MERCATUS MAGAZINE VOLUME 2
Sustaining Greatness
“While thinking of this issue’s theme of “Sustaining Greatness,” I was pulled to the inherent way entrepreneurs of color give back to the community, and the fact that so many BIPoC-owned businesses choose to share the resources and abundance they work for to support and uplift others on a daily basis. This legacy of care is fundamental to Brown and Black communities in business and in life, and it’s what sets us apart from dominant culture economics.”
– Emmeline Eao, Mercatus Magazine Editor
Open During the Shutdown
Mercatus Businesses are open and need your support. Find gifts, snacks, sweet treats, and more!
CONNECT AT MERCATUS EVENTS
Conversations and Connections
The conversations and connections series is an opportunity to be in a POC-centered space and connect with other Mercatus Members.
Mercatus Momentous
Mercatus annual event. Connect with other POC business owners, learn about the latest business resources, and pick up your copy of the Mercatus Magazine.
My Peoples Market
Held twice a year in partnership with Travel Portland, My People’s Market is the marketplace of the future featuring Mercatus businesses.
Member Events
Support other Mercatus businesses and connect with other members. Attend and share your business events on the Mercatus calendar
WE ALL CRAVE VARIETY, BUT WHEN WE SPEAK OF A THRIVING INCLUSIVE ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM WHAT DO WE SEE?
Too often such matters are considered and presented in a cultural vacuum or reduced to tokenism & outliers. Most of the time when we hear about vibrant bootstrapping entrepreneurs in Portland, Oregon it’s the dominant culture sharing their stories and aspirations in isolation of the “other.” Rarely do we see the ethnically diverse entrepreneurs in the city sharing their anthems, struggles, and best practices together. More than ever, that is what we require to remain competitive and reflect the shifting demographics of a new & emerging tapestry of entrepreneurs.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Join a community that CONNECTS. Mercatus offers mixers, workshops, and early access to markets like My People’s Market
MERCATUS BUSINESS MEMBERS
The Mercatus Business Directory Members. Find what you are looking for: caterers, salon, graphic designers AND MORE!
STORIES THAT ELEVATE
The Story Collective shares the unique and diverse histories, cultures, and experiences of entrepreneurs of color.