About BBAO

BBAO History

Response to a Call for Economic Equity (2020)

In June 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Black board members of the Portland Business Alliance issued a powerful statement referred to as the “Invisible Knee” statement, calling for decisive action to address systemic economic inequities affecting Black Oregonians.

Launch of the Black Economic Prosperity Agenda

On June 10, 2020, the Regional Black Economic Prosperity Agenda was launched as a multi-year, public-private initiative to expand economic opportunity for Black Oregonians. Co-created by Black leaders on the Portland Metro Chamber board and championed by the National Association of Minority Contractors – Oregon NAMC-Oregon.

Built as a data-driven strategy to close racial wealth gaps and institutionalize Black economic mobility this Prosperity Agenda laid the groundwork for the establishment of BBAO.

Formation of BBAO

BBAO was officially launched in 2022 through a collaboration between Portland Metro Chamber and NAMC-Oregon, with nearly $1 million in initial public, private, and philanthropic funding. Shortly after, an experienced economic development leader was hired as the first Executive Director following a national search.

Board of Directors

Nate McCoy

Interim Executive Director, Black Business Association of Oregon and President & CEO of The National Association of Minority Contractors-Oregon Chapter (Board Member)