Nine local businesses representing multiple traded sector industries will receive grants to support their work to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The Inspiring Diversity Grant, awarded by Prosper Portland, is a pilot program intended to encourage private employers to incorporate creative, equity-related best practices around workforce, marketing and communications.
The agency received more than 40 applications for the first-time grant earlier this year, which targeted companies that sell many of their products and services to people and businesses outside the Portland region, nationally and globally.
Prosper Portland executive director Kimberly Branam said, “This grant is part of our strategic move to use an equity lens in our economic development work with traded sector industries. We are building a community for learning and providing resources to help the business recipients and their peer companies become more competitive from a diversity and inclusion perspective.”
The recipients’ growth potential, leadership commitment and interest in peer learning were key factors in their selection, with preference given to companies that could match the requested funds.
The matching grants range from $1700 to $8000 and support companies in the technology, athletic and outdoor, and green cities industry clusters which provide high-paying and middle-wage jobs and opportunities for Portlanders.
The A&O companies and projects are:
Bridge & Burn – a fashion retailer seeking to make product photo and advertising casting calls more diverse
Castelli – this cycling apparel innovator will focus on HR assessments and internal diversity training/dialogue
KEEN – footwear company working on diversity/equity/inclusion assessment and cultural change
“With the grant from Prosper Portland, we will be able to solidify an equitable company culture and create marketing images that resonate with everyone. This grant will help our staff learn more about unconscious biases and apply that learning to engaging with our co-workers, models, and customers in the best way possible!” — Sarah Ashton, Bridge and Burn
For the full list of recipients, read Prosper Portland awards grants to support business diversity and inclusion
For more information about future Prosper Portland Small Business, Peer to Peer, or Grant opportunities please contact us!
ABOUT PROSPER PORTLAND
Prosper Portland creates economic growth and opportunity for Portland. Our vision is to make Portland one of the most globally competitive, healthy, and equitable cities in the world by investing in job creation, encouraging broad economic prosperity, and fostering great places throughout the city. We aspire to be a workplace of choice with passionate staff excelling in an open and empowering environment and sharing a commitment to our collective success.
ABOUT PORTLAND A&O
Portland A&O powered by Prosper Portland aims to support the success of Oregon’s 800+ Athletic and Outdoor firms through community, peer-to-peer learning, events, and programming. The 800+ Oregon Athletic and Outdoor firms include brands, manufacturers and service providers for Footwear, Cycling, Sports Equipment, Fashion, Maker, Accessories and Bags, and Gear.
For a full list of companies within the Athletic and Outdoor Industry in Portland view our Interactive Ecosystem.
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