PORTLAND, Ore. — A program that helps Latino, BIPOC and low-income entrepreneurs launch food and beverage businesses has received a $15,000 grant from the WaFd Bank Foundation to expand its services and support more small business owners.

The funding will go to Hacienda Community Development Corporation’s Empresario Program , which provides guidance to aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs.

“We respond to the needs of the community by offering educational food and business-related workshops so that folks can get ahead and stabilize and grow their businesses,” said Melina Romero, manager of the Empresarios Program at Hacienda CDC.

She said the funds will also help the program explore new tools.

“We're going to be exploring AI and what the basics are for small businesses, how it can b

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