About

A Portland membership for business and belonging.

We live in isolating times. Screens, economic hardship and our separate circles pull us apart. Life keeps moving online and commerce keeps consolidating. Business and community organizations support some of us. Many are still left out.

Beneath all that is a truth hiding in plain sight: we are fortunate to be here together. Because we share this place, we can get to know and trust each other in ways that are impossible online. We can practice generosity. We can fit our work to the communities we belong to. In these times, that has never been more important. From this simple truth, amazing things become possible.

Our “here” is Portland, where we have a concentration of some of the most creative people in the world. Many of them run businesses in this region. The passion for these companies already exists. HERE gives it a home, along with new ways to show up for the city and each other:

  • A shared membership badge that’s free to all
  • Gatherings to meet the people behind the businesses
  • A live count of everyone who’s in
  • A directory of the most Portland-rooted companies
  • A built-in way to bring in those who aren’t well known yet
  • A podcast that goes deeper into stories of business and belonging in Portland

Each new member makes this project more meaningful for all of us. And against the national brands, we’re the ones who put Portland first.

HERE brings visibility and new contacts to our smaller local businesses. It invites established businesses to put their Portland roots to work. It moves us beyond competition.

Isolating times call for new ways of finding each other and working together. In this extraordinary valley where we live, we now have one more way. This one for the city we know and love, and the businesses that make Portland Portland.

Contact

Have a question about membership, a business we should know about, or something else on your mind? Send us a note — we read and respond to every one.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is my business eligible for HERE membership?

    If your business or nonprofit is based in and controlled by people in the Portland area, you almost certainly qualify—regardless of size, revenue, ownership structure, how long you've been open, or what part of the region you’re located in.

    If you have more than one location, you must also have been founded here, with your headquarters and leadership still based here today.

    A few industries aren't eligible: adult entertainment, payday lending, check cashing and fossil fuels.

  2. What does "controlled by Portlanders" actually mean?

    It means the real decisions about your business are made by people here, not by a national office or outside investors elsewhere. Outside investment is fine, as long as control stays local.

  3. How does HERE review membership eligibility?

    Eligibility is self-attested. You confirm your business meets the criteria when you sign up. There's no application process or ongoing review. HERE takes you at your word about local presence and local leadership. If something needs a closer look, we will follow up.

  4. Are my HERE dues and purchases tax-deductible?

    Because HERE is organized as an LLC, payments made to HERE are not deductible as charitable donations.

    However, because HERE functions as a professional network, members who join or make purchases for a legitimate business purpose can generally write off these costs as ordinary and necessary business expenses on their business tax returns.

    (Please consult your tax professional for advice specific to your tax situation).

  5. Does my business have to be located within Portland's city limits? Do I?

    No to both. A real business footprint anywhere in the full Portland-Vancouver metro area qualifies, as evidenced by a storefront, work-from-home office, employees, or contracts. And you personally don't need to live within the city or even the region as long as the business is located in and run from within the Portland area.

  6. How does HERE open doors for those coming up?

    Every company joining at the Patron level and above receives an allotment of Champion Badges to give away. Each one covers another business's entry into HERE at no cost to the business being championed (Directory Business tier). This is how established businesses bring in smaller companies they believe in, including those just starting out, and live the value “here for each other.”

  7. What if my business doesn't qualify — can I still be part of HERE?

    Yes. The badge is free for anyone who loves Portland, and any business in the region can count themselves in as a Registered Business. Non businesses can also support HERE by joining as a Rose City Benefactor. Ineligible businesses cannot be listed in the HERE directory or receive any other HERE membership benefits.

  8. I'm part of a franchise. Am I excluded?

    Not automatically. It comes down to who controls the management decisions of your franchise. If your business is a Portland-based dealer-owned cooperative (like a True Value hardware store) or something similar, you may well qualify. Standard franchisees and national chains are excluded. If you're not sure, ask — we're happy to talk it through.

  9. Are any industries excluded?

    A few industries are excluded outright in the signup process. Cannabis is not one of them.

  10. Will HERE sell or share my data?

    No. Never. Your info is never sold or shared. We do not push ads to members, package your attention for sale, or sell the HERE membership as and audience or inventory. HERE uses it to confirm your eligibility and populate the directory. Nothing else. The full details are in Our Commitment to Your Data.

  11. Is HERE a political organization?

    No. HERE doesn't take positions on policy, endorse candidates, or organize political advocacy of any kind. It's a civic pride and belonging organization for Portland businesses — full stop.

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