Entrepreneur Public & Non-Profit in Salem, OR

Founded in 2009 during the Great Recession, the Latino Business Alliance emerged from a grassroots vision shared by concerned Latino business owners and professionals in Salem, Oregon, who recognized the need for mutual support and community collaboration. What began as an informal gathering to help each other navigate economic hardship evolved into a formalized organization that now serves as a vital bridge connecting the Latino business community with broader economic opportunities. Based in Salem, OR, the Latino Business Alliance operates under the belief that building trust within the Latino business community must come first, followed by creating visibility and awareness in the larger American economy. The organization's mission reflects a deep commitment to empowering small business owners while promoting entrepreneurship and professional development among Latino youth. Over the years, the Latino Business Alliance has grown substantially, transitioning from entirely volunteer-led operations to a professionally staffed organization supported by grants from respected institutions like the Kaiser Permanente Community Fund and the Oregon Community Foundation. Today, they work to unite and strengthen the Latino business community while contributing to a stronger Oregon economy overall. The Latino Business Alliance recognizes that Latino-owned businesses, despite significant growth since 2000, often face barriers to affordable credit, insurance, and contracting opportunities. Through their dedicated efforts, the organization strives to create a better Willamette Valley for all by fostering genuine connections, providing educational resources, and ensuring that Latino entrepreneurs have equitable access to the tools and networks necessary for sustainable business success.

For over a decade, Blacks In Technology has served as the largest global community for Black professionals in the technology industry, with the Portland chapter (BIT PDX) providing essential support to local members. Founded on the mission to "Stomp the Divide," the organization addresses the significant underrepresentation of Black workers across all technology-related career demographics—from startup founders seeking capital to core IT professionals advocating for pay equity. Serving the Portland, OR community, BIT PDX operates with core values of trust and transparency, guided by executive leadership with lifelong careers in technology and education. The organization recognizes that Black tech workers often find themselves isolated as the only Black person on their team or in their workplace, and responds by creating inclusive spaces where members can access mentorship, build networks, and receive guidance from experienced professionals. BIT PDX encompasses all technology disciplines and career paths, welcoming technologists, leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and transitional professionals seeking to advance in the tech industry. Through community-focused activities, professional events, and strategic partnerships, the foundation provides members with resources, opportunities to share expertise, and platforms to establish themselves as world-class technical innovators. The organization's commitment extends beyond individual success to fundamentally influence industry-wide change toward greater parity and representation for Black workers in technology.