PORTLAND, OR, August 28,2014 — United Fund Advisors (UFA) today announced three recent investments that will support entrepreneurship, economic development and job creation in Portland, Oregon. The UFA Community Investment Fund investments in Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO), Oregon Angel Fund (OAF) and Portland Seed Fund (PSF) will help provide access to capital for small businesses and spur innovation in underserved communities and businesses throughout the region.
“At UFA, our investments are guided by a core mission to create triple bottom line returns—and these three organizations clearly meet that criteria,” said Colin Rowan, Principal of UFA. “Together, MESO, OAF and PSF support meaningful job creation, provide critical growth and working capital to foster small business development in the community, and provide access to capital for groups that face significant obstacles to securing the resources they need to grow and thrive.”
Since 2004, UFA has assisted in the financing of over $5 billion worth of community development and renewable energy projects throughout the country. UFA’s investments in MESO, OAF and PSF reflect its ongoing commitment to invest in projects and organizations that are committed to creating quality jobs and growing Oregon’s regional economy.
About United Fund Advisors
UFA is a fund manager and financial services company that provides tax-advantaged investment capital and advisory services for community development and renewable energy projects throughout the country. With over $2 billion of assets under management, all of UFA’s investments and services are driven by its triple bottom line mission “to create opportunities for profitable investments which enhance social and environmental yields.” UFA’s investments have incorporated a wide array of alternative financing tools, including NMTCs, Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credits, Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits and EB-5 capital. The UFA Community Investment Fund provides financial support and technical assistance to provide Oregon’s emerging small businesses with the capital, mentoring, and connections necessary to allow them to strengthen and grow Oregon’s regional economy.
About Oregon Angel Fund
The Oregon Angel Fund (OAF) is a community supported, professionally managed, investor driven angel fund. The fund provides investors privileged access to the most promising startups and early-stage growth companies in Oregon and SW Washington. Founded in 2007, OAF has grown to become the most active local venue for funding startups in terms of both participants and dollars invested.
About Portland Seed Fund
The Portland Seed Fund (PSF) is a privately managed fund and non-resident accelerator focused on providing emerging companies the capital, mentoring, and connections to propel them to the next level. PSF’s proven 90-day mentor-led program works. Since Fall 2011, PSF’s first 36 companies have collectively raised $23M in outside capital and created more than 200 jobs. PSF’s portfolio covers a wide range of startups including those in enterprise, mobile, consumer internet, and consumer products.
About Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) seeks to broaden economic opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs by providing business support to increase growth in income, assets, and business skills. Since July 2005 MESO has supported businesses with a diversity in trade and color. An experienced and dedicated staff provides clients with a minimum of three years of support, ranging from business planning, goal implementation, marketing, consulting, and financing. MESO’s clients engage in a wide array of economic activities that include frozen baked goods, child care services, video production services, beauty products, art, automotive services, marketing services, and a variety of other goods and services.
