Flashmob: Show Up for Small Business - April 2025

A new collaborative experiment designed to support our small business peers.

Supporting startups is one thing. But what about all of the amazing local small business owners in Portland…? The coffee we drink. The restaurants we frequent. The gifts we buy. Our dollars can all benefit the small businesses who help keep us going when we're building the startups we want to build.

Join the Office of Small Business for the launch of Show Up for Small Business, an ongoing collaboration with Better Portland, PIE, Latino Founders, and Built Oregon.

The idea is simple: We pick the spot. You support the businesses.

Every month, we’ll choose a different neighborhood or business district. Then, it's up to you to show up and do your part by shopping, grabbing a beverage, or dining at the small businesses in that area. No agenda. No speeches. Just all of us celebrating the amazing small businesses that make Portland unique.

This month, we’re starting with Ankeny Alley on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 5 pm. We will all meet at Dan & Louis Oyster Bar (208 SW Ankeny St). From there, we invite folks to wander and grab food, drinks, or goods from all the great businesses in the area like Kaizen Sushi, Angelina's Greek Gyros, Xin Ding Dumpling House, District Bar, Luna Bar, Baes Fried Chicken, Solstice Bar, and Voodoo Doughnut.

You don't have to stay for the whole thing. But coordinate with friends so that you all show up at the same time.

Optional: RSVP via Eventbrite to stay in the loop on future Portland Office of Small Business efforts

P.S. Yes. We realize that no one remembers what a "flashmob" is, but the dude who runs this account is old.