The Fall season kicks off with significant federal support from the Economic Development Administration

Hacienda and Portland Mercado staff and supporters at Depave celebrating all of the support this year

Hacienda CDC is pleased to announce that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the Department of Commerce has committed an investment of over $260,000 in grant funds to support the acquisition of kitchen and training equipment to assist food businesses getting started in the Portland Mercado and in the Portland Mercado’s commissary kitchen. This grant investment, which will be matched dollar for dollar, will allow the Mercado to be fully equipped and will provide an excellent space for new and start-up food businesses. This grant marks the second investment from a federal entity; the first received in 2012 from the Department of Health and Human Services.

“It’s wonderful that the Federal Government continues to support our community led effort to build the first Latino public market in Portland,” said Program and Fund Development Coordinator Caitlin Burke. “This award will allow the Portland Mercado to build out a professional kitchen with top quality equipment, and to holistically respond to the needs of the growing micro-entrepreneurial climate in Portland.”

Hacienda thanks EDA staff in Portland and Seattle, as well as Portland Development Commission staff, who have worked patiently with us for several months on this investment, and looks forward to the invested funds leading to significant economic impacts in the Lents Urban Renewal Area where the Mercado will be located, and at large in the vibrant Portland food scene.

KIVA Zip Supports the Backbone of the Mercado, its Micro-entrepreneurs

There is no question that the backbone of the Portland Mercado project is our vendors, who are using the time between now and when the Mercado opens up shop to grow the viability of their businesses. It is our job to insure that vendors have access to resources, technical assistance and opportunities to grow and launch a successful microenterprise that can be self-sufficient when the Mercado is underway.

For these reasons, we see our partnership with KIVA Zip, an online crowd-funding platform for micro-loans, as a crucial tool to providing some of our aspiring Mercado businesses with the capital and resources they need. Two businesses are currently being endorsed by Hacienda CDC  to be the recipient of a 0% interest loan, which will help them grow their business in Portland. The process to give is simple. The impact is HUGE.

Las caras de Tierra del Sol, one of Micro Mercantes primary catering businesses

Business #1: Amalia Vazquez and her Mexican food business, Tierra del Sol.  Let’s help this aspiring Portland Mercado vendor get to her $5,000 goal before the end of the year! She is currently at 72%!

Amalia would like you to know…

My family business  really appreciates the support that the Portland community has given us so far.  From the warming atmosphere at the King farmers market to the practical knowledge gained through the services of Micro Mercantes, we are now able to realistically expand our business. This KIVA loan will be used to expand my business into catering services and to improve the functions and look of my food cart. I hope that this loan will even allow me to provide food for your own personal event! Please click to read more about my story and to lend to my family business! Gracias! You can now order food from us online at www.micromercantes.com

Hilda Leyva showcases her handmade jewelry. Craft vendors like Hilda will have the opportunity to sell at day tables and small stalls at the Mercado

Business #2: Hilda Leyva and her handmade jewelry business, Divina! Hilda only needs $600 to reach her $2,000 goal!

Hilda would like you to know…

I have been fascinated with the power and beauty of natural gems since childhood and find great inspiration in being able to offer and share my creations with the community. It has long been my dream to sell my handmade pieces and I am currently receiving support with Hacienda to formalize my business. I plan to use the loan to be able to sell my jewelry online through a site like Etsy and to be able to reach more people by selling at artisan shows, craft fairs and farmers markets. Thank you in advance for supporting my dream and please click here to view my full story and to contribute!

Click here to register for a KIVA account. You can then lend a minimum of $25 to one or both loans. Once the loans are fulfilled, you will be repaid your $25 (costing you $0) or, you can choose to re-invest your $25 by endorsing another entrepreneur! Note: Hacienda has endorsed 6 entrepreneurs since April, 2013, totally $22,575 in 0% interest micro-loans.

Additional note: Thanks to The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation, loans to our entrepreneurs will be matched (up to $500 per lender!) 

Congrats to Mixteca Catering who successfully fund-raised a $5,000 loan in just under 3 weeks! They will use the capital to purchase a mobile food truck, allowing stability and versatility within their business operations.  ¡Felicidades Mixteca y Gracias a todos!

Expect a large variety of businesses at the Portland Mercado

Leonel presents his business plan for a nutritious snack stand

At the most recent meeting of the Asamblea, future Mercado vendors shared their business plans. Twenty-one community members participated in the exercise. They also brought proof of having opened a savings account. This account will be used to buy a share in the Mercado cooperative and will support the development of their respective businesses. Check out some of the businesses the Portland Mercado will offer.

• Leonel: Antojitos (Finger Food)
• Amalia: Tortillería (Tortilla shop)
• Luis: Sopas y sándwiches (Soups and sandwiches)
• Sabino y Reyna: Verdulería (Vegetable stand)
• Teresa: Comida Hondureña (Honduran food)
• Zoila: Comida Salvadoreña (Salvadorian food)
• Cyntia H: Tortas y licuados (Cakes and Mexican smoothies)
• Martha P: Cemitas (Cemitas, a type of food from Puebla, Mexico)
• Andres y Karen: Comida Colombiana (Colombian food)
• Maria y Meliton : Comida Yucateca (Mexican Yucatecan food)
• Silvio G: Carnicería (Butcher)
• Gustavo: Fruta picada (Chopped fruit)
• Corina: Regalos (Gifts)
• Antelma: Lavandería (Laundromat)
• Marcela: Estudio fotográfico (Photo studio)
• Monica: Pinatas y dulces para fiestas (Piñatas and sweets for parties)
• Claudia M: Joyería (Jewelry store)
• Alma F: Entretenimiento infantil (Child care)