ABOUT US

MESO believes small businesses are not only the soul of our communities, but they are also powerful drivers of economic vitality and generational change.

In a time of uncertainty and change, MESO continues to adapt, evolve, and meet the moment with courage and clarity.

The organization's work is rooted in relationships. MESO walks alongside small business owners offering hands-on advising, relevant education, credit readiness, peer cohorts, and scalable strategies designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and help them grow.

IN THE MEDIA

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

MESO is proud to present our second annual report. This 32 page document summarizes and outlines the growth and evolution of MESO's services and impact.

MESO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OUR HISTORY

FROM MEND TO MESO

2005-2008

MESO began as MEND (Micro Enterprise Neighborhood Development), a grassroots program under the Black United Fund of Oregon, created in response to the displacement of small businesses in North and Northeast Portland. 

With support from Andrienne Livingston and mentorship from Sanford Maddox, who appointed Nita Shah as Executive Director, MEND was built on a foundation of economic justice and community leadership.

MEND launched its first $100,000 loan fund with capital from United Fund Advisors and became an independent nonprofit, marking the beginning of its journey as Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO), emerging as a direct lender and advocate for under-served entrepreneurs.

BUILDING CAPACITY
AND DEEPENING ROOTS

2010-2020

MESO became an official SBA (Small Business Association)

Microlender and earned recognition as a USDA RMAP (Rural Microentrepreneurs Assistance Program) lender, and IDA (Individual Development Account) fiduciary, solidifying its role as a trusted partner for under-served entrepreneurs.

What began in a small Alberta Street office, soon blossomed into a permanent home on NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, complete with spaces devoted to supporting and advising local  entrepreneurs.

MESO continued to expand its loan programs with three additional SBA loan funds and grew its loan portfolio with support from Novogradac Foundation, Northwest Area Foundation, Umpqua Bank, USDA, and others.

In a strategic move to increase lending capacity, MESO absorbed the loan portfolio of Ascent Funding (formerly

Albina Opportunities Corporation), marking a bold expansion of MESO’s role as a capital provider. MESO’s lending capacity grew from $100,000 to nearly $4.5 million.

MILESTONES OF GROWTH AND RESILIENCE

2010-2020

MESO expanded its services into Washington County and Gresham, establishing itself as an economic engine for small businesses in Oregon.

Supported by Oregon Community Foundation, The Collins Foundation, and Meyer Memorial Trust, MESO launched the MESO Impact Fund, an innovative capital tool, providing over $1 million in SBA-guaranteed loans with zero credit losses before the fund sunset in 2024.

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, MESO quickly pivoted to virtual services and deployed over $25 million in relief to 5,000+ businesses across the Portland metro area and Surrounding counties. 

By year’s end, 30% of clients reported increased revenues, demonstrating MESO’s impact in a time of crisis. 

A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION

2021-2025

Following the retirement of Nita Shah, leadership passed to Cobi Lewis, who ushered in a bold new era of growth. 

With visionary leadership, Cobi scaled the MESO team, expanded programming, and deepened the organization’s reach, amplifying its impact on under-served entrepreneurs across the region.

MESO launched the Future Leaders Youth Program, providing entrepreneurship and financial education to youth in grades three through twelve and young adults ages 18–24 in Multnomah County.

MESO’s Education program emerged as an independent department with a dedicated manager, dramatically increasing the number of classes offered virtually in English and Spanish.

Through a partnership with Multnomah County’s Preschool for All initiative, MESO mobilized a dedicated team focused on helping childcare providers develop sustainable business models and transition into direct contracting relationships.

Through the Build Up Oregon collaboration with partners Craft3, NOAH, and LII, MESO strengthened its commitment to early childhood education by providing capital and business support to providers.

A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION

2021-2025

With support from Prosper Portland, MESO launched the MESO Makers Market. Soon after, OnPoint Community Credit Union joined as a corporate sponsor, providing dedicated staffing and operational support to ensure smooth day-to-day management.

Since its inception, the Market has grown from 25 vendors in 2023 to over 75 in 2025, playing a vital role in strengthening the economic vitality of the community. 

A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION

2021-2025

Broadening its footprint, MESO joined forces with several community organizations. For two consecutive years, MESO partnered with KeyBank and the Portland Thorns to produce the Key4Women Pitch Contest, empowering 10 female entrepreneurs with pitch experience and grant funding totaling $100,000 within MESO’s two year participation.

Made possible by Wells Fargo, MESO initiated Spread the Love, a campaign dedicated to empowering MESO clients with tokens of love and support.

In honor of Women’s History Month, MESO and the Ayton Family Foundation partnered for two consecutive years to distribute $25,000 annually to five Black female MESO clients.

A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION

2021-2025

MESO established recurring community events to honor the rich cultural tapestry of the Pacific Northwest, celebrating diversity through gatherings like Breakfast with Poison Waters in support of queer entrepreneurs, a vibrant Día de los Muertos celebration, a Hispanic Heritage Month fashion show, and one of Portland’s largest Juneteenth celebrations.

In partnership with PNC Bank, MESO proudly launched the MESO Empowers / Empodera Talks at the PNC Live Studio. This inspiring platform brings together entrepreneurs to share their journeys, celebrating the challenges overcome, the victories won, and the unwavering resilience that fuels their dreams.

20 YEARS OF CELEBRATION AND IMPACT

2025

MESO proudly celebrates two decades of empowering entrepreneurs, transforming lives, and building lasting community wealth.

For 20 years, MESO has stood alongside entrepreneurs, amplifying their voices, removing barriers, and cultivating a future where opportunity thrives for all.

With support from Boeing, MESO launched Elevate, an advanced, results-driven program designed exclusively for established business owners ready to scale their growth, expand their business knowledge, and deepen their economic impact.

This year also marked MESO’s inaugural Annual Report Gathering, a powerful step toward strengthening transparency, deepening relationships with funders and partners, and sharing our mission with a broader network of supporters.

Through a new collaboration with the upcoming James Beard Open Market, MESO clients were featured in Oregon’s Taste of the Month, showcasing their creativity and culinary excellence on a prestigious platform. This marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that will continue to grow as the Market prepares to open.

Finally, 2025 marked a pivotal transition in leadership with the departure of Executive Director Cobi Lewis, whose bold vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment leaves a legacy that will guide MESO for years to come.

2026 AND BEYOND

As MESO enters a new decade, we build on a legacy rooted in empowerment, equity, and community.

For more than twenty years, we have walked alongside entrepreneurs providing the tools, guidance, and opportunities needed to turn vision into viable, thriving businesses.

Looking ahead, we remain deeply committed to expanding access to capital, strengthening culturally responsive education, and creating spaces where innovation and identity are celebrated.

Our work continues with the same heart that brought us here empowering entrepreneurs not only to succeed in business, but to lead, uplift, and transform their communities for generations to come.