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 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE TEAM
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.
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 HiltonChief Financial Officer
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
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.
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
Business Development technical assistance hours spent with MESO Empower clients in Oregon and SW Washington.
1,207 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
MultnomahWashington ClarkClackamas Jackson Marion
1,321
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
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
$2.9M
In loans provided across 12 counties in Oregon and Washington 70% 195 Of loans were provided to women-owned businesses.
Loans paid in full
$18K
Distributed in credit building loans +32%
Number of loans given since 2022
$35,306
Is the average loan size (non-Credit 101), with loans ranging from $2.5K to $175K.
LOAN RECIPIENTS BY COUNTY
LOAN RECIPIENTS BY INDUSTRY
“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
Of credit 101 programming was provided to Black and African American Clients. 31%
Of Credit 101 clients that closed in 2023 were on at least their second credit builder loan.
CREDIT 101 BY COUNTY CREDIT 101 RECIPIENTS BY INDUSTRY
“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
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
Future Leaders program hours served.
FUTURE LEADERS
411
Students served.
6 Schools served.
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
Classes hosted by MESO.
32 Diferent Instructors. 116
2,540
Students / attendees.
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.
in IDA Matching grant funds were distributed to small businesses. 43 67%
New business were enrolled into the IDA program.
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS (IDA) $321K
Of IDA participants were female and non-binary entrepreneurs.
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.
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 MAKERS MARKET
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 CLIENT STORIES
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
MESO CLIENT STORIES
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.
MESO CLIENT STORIES
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.”
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
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
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
BREAKING THE GLASS
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.
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
