PitchBlack 2022 Support
The PitchBlack pitch competition gives Black entrepreneurs a platform to connect with the broader startup ecosystem — while also awarding them with cash prizes to help their concepts flourish.
In 2022, Built Oregon helped to organize the PitchBlack event at The Redd. The event was sold out and raised $90,000 in prize money for the participants.
Community Events
We organize community events with partners like Camp Yoshi and Soul River that look to connect Black founders and leaders together through community events. In 2022, these events included the inaugural Camp Yoshi x Built Oregon cookout, a hike in the Gorge, and a day fly fishing in Portland with Soul River. The power of creating spaces and gatherings without a presence or many times an agenda have been powerful.
Direct Support
Awareness: Because the rise of Delta in 2022 put so many unknowns back into the market we launched a Black Friday Campaign for the entirety of November to shine the light on Black owned business through various platforms. We also organized and hosted a Black Business up on Black Friday all with a focus around increasing the awareness and driving direct revenue to businesses with an arc leading into early Q1 2022.
Direct Grants: Since 2020, we have directed around $200,000 in direct grants and support to Black owned businesses. Most of these in the form of micro grants ($500-3000) that allow us to help support a specific need or initiative. Each one of the participating businesses in the Black Friday campaign received a grant.