2023 WSW Project
Designed for newly opened business locations owned by women.
4x The Impact
In 2023, we launched our first grant program and focused our efforts on amplifying new business locations opened by women-identifying entrepreneurs. With a record number of women registering a business in 2020, we’re seeing newly opened spots pop up all over the city. We know the first 2 years are essential for reaching business maturity and founders have had their fair share of challenges with the pandemic, supply chain, permitting delays, inflation, and even vandalism.
We awarded 5 $1000 Host Grants to 5 WOC-owned locations and provided up to 5K in professional services. The host was required to pick at least one woman-owned business to collaborate with for the meet up. ALIST and partners worked with each host to bring their concept to life, invited women founders to attend, and captured the experience to share publicly. There was always something yummy to snack on and activities included candle making, kimchi making, yoga, beverage tastings, and dancing. Together, we turned 5 $1000 grants into $24,717.56 being distributed to 24 women owned businesses. That is more than 4x the impact for every dollar.
2023 Grant Winners
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Mister OK's Essentials
Precious Hannah is the owner and Chief Creative Officer of Mister OK’s Essentials, a Black woman-owned shop on Alberta Street that offers clean nontoxic soy candles, soaps, and body butters safe for the whole family. She even has a makers lab you can book for private events or just walk in and pick scents to create your own signature candle.
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Goodies Snack Shop
Joyce Chung is the founder, co-owner and CEO of Goodies Snack Shop, a first generation, Korean American woman-owned snack shop and market located in Old Town/China Town. Recently opened in September 2022, Goodies offers thoughtfully curated snacks, nostalgic treats, cold beverages, and house plants while centering emerging and AAPI owned brands.
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Flow in the City
Vanessa Gomez is the founder, owner, and yoga instructor at Flow in the City, an urban sanctuary in Downtown, Chinatown. First generation Colombiana with 10+ years in the sports and fitness industry. Vanessa birthed the studio to create and hold space for people to experience ease and belonging through their yoga practice.
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Tita's Juice Bar
Fabiola Chipoco is the owner of Tita’s Juice Bar, the inspiration behind three cities that Fabiola holds dearly in her heart: Lima, Miami & Portland. Born in Peru, Fabiola immigrated to the US in her 20s. She first opened Tita’s Kitchen and the Juice Bar can next. Now with 5 locations, you can experience family recipes and delicious peruvian fare inspired by flavors of home.
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Mermosa PDX
Award-winning winemaker Desiree Noisette is the co-owner of Mermosa PDX and founder of Mermosa Wines, which pay homage to the Noisette family's ancestral heritage combining Haitian, French and Southern American flavors. Mermosa PDX invites you to sip, dine and vibe with them offering a wine centered full bar, brunch, live music, and community centered events.
As Featured On
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Koin 6 News
Local women business owners build connections with monthly meetups. Watch video
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Portland Business Journal
How a monthly meal helps women business owners and builds community. Read the September 2022 or April 2022 article.
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Portland Monthly Magazine
Ripping the City with Amanda Mailey, founder of Women Supporting Women. Read the December 2022 article.