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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 13, 2016)
M artin L uther K ing J r . January 13, 2016 2016 special edition INSIDE The Page 3 Week in Review This page Sponsored by: page 2 L OCAL N EWS M ARTIN L UTHER K ING J R . O BITUARIES C ALENDAR page 27 page 31 page 33 M ETRO Photo by o livia o livia /t he P ortland o bserver Stephanie Duncker, Startup PDX Challenge program manager, with James Pritchett (left) and Brian Rhon, two of the six budding entrepreneurs who are receiving Portland Development Commission support via rent-free office space, professional services, and a $25,000 convertible loan to boost the creation of minority-run businesses in the city. Opportunity Knocks Year begins with help to minority-run startups o livia o livia t he P ortland o bserver It’s a busy week at the Portland Development Commission’s Old Town offices, but one filled with hope and new opportunity for six lucky startup minority-run busi- nesses. The winners of the third annual Startup PDX Challenge are mov- ing in to the building on North- west Fifth Avenue, where they will enjoy a full year of rent-free office space, peer-to-peer support, access and referrals to other busi- ness mentors and services, and one-year memberships in entre- preneurial organizations and pro- by say there are a slew of opportuni- ties and funds that come through their office every year to help out emerging and disadvantaged start- ups for minorities, women and others, but that the PDX Chal- lenge event is annual competition that carries a focused promise. “Being able to get people the opportunities to compete in the market, to get the business help and advice they need, it helps close the gaps that exist,” explains Harder. “We all can’t wait to see what this year brings for these new winners.” C ontinued on P age 7 Advocates Demand Housing Justice pages 34-37 Arts & ENTERTAINMENT C LASSIFIEDS O PINION grams, and, of course, $25,000 in a convertible note or loan – mon- ey that is essential to their growth and hopefully helping close the every looming gap between black and white wealth. “Economic development is best served when you’re filling a gap in the economy,” says Chris Harder, the PDC’s economic development manager. “This outstanding group of companies brings together powerful stories, solid founding teams, and the potential to expand Portland’s network of innovative companies competing in the glob- al economy.” Harder and his team at PDC page 30 pages 38-39 The Portland Tenants Union in- vites the community to join them at Portland City Hall Friday as they make demands for housing justice. A rally is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. followed by a march to demonstrate the economic hard- ships facing Portland renters and stop a rash of no-cause evictions as landlords increasingly redevel- op properties. The housing advocates say renters have also faced retaliato- ry and discriminatory evictions which are illegal, but the burden of proof is on the tenant (as is the financial burden of securing legal counsel), and the risk to the tenant is high. The most vulnerable popu- lations impacted by Portland’s housing crisis are the low income elderly and disabled, those with complex and chronic health is- sues, people of color, victims of domestic violence, single parents, and veterans. The organization says it is time for Portland’s tenants to demand accountability from our landlords and bold solutions from our gov- ernment.
