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community-based and collaborative strategyto bring environmental investments and assetsinto low-income communities of color withoutdisplacing community members. Its projectsbuild the capacity of target businesses and trainyouth in new skills. 7 Supporting local initiativeslike this allows programs to be tailored tocommunity needs.TAPPING THE POTENTIAL OFBLACK ENTREPRENEURSOregon should also do more to encouragethe growth of Black-owned businesses.Despite major challenges accessing capital,connections and training, Black-ownedbusinesses have still grown. The state can helpturn this Black entrepreneurial drive into newjobs and economic growth by offering smallbusinesses state tax breaks that lower start-upcosts. Increasing access to affordable capital,connections to investors, business training,mentorship and government contracts can alsofoster inclusive business growth.All of these ideas would also address the lossof wealth in Black communities that is holdingback their contributions to the state’s economicgrowth. While the median household income forWhite Oregonians rose 21.6 percent from 2000-2010, the median household income for Blackfamilies only rose 5.7 percent. 8Strategies to rebuild wealth and economicstability should increase access to affordable,long-term homeownership and stop abusivelending practices. They should also createother wealth-building opportunities, suchas children’s savings accounts and secureretirement programs.While Oregon may have a small Blackpopulation, the community has significanteconomic potential that will help the entire statesucceed. With smart, forward-thinking policiesand practices that place equity at the heart ofany growth, the Black community in Oregoncan, and will, thrive.Cosmetic Chemist andEntrepreneur, PaulaHayes, in her Beavertonlab, Hue Noir.95