MESO 2023 Annual Report

MESO

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 MESOPDX.ORG

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03

19

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS (IDA)

04

20

MESO BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE TEAM

CHILDCARE

21 05 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

MESO MAKERS MARKET

22 06

MESO CLIENT STORIES

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

25 09 LENDING AND CREDIT 101

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

27 15 FUTURE LEADERS

18 EDUCATION

BREAKING THE GLASS

28 CONTACT MESO

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO In 2023, MESO experienced significant growth and impact across all departments, reflecting our unwavering commitment to community and empowerment. From expanding our Future Leaders programs to fostering entrepreneurship through the MESO Makers Market, every initiative has contributed to a thriving ecosystem of support for small businesses.

Our focus on inclusivity and accessibility has strengthened our bonds with entrepreneurs and stakeholders, driving positive change and sustainable development throughout the region. As we reflect on the year's achievements, I'm proud of our team's dedication and the transformative impact we continue to make in the communities we serve. With momentum on our side, we're poised for even greater success in the years ahead.

COBI LEWIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO

MESO

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MESO

MESO BOARD OF DIRECTORS CAM TURNER BETH COOKE SHEILA HOLDEN JILL CHEN DAVE CONNELL NITIN RAI

MAURICE RAHMING JAMES GRAHAM SCOTT BOSSOM CASEY BONSI CIRITH ANDERSON

MESO EXECUTIVE TEAM

Top, from left to right: Celina Sanchez - Director of Development and Marketing, Jataune Hall - Business Development Director, Mary Lee Alder - Chief Programs Officer.

Bottom from left to right: Cobi Lewis - Executive Director and CEO, Le King - Chief Operations Officer, Jason Hilton Chief Financial Officer

MESO’s six-person leadership team brings to the organization decades of expertise, experience and knowledge in the areas of human resources and operations, finance and lending, programming, and marketing and development in the non-profit and for-profit sectors.

MESO

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MESO

OUR MISSION IS TO ELEVATE UNDER RESOURCED ENTREPRENEURS TO BUILD RESILIENCE, EQUITY, AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES THROUGH ACCESS TO CAPITAL, TAILORED BUSINESS ASSISTANCE, AND EDUCATION.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In 2023, MESO continued its mission of empowering under-resourced entrepreneurs and fostering thriving communities through access to capital, tailored business assistance, and education. With a focus on diversity and equity, MESO distributed $2.9 million in loans, with 70% allocated to women-owned businesses and 66% to BIPOCowned enterprises. These loans spanned 12 counties across Oregon and Southwest Washington, supporting local economies and stimulating growth.

MESO

Additionally, MESO conducted 116 classes attended by over 2,540 individuals, featuring 32 industry professionals as instructors. This educational outreach facilitated skill development and knowledge enhancement crucial for business success.

A significant milestone in 2023 was the launch of MESO's Future Leaders program, aimed at engaging and nurturing young entrepreneurs. This initiative served 411 students with 240 hours of programming, partnering with six schools to provide tailored support and guidance.

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MESO

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT In 2023, MESO's Business Development team provided 2,528 total technical assistance hours to clients in the Engage and Empower (formerly Anchors) programs. Engage clients receive individualized consulting to assess their needs and identify tailored resources, while Empower clients undergo long-term strategic planning. MESO's business advisors served clients in 13 counties, offering support in multiple languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and Hindi.

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1,207

MESO

Business Development technical assistance hours spent with MESO Empower clients in Oregon and SW Washington.

14% Of business development technical assistance hours were provided to Empower clients in languages other than English, including Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Russian, and Ukrainian.

68% Of total Empower business development technical hours were spent with female identifying Empower clients.

EMPOWER PROGRAM LONG-TERM FULL-TIME COMMITMENT

English

500.00

600.00

Hours Served

700.00

400.00 300.00 200.00

300.00 200.00

M ul tn om ah W as hi ng to n

M ar io n

Ja ck so n

0.00 Cl ac ka m as

0.00

Cl ar k

Other

400.00

100.00

MESO

Arabic

500.00

100.00

County

Spanish

M ar io n

Trans

Ja ck so n

Non-binary

Cl ac ka m as

Male

600.00

M ul tn om ah W as hi ng to n

Hours Served

Female

EMPOWER TA HOURS BY COUNTY AND LANGUAGE

Cl ar k

EMPOWER TA HOURS BY COUNTY AND GENDER

County

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1,321

MESO

Business Development technical assistance hours spent with MESO Engage clients in Oregon and SW Washington.

15% Of business development technical assistance hours were spent with Spanish speaking Engage clients.

69% Of total Engage business development technical hours were spent with female identifying Engage clients.

ENGAGE PROGRAM SHORT-TERM INTRODUCTORY PROGRAM

ENGAGE TA HOURS BY COUNTY AND GENDER

ENGAGE TA HOURS BY COUNTY AND LANGUAGE English

Female

Male

Non-binary

Trans

Russian

600.00

Arabic

Ukrainian

Hindi Other

500.00

500.00

400.00

Hours Served

400.00 300.00 200.00 100.00 0.00

300.00 200.00 100.00

County

MESO

County

PAGE 08

Ja ck so n

M ar io n

Cl ac ka m as

Cl ar k

W as hi ng to n

M ul tn om ah

Ja ck so n

M ar io n

Cl ac ka m as

Cl ar k

0.00

M ul tn om ah W as hi ng to n

Hours Served

Spanish

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LENDING AND CREDIT 101 MESO's lending department facilitated $2.9 million in loans to entrepreneurs, with 70% going to women-owned businesses. In 2023, the Credit 101 Program helped individuals improve their credit knowledge and scores, with 42% of recipients identifying as Black or African American. Most recipients were in Multnomah County and represented industries such as service, food and beverage.

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MESO

$2.9M In loans provided across 12 counties in Oregon and Washington.

70% Of loans were provided to women-owned businesses.

195 Loans paid in full.

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MESO

$18K Distributed in credit building loans.

$35,306 Is the average loan size (non-Credit 101), with loans ranging from $2.5K to $175K.

+32% Number of loans given since 2022.

LENDING DEMOGRAPHICS PROVIDING A PATHWAY TO CREDIT BUILDING AND LOANS WITH FAVORABLE INTEREST RATES

LENDING RECIPIENTS BY RACE

LENDING RECIPIENTS BY GENDER

% of Loans Given

Female

50% 40%

Male

Male 30%

30% 20% 10%

MESO

As ia n

Pa ci fic

H is pa ni c M ul tiRa ci al

Female 70%

Is la nd er U N nk at iv no e w or n In di ge no us

Bl ac k

or Af ric an

Am er ic an

W hi te

0%

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MESO

LOAN RECIPIENTS BY COUNTY Multnomah

100%

Washington

30.6%

Clark

28.6%

Jackson

18.4%

Clackamas

10.2%

Hood River

4.1%

LOAN RECIPIENTS BY INDUSTRY LOAN RECIPIENTS BY INDUSTRY

Construction

Manufacturing

Health & Beauty

Food & Beverage

Retail/Wholesale

MESO CLIENT TESTIMONIAL “MESO has taken a lot of pressure off my shoulders…

They helped me get business loans to move me forward.

I have had access to business advisers to bounce questions off and to help me figure out which route I should be going with my business. I wouldn’t be here today without MESO.” Dijenaire Frazier, DC Ringz LLC

Fitness

Education

Service

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MESO

42%

31%

Of credit 101 programming was provided to Black and African American Clients.

Of Credit 101 clients that closed in 2023 were on at least their second credit builder loan.

CREDIT 101 DEMOGRAPHICS APPLYING FOR A MESO CREDIT BUILDER LOAN IMPROVES CREDIT KNOWLEDGE, SCORES, AND HISTORY.

CREDIT 101 RECIPIENTS BY RACE

CREDIT 101 RECIPIENTS BY GENDER Female

% of Credit 101

Male

Other

Other 1%

50% 40%

Male 28%

30% 20% 10%

Female 71%

Bl ac k

N at iv e

or Am O th er er ic an In Pa di ci an fic Is la nd er

As ia M n ul tiRa ci al U nk no w n

H is pa ni c

W hi te

or Af ric an

Am er ic an

0%

MESO

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MESO

CREDIT 101 BY COUNTY Multnomah

100%

Washington

13.8%

Clackamas

2.5%

Columbia

2.5%

Marion

2.5%

CREDIT 101 RECIPIENTS

BY INDUSTRY CREDIT 101 RECIPIENTS

BY INDUSTRY

Health & Beauty

Retail/Wholesale

Construction

MESO CLIENT TESTIMONIAL “MESO was an incredible resource for us in securing funds for our shop relocation... As a woman- and minority-owned business, we also appreciate the additional support and referrals to help scale and support our growth.”

Allison and Parth Sodha, Cup and Cone

Service

Food & Beverage

Fitness Manufacturing Education

MESO

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MESO

FUTURE LEADERS MESO's Future Leaders Program partnered with local organizations to offer entrepreneurship programs to youth in grades three through twelve and young adults ages 18-24. The program served 411 students across various schools and programs, providing entrepreneurship and financial literacy education. In 2023, in collaboration with Brown and Carter Management Group, the Building Leaders and Zealous Entrepreneurs (BLAZE) program supported six young adults in developing and realizing their business ideas.

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MESO

FUTURE LEADERS

240 Future Leaders program hours served.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAMMING FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS.

FUTURE LEADERS SERVICE HOURS BY PROGRAM (%) Internship Young Adults 1.2% 1.2%

High School 51.8%

411

Youth Market 3.4%

Elementary School 29.7%

Middle School 12.7%

Students served.

FUTURE LEADERS SERVICE HOURS BY SCHOOL LEVEL (%)

6

High School 50%

Elementary School 33.3%

Schools served.

Middle School 16.7%

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MESO

FUTURE LEADERS PARTNERS girls inc.

B.E.A.M (Black Educational Achievement Movement) MESA Oregon Bridge to Success

SCHOOLS SERVED Kairos PDX HOLLA School Beaumont Middle School McDaniel High School Jefferson High School POIC + RAHS

MESO

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MESO

116

2,540

32

Classes hosted by MESO.

Students / attendees.

Diferent Instructors.

EDUCATION MESO's Education program facilitated 116 classes in 2023, attracting a diverse range of attendees, many of whom had little or no prior connection to MESO. With a focus on inclusivity, over half of the instructors identified mirrored the MESO community in race and background, enriching the learning experience with diverse perspectives. Serving over 2,500 participants, MESO's educational offerings continue to empower entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and skills.

MESO

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MESO

$321K in IDA Matching grant funds were distributed to small businesses.

43

67% Of IDA participants were female and non-binary entrepreneurs.

New business were enrolled into the IDA program.

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS (IDA) In 2023, MESO proudly secured $425,000 in IDA match funds for small businesses and an additional $30,000 from Business Oregon’s EEIP. Throughout the year, $321,000 of these funds were distributed, supporting the growth and development of local entrepreneurs.

MESO efficiently processed 65 IDA withdrawal requests and enrolled 43 new businesses into the IDA program, bringing the total number of small business owners with IDAs to 115.

MESO’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our IDA participants: 67% are women or non-binary, and 84% are people of color. The positive impact of the program is evident, as participants have reported increased asset value, accelerated purchase timelines, and enhanced confidence in running their businesses.

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MESO

CHILDCARE MESO's Early Childhood Education program provided tailored business development services to 42 childcare owner-providers, emphasizing formal training and participation in job quality cohorts. Additionally, support extended to 37 childcare providers at 50 sites, facilitating business development and expansion efforts. Through initiatives like Preschool for All, MESO remains dedicated to strengthening the childcare sector, ensuring quality services for families and communities.

MESO

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MESO

MESO MAKERS MARKET EMPOWERED BY ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION Since its launch in 2022, the MESO Makers Market has become a thriving marketplace in Northeast Portland. With 40 new vendors and 10 events in 2023, the market has showcased a variety of products and services from a diverse and inclusive range of small business owners in the community.

376 Northeast Sumner Street, Portland, Oregon 97212 Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11AM-5PM MESO

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MESO

MESO CLIENT STORIES BLACK STAR ATHLETIC ACADEMY, @BLACKSTARPDX

Jafar and Liz Loving-Maurice and Joy and Devin Parks decided to start Black Star Athletic Academy in Northeast Portland after experiencing frustrations watching kids play tons of different sports but still lack confidence and strong physical and mental foundations. They believed that by bringing their diverse backgrounds in physical training, mental health therapy, women’s fitness, coaching, and parent support together, they would be able to elevate the health and wellness of athletes beyond just skill improvement.

The business partners came to MESO for a small business loan to open their first Black Star location. The loan, coupled with Prosper Portland’s storefront improvement grant, allowed them to hit the ground running.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support that MESO has provided us,” said coowner Liz Loving-Maurice, who is also a mental-health consultant. “Their micro loan was crucial in helping us build a state-of-the-art training facility and provide top-notch equipment for our athletes. We are forever grateful!”

Black Star Athletic Academy is a prime example of how MESO works to uplift local small businesses that in turn lift work to uplift their communities.

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MESO

MESO CLIENT STORIES BIBIS CREPE, @BIBISCREPES21

When Carla Maria Ledesma Tapia came to MESO’s office in Vancouver in Southwest Washington, she had a very clear business goal in mind. She wanted to open a kiosk offering a variety of sweet and savory crepes in the Vancouver Mall.

Carla started out with strong experience as a crepes cook and a great reputation in the local community. Working with her MESO adviser, Carla also built her business skills and expertise. She took classes, including four-part, eight-hour Business Building series in Spanish, a class on taxes, and a profit-and-loss workshop. Her adviser guided her through getting necessary licensing and insurance, negotiating a lease agreement, purchasing equipment, developing a menu, calculating expenses and prices, and launching marketing.

Carla is a shining example of how tapping MESO services and support can lead to small business success. Since opening her kiosk business, Bi Bis Crepes LLC, she has become a local favorite of shoppers at the Vancouver Mall.

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MESO

MESO CLIENT STORIES QUEER PLANTS CAFE, @QUEERPLANTSCAFE

Ross and Ernest Koh came to MESO after feeling like they had been passed over by traditional banks. The couple had done the work in planning their dream business in Northeast Portland. However, they needed the capital to make it a reality.

Working with MESO’s Community Capital team, Ross and Earnest were able to obtain a small business loan to open the doors to Queer Plants Café, a dreamy plant shop meets a cozy café concept where customers can peruse – and purchase – unique indoor plants while enjoying fresh roasted coffee, rich pastries, sandwiches and more. To pay forward the small business support they received from MESO, Ross and Ernest place a priority on purchasing their plants and ingredients for menu items from other local small businesses.

“MESO was flexible and education-forward,” Ross said. “They kept us on track.

Thank you MESO for being an instrumental part of our life's journey.”

MESO

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MESO

SPONSORS, FUNDERS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS MESO’s work to help entrepreneurs follow their small business dreams wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors, funders and community partners. We appreciate the support we received in 2023 and want to sincerely thank the community for supporting MESO.

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MESO

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS Aspen Institute Ayton Family Foundation Bank of America Banner Bank Beneficial State Bank BeWell Consulting Boeing Brown and Carter Management Group Buchalter Business Oregon (State of Oregon) Business Oregon EEIP Business Oregon TA 2023-25 City of Beaverton City of Beaverton CDBG City of Cornelius City of Gresham City of Gresham CDBG City of Gresham Community Enhancement City of Portland - PBOT/Vibrant Spaces City of Portland - Portland Clean Energy Fund City of Portland - Prosper Portland City of Tigard City of Vancouver CDBG City of Vancouver, Washington Clackamas County Colas Construction Collins Foundation Community Development Financial Institution Community Foundation of SW Washington Craft 3 Elevate Management Nitin Rai Heritage Bank Hormel Harris Foundation Jill Chen

MESO

John and Joan Major KeyBank Killian Pacific Marion Ewing Kauffman Foundation Metro Meyer - Justice Oregon Meyer Memorial Trust Moda Health Multnomah County Neighborhood Partnerships Northwest Area Foundation One App OnPoint Community Credit Union Oregon Community Foundation Oregon Community Foundation - Community Building Oregon Community Foundation - Thriving Entrepreneurs Pacific West Bank PNC Bank Portland General Electric Foundation SEED Initiative Seeding Justice Small Business Administration - MicroLoan Small Business Administration - PRIME Spirit Mountain The Standard Trail Blazers Foundation U.S. Bank U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA Umpqua Bank United Fund Advisors US Bank Washington County Washington State Microenterprise Association Wells Fargo Zidell Family Foundation

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MESO

BREAKING THE GLASS

Join MESO in celebrating two decades of resilience, innovation, and unwavering community commitment at MESO’s 20th Annual Fundraiser "Breaking the Glass."

Since its humble beginnings in 2005, MESO has been dedicated to shattering the invisible barriers to success. This milestone event, scheduled for May 2025, will showcase MESO's inspiring journey, highlighting challenges overcome and triumphs achieved, all thanks to the incredible support from the community.

Be apart of this milestone event and experience MESO's remarkable journey and vision for the future. MESO invites you to become one of 20 esteemed sponsors at $20,000, empowering entrepreneurs and driving meaningful change.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a lasting impact. For more information, please reach out to csanchez@mesopdx.org.

MESO

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MESO

CONTACT MESO WEBSITE: www.mesopdx.org PHONE: 503-841-3351 EMAIL: meso@mesopdx.org INSTAGRAM: @mesopdx PRESS AND MEDIA CONTACT: sbasalyga@mesopdx.org

DONATE TO MESO Visit our website at www.mesopdx.org to donate or scan the QR code

MESO

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MESO