Albina Opportunities Wins Funds to Help Minority and Women's Businesses

PHOTO: Albina Opportunities Corps has new members on its Board of Directors. Pictured here from left:  Howard Feldman, Board Chair; and new Board members Eric Selden-VP business lending at First Citizen Bank; Shobi Dahl of Dave’s Killer Bread; and Bruce Watts, community activist.

Business development nonprofit, Albina Opportunities Corp says it now has increased funds available to help expand Portland area small businesses owned by minorities and women.  Terry Brandt, executive director of the nonprofit says increased funding from the State of Oregon’s “Oregon Growth Fund,” and from Union Bank will help Albina Opportunities Corp. fulfill its mission to provide lower-interest loans and lines of credit for expanding businesses in underserved communities.    

Albina Opportunities Corp., also known as AOC, is not a bank. It is a nonprofit designed to support small businesses that provides business advisory services and technical assistance to its clients free of charge.  Find out how to access funds and support at www.albinaopportunties.org.

Since it opened six years ago, AOC has made nearly 60 loans to expanding minority and women-owned Portland businesses helping create more than 500 jobs in the Portland area, without losing one loan!