A CELEBRATION OF BUSINESS, CULTURE, COMMUNITY

Launched in November 2017, My People's Market grew from a desire to create pathways for entrepreneurs of color to connect with the travel industry and new market opportunities. 

My People's Market is a collaborative event organized by Travel Portland and Prosper Portland. The marketplace is aimed to advance opportunities for business owners of color by connecting them to the travel industry and other professionals who can help expand and scale their businesses. All the vendors are sourced from Mercatus. This event is one of a series of connection opportunities for the Inclusive Business Resource Network of Prosper Portland.

MEET THE FOUNDERS

MEET OUR SPONSORS

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

New Seasons Market

As soon as Lori Hunter, Local Finds and Special Events Manager at New Seasons Market, visited her first My People’s Market, she knew they had to sponsor it. “It was in this warehouse in Southeast, and there was a DJ.” She’d come knowing the equity piece was in alignment with New Season’s values, but the feeling of being in the lively, vibrant and welcoming space made an even greater impression. “It’s this really cool event, and it feels so cool to be a part of it.” The leadership team agreed with Lori, and became sponsors that year.  

Over the years of their relationship with My People’s Market, New Seasons forged a true partnership with locally-made brands. Sixteen Mercatus members can be found on the shelves at New Seasons, either under their own label or as a New Seasons partner brand. 

Being a New Seasons partner brand is not like being a private label in other stores. Partner brands are named on the packaging and also retain their recipes, a fairly unique offering in the grocery world. 

Mercatus member Felton and Mary’s BBQ sauce uses a family recipe perfected in Portland's favorite BBQ restaurant, Campbell’s. When Director of Brand Development Chris Tjersland learned that Felton and Mary’s was working on marketing the sauce, he gave the brand full reign of New Seasons’ commercial kitchen to redesign the recipe at scale. Felton and Mary’s not only became a partner brand but provided the sauce for New Seasons’ deli ribs, earning an income while they worked out bottling and distribution.  

New Seasons’ Partner Fund has also provided vital support to marginalized makers. Mercatus member Hibisbloom needed help switching their difficult-to-source glass bottles for easy-to-transport cans. Thanks to a New Seasons Partner Fund, Hibisbloom was able to borrow money at 3% APR–a much more attractive rate than they would get from a traditional bank–and they successfully made the switch this year.  , 

From providing coaching for go-to-market strategies for new food brands, to connecting local breweries ready to help small businesses with canning and bottling, the team at New Seasons Market is more than a sponsor for My People’s Market - they’re a partner and a community builder.