National Community Fund I, LLC’s innovative equity fund provides critical working capital for small businesses in Portland, Oregon.
THE PROGRAM:
Growing small businesses need access to growth capital without burdening themselves with debt. UFA addresses this need through below-market, patient equity offered by the Portland Equity Fund.
PRODUCTS:
Equity investments from $100,000-$500,000.
KEY COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS:
All investments are located in highly distressed census tracts, as defined by the CDFI Fund.
THE RESULT:
Small businesses that cannot meet the demands of Series A financing but need working capital to fuel their growth are able to continue their growth trajectory and add quality jobs in their communities.
RECENT INVESTMENT:
Green Zebra Grocery is a neighborhood grocery offering convenient access to fresh, healthy foods. Convenience is in a smaller store format, central neighborhood locations, a thoughtful product assortment and healthy, delicious prepared foods. Prepared foods are cooked in-house by chefs who have worked in Portland’s best restaurants and offer a variety of salads, soups and full meals to-go. Grocery offerings are sourced – locally when available – and include fresh produce, quality meats and seafood, a selection of beer and wine, a signature coffee bar, and a carefully selected cheeses, floral, and specialty/gourmet products. Green Zebra is using Portland Equity Fund’s capital to support its ongoing working capital needs and expansion efforts.
PROGRAM PARTNERS:
- United Fund Advisors (National Community Fund I, LLC)
- JP Morgan Chase
