Congratulations to Our November Mini-Grant Winners!

We are thrilled to announce the November winners of our $1,000 mini-grant program, sponsored by KeyBank! This month, we’re celebrating two fantastic BIPOC-owned businesses in Vancouver: Randolph’s, owned by Vanessa Dickison, and Sweeping Beauty PDX, owned by Chantal Young.

Randolph’s:
Vanessa plans to use her $1,000 grant to purchase much-needed sheet pans, a convection oven, and a commercial mixer. These new additions will help Randolph’s boost its production capacity, making it easier to meet customer demand and grow the business. More equipment means more delicious treats and an even better experience for everyone who visits.

Sweeping Beauty PDX:
Chantal will use her grant to buy commercial-grade mops, a vacuum, and a duster. With these tools, Sweeping Beauty PDX can offer higher-quality cleaning services, making clients’ spaces shine brighter than ever. Plus, this funding will help her reach new customers through online platforms like NextDoor, Thumbtack, and Google, ultimately helping her business flourish.

Why Are These Grants Important?
At Fourth Plain Forward, we believe in helping local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) entrepreneurs access the resources they need to thrive. These $1,000 mini-grants, provided in partnership with KeyBank, are designed to help small business owners invest in the essential equipment and tools that can take their operations to the next level. The goal is simple: to support sustainable growth and strengthen our vibrant community of entrepreneurs along the Fourth Plain Corridor.

Apply for the December Grants:
If you’re a BIPOC small business owner in Clark County and you missed out on the November round, don’t worry—another opportunity is just around the corner! On December 9th, applications for the December mini-grants will open. You’ll have until December 24th to apply. Just head over to fourthplainforward.org/bipoc-microgrant to fill out the application and learn more about the process.

Winning a mini grant could mean finally purchasing that piece of equipment you’ve been eyeing, upgrading your workspace, or reaching a new audience through improved marketing. Whatever your business goals, we want to help you achieve them.

What’s Next?
After the December application period closes, our team will carefully review all submissions. In January, we’ll proudly announce the two December winners, who will receive $1,000 each to boost their business efforts.

A Community of Support
We’re grateful to KeyBank for supporting these grants and to all the amazing entrepreneurs who call the Fourth Plain Corridor home. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive economy—one small business at a time.

Congratulations Once Again!
A big congratulations to Vanessa and Chantal on this wonderful achievement. We can’t wait to see how their businesses continue to grow and thrive. If you’re interested in following their journey or learning more about other local businesses, stay tuned to our social media channels and keep an eye on our website for updates.

Here’s to another round of business growth, community investment, and success stories along the Fourth Plain Corridor!

Vanessa Dickison, owner of Randolph’s and Program Manager, Wil Fuentes

Chantal Young, owner of Sweeping Beauty PDX and again, Program Manager, Wil Fuentes