Third Annual MESO Makers Winter Market In Portland Showcases The Work Of 45 Minority-owned Small Businesses (Photo) -12/14/23
PORTLAND, Ore. – Shoppers seeking unique holiday gifts again have a wide variety of choices at the third annual MESO Makers Market in Portland. But their chance to shop won’t last long; the holiday market’s last day of operation will be Saturday, Dec. 23.
Hosted by the nonprofit Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO), the market is at Alberta Commons, 376 N.E. Sumner St. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. MESO is providing gift wrapping in return for a $10 donation through Dec. 23.
Sponsored by OnPoint Community Credit Union, the MESO Makers Market is a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. It offers shoppers the opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting 45 local artisans who are primarily BIPOC and women clients of MESO.
Gifts available for purchase include stylish clothing, face and body creams and oils, shampoo and conditioner sets, grooming essentials for men, handmade candles, intricately designed jewelry, and children’s blankets, toys, and puzzles.
For a $10 donation, shoppers through Dec. 23 can make their own gift basket using a basket and wrapping materials supplied by MESO.
This family- and community-oriented event is open to all ages. For more information, contact MESO at (503) 841-3351.
“Our market provides a platform for these talented makers to showcase their unique creations,” said Celina Sanchez, MESO’s Marketing & Development Director. “It is a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. It’s also another way MESO supports local entrepreneurs and helps them achieve their business goals.”
About MESO
Based at 4008 N.E. MLK Blvd. in Portland, MESO provides a wide array of services and programs to small businesses, including micro lending, business guidance with a MESO business development advisor, educational classes on a variety of business-related topics, marketing assistance, networking, and links to other local resources.
MESO started out as a grassroots initiative in 2005 under the umbrella of the Black United Fund of Oregon to assist small businesses that were experiencing challenges in the wake of gentrification, new development, and increased rents in North/Northeast Portland. The pilot’s success and the continued support from funders encouraged MESO to form its own non-profit in 2008. More information: www.mesopdx.org.
MESO Mission
Our mission is to elevate under-resourced entrepreneurs to build resilience, equity, and thriving communities through access to capital, tailored business assistance, and education.
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