Ground Up: A Nut Butter Company Lifting Up Womxn

An Inside Look at Ground Up

Ground Up, a Portland-based small business, takes nut butter to the next level. Their unique flavors like Cinnamon Snickerdoodle and Marzipan with Sprinkles are must-tries for any nut butter enthusiast.

What sets Ground Up apart is not just their innovative flavors, but also their commitment to social responsibility, making them a truly one-of-a-kind business.

Nut butter with a mission

In 2016, Julie Sullivan Loos and Carolyn Cesario launched Ground Up, a business aimed at empowering womxn facing adversity by providing them with job opportunities. Inspired by Julie’s experience running a women’s employment program in Uganda, they identified a similar need among womxn in Portland, who were grappling with challenges like homelessness, addiction, and domestic violence.

“We really believe that business is a powerful tool for social good,” says Julie. Ground Up was conceived as a “not-just-for-profit” venture, blending business and nonprofit models to fuel their mission through product sales. Carolyn’s experimentation with nut butter recipes due to her dietary needs perfectly complemented their mission.

So together, they set out to answer the question: Can a business, having a mission like that of a nonprofit organization, be successful?

From recipe development to nationwide distribution

As first-time entrepreneurs, Julie and Carolyn faced a myriad of learning opportunities - from product packaging and labeling to securing capital for business growth. But they methodically addressed each challenge that came at them, drawing valuable insights from Portland’s vibrant entrepreneurial network.

They initially introduced their products at local farmers markets, which served as an effective launchpad for their venture. And as their unique nut butter flavors gained popularity, they expanded into a production facility and secured contracts with major retailers like New Seasons, Market of Choice, Whole Foods, and Target. Today, their products are available across the U.S. through their online store.

How a Beneficial State Bank line of credit supported Ground Up

Ground Up’s transition to a larger production facility was a strategic move to cater to their growing demand. However, this expansion brought with it the challenge of additional expenses, necessitating an increase in capital.

Julie shares, “We had been at a bigger bank and were struggling to get an increased line of credit.” Upon hearing about Beneficial State Bank from fellow Portland businesses, they decided to reach out and were able to secure the line of credit that they needed. “Not having investors and being a boot-strapped, women-owned business, a line of credit was crucial for us to be able to take those growth steps,” says Julie.

“It is wonderful to work with a company that is closely aligned with Beneficial State Bank’s mission,” says Michelle Lamb, SVP, Senior Relationship Manager at Beneficial State Bank. “Julie and Carolyn really have a heart for and are focused on helping womxn. They are using their business to build up people in the community, making a difference in people’s lives by providing opportunities and resources for those who would not otherwise have them.”

Helping womxn build life-changing confidence

Since its inception, Ground Up has successfully guided over 80 womxn through their comprehensive six-to-nine-month job training program.

Ground Up collaborates with local nonprofits and community case managers to identify potential candidates for the program. Serving as a stepping stone, Ground Up provides womxn with the opportunity to rebuild their lives. The program offers personalized job coaching and monthly workshops during their work hours, equipping participants with the necessary skills and confidence to elevate their careers.

Business can be a powerful tool for social change

Julie and Carolyn and the entire crew at Ground Up is turning the traditional capitalist model upside down, proving that it’s not just about the bottom line – it's about people and community. As a B Corp bank, that’s a mission we’re proud to stand behind. It takes a courageous step forward to forge a new path, but Ground Up shows us that the risk is beyond worth the reward.

Locally in Portland, you can purchase Ground Up’s products in Market of Choice, Whole Foods, New Seasons, and Target. Nationally, you can shop their online store.