Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mercatus?

Mercatus is a business directory and storytelling platform that highlights the vibrant experiences of diverse entrepreneurs of color across the Portland Metro area, including Washington County. It connects local communities with businesses, services, and products created by the region’s richly multicultural entrepreneurial community

What is the Mercatus Directory?

The Mercatus Directory is a searchable online listing of Portland- Metro area businesses owned by entrepreneurs of color.

You can search by:

●     Business sectors (e.g., arts, food & beverage, wellness, professional services).

●      Business type

●      Community including: race and ethnicity

●      County

●      Location

What are the benefits of Mercatus Membership?

By joining Mercatus, you become part of a dynamic community of business owners of color.

Membership benefits include:

●      Connection to hundreds of fellow entrepreneurs.

●      Elevated visibility through storytelling and exposure.

●      Access to new business leads and potential customers.

●      Participation in wealth-building initiatives and support programs.

●      Opportunity to be featured in seasonal campaigns, the Mercatus Magazine, and the Story Collective.

●      Invitations to sell at My People's Market, a premier marketplace for Mercatus businesses.

●      Access to exclusive newsletters with contracts, job leads, and opportunities via Mercatus Connect.

How can a business join the Mercatus Community?

To be eligible:

●      Your business must be open and operating.

●      It must be at least 30% owned by a person of color.

●      Businesses must be located in the State of Oregon and State of Washington to join

Joining is simple: Create your account and become a part of the Mercatus community today!

Mercatus offers two types of memberships:

Level Up Mercatus Membership – $100/year

This membership includes everything in the free Community Membership, plus exclusive benefits to help grow your business:

●      Priority business listing in the Mercatus Directory

●      Eligibility to be featured in Mercatus campaigns, guides, and publications

●      Access to participate in My People's Market

●      Invitations to special events and workshops

●      Exclusive business development opportunities through Mercatus Connect

Mercatus Community Membership – Free

A great starting point for entrepreneurs looking to join the Mercatus network:

●      Free listing in the Mercatus Directory

●      Access to intentional purchasing opportunities

●      Subscription to exclusive newsletters with resources, events, and opportunities

●      Connection to a growing community of diverse business owners

How does Mercatus support intentional purchasing?

Mercatus helps foster intentional purchasing by:

● Serving as a resource for identifying self-certified minority-owned businesses.

● Supporting initiatives like Portland Means Progress and Washington County Means Progress, where companies are matched with a Mercatus Liaison to meet BIPOC-owned purchasing needs.