InRoads Credit Union Awards $25,000 in Grants to Columbia County Small Businesses

ST. HELENS, Ore. — December 10, 2025 — In an effort to provide a boost to the Columbia County business community, InRoads Credit Union recently awarded 11 grants to local small businesses, totaling $25,000 through its Small Business Grant Program. More than 45 businesses applied for the grants when the program was launched this fall. 

The following grant recipients stood out for their community impact and demonstrated need: 

• • • • Mizuna Gardens LLC, a biointensive market garden specializing in heirloom and specialty salad greens for local chefs, was awarded $5,000.
      • Compassionate inHOME Caregiving of Oregon LLC, a caregiving network providing tailored support for seniors’ physical, emotional and social well-being, was awarded $5,000.
      • My NW Event LLC, an event planning business offering services ranging from full-service party rentals to event coordination, was awarded $3,000.
      • The Columbia Bakehouse LLC, a woman-owned, family-operated bakery using organic and locally sourced ingredients, was awarded $3,000.
      • Sande School of Horsemanship, which offers equine programs focused on life-skill development for individuals of all ages, including at-risk youth and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was awarded $3,000.
      • Fit and Phat Fitness & Wellness, a fitness brand offering supplements and in-person and virtual training, was awarded $1,000.
      • Flora Designs, a Scappoose-based floral shop offering arrangements, gifts and market bouquets, was awarded $1,000.
      • Teyema’s Touch LLC, an exterior cleaning business serving homeowners and businesses, was awarded $1,000.
      • Spilt Ink Gallery & Gift Shop, an art-focused gift shop featuring work from local artists, was awarded $1,000.
      • Fork’d, a family-owned restaurant offering comfort-style cuisine, was awarded $1,000.
      • Pure Focus Sports, an event management business that plans and operates camps, tournaments, clinics and private signings, was awarded $1,000.

“Columbia County is home to an incredible range of small businesses, which made selecting recipients a challenge,” said Nathan Cox, President and CEO, InRoads Credit Union. “These grants are one of the many ways InRoads invests in the communities we serve. Our aim is for these grants to meaningfully impact the day-to-day operations of integral small businesses.”

To qualify for the grants, applicants were required to submit videos showcasing their businesses and explaining how they intend to use the funds. These videos provided InRoads with knowledge about how each business contributes to the community, whether by enriching the cultural landscape, supporting wellness, or developing young minds.

InRoads has supported local businesses for more than 50 years through loans, partnerships and community programs. Building on that commitment, the credit union is expanding its community impact with the recent launch of the InRoads Credit Union Foundation, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that promote financial wellness across Northwest Oregon.

About InRoads Credit Union

Proud to be a not-for-profit member-owned financial cooperative, InRoads Credit Union was established in 1938 and holds over $360 million in assets. The community focused organization contributed nearly $160,000 to local nonprofits and community organizations in 2024, while also loaning nearly $6.4 million to small businesses. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school, volunteers, or worships in Columbia, Clatsop, Cowlitz, Multnomah, and Washington Counties, along with immediate family who are existing InRoads members. In addition to its new Hillsboro location, InRoads has locations in Scappoose, St. Helens, and Rainier, Ore.