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Unitus Community Credit Union’s Build and Save Program Matches Nearly $170,000 to Help Small Business Owners Build Stability and Opportunity

Posted by on February 5, 2026

Unitus Community Credit Union successfully completed its Build and Save Matched Savings Program, matching $169,905 in savings to help small business owners strengthen savings and help grow their businesses.

Launched on July 1, 2025, in partnership with the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber (HMC) through an Inclusiv Build and Save Matched Savings Initiative grant, the Unitus Build and Save program combined matched savings, financial education, and personalized coaching to support entrepreneurs.

In just six months, 58 savers enrolled actively saving towards goals that included business equipment, tools, technology and inventory, and emergency savings. Participants contributed more than $61,000 of their own funds, unlocking a powerful 3 to 1 match accelerating progress toward their goals.

“Build and Save is about more than matched savings — it’s about empowering small business owners to take control of their financial future,” said Megan Snyder, Chief Impact Officer at Unitus. “This pilot proves that when we combine education, coaching, and community partnerships, we create real opportunities for growth and stability.”

Outreach for the pilot focused on Oregon and Southwest Washington, with intentional outreach in Washington State, where access to traditional Individual Development Account (IDA) programs is unavailable compared to Oregon’s established statewide IDA infrastructure. Participants represented priority communities including East Portland and Clark County, underscoring the strong demand for accessible match savings programs.

Participants completed a financial education workshop offered by the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber and then connected one-on-one with a Unitus financial coach through the Rise Together app and committed to saving at least $250. Participants could have up to $1,000 in savings matched, unlocking up to $3,000 in matched funds.

For many, the impact was immediate and personal. One member shared that opening a Build and Save account would help bring relief as she supports her family on a single income, with the match helping to cover basic expenses during an unexpected life event.

Posted in Community Impact, Oregon, Regional Member News, Washington.

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