Fourth Plain Forward

Fourth Plain Forward A community grows stronger when opportunity belongs to everyone

MISSION
Fourth Plain Forward advances equity by helping underrepresented communities build financial stability and strengthen their wellbeing through business programs and neighborhood initiatives. VISION
Fair access to resources, the ability to build lasting stability, and a sense of connection that strengthens daily life.

2035 GOAL
By 2035, Fourth Plain Forward will have connected more than 10,

000 people to opportunities that strengthened their wellbeing, increased their income, and helped them plan for their future with confidence. Introduction
Fourth Plain Forward (FPF) is a community development corporation operating at the intersection of economic mobility, community capital, and neighborhood-based investment. The organization was created to address long-standing disparities in access to opportunity for BIPOC, immigrant, and underrepresented communities in Vancouver’s Fourth Plain Corridor and across Clark County. As the county continues to grow rapidly and affordability pressures intensify, FPF provides the locally grounded infrastructure needed to expand access to financial stability, business growth, and community-rooted assets. Who We Are
Fourth Plain Forward (FPF) is a community development corporation rooted in Vancouver’s Fourth Plain Corridor and serving communities across Clark County. The corridor is the county’s most culturally diverse district and a long-standing point of settlement for immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC families. It faces sustained affordability pressures, uneven access to capital, and historic underinvestment. Vancouver’s population has grown by 39% since 2000 and Clark County by 53%, intensifying the cost of living and widening disparities across race, income, and opportunity. FPF was created to respond directly to these structural conditions by expanding access to financial, business, and neighborhood-based resources for underrepresented residents and entrepreneurs who have historically been excluded from traditional systems.

Strong businesses are built on the ability to adapt, make informed decisions, and plan for what comes next.In our recent...
08/25/2026

Strong businesses are built on the ability to adapt, make informed decisions, and plan for what comes next.

In our recent Business Academy session on sustainability, business owners explored practical ways to build resilience and support long-term growth. Across our programs, some participants have shared meaningful progress, including increased revenue, new hires, stronger networks, and improved business systems.

When local entrepreneurs gain stronger tools, knowledge, and connections, the impact reaches beyond one business and helps strengthen our local economy.

Grasshopper Landscaping’s story is one of steady growth, persistence, and community connection.What began as a small fam...
08/25/2026

Grasshopper Landscaping’s story is one of steady growth, persistence, and community connection.

What began as a small family-run business has continued to grow as they built their customer base, invested in equipment, expanded their capacity, and created new job opportunities in the community.

We’re grateful to have supported Grasshopper Landscaping along their journey and to celebrate the progress they continue making. Their story is a reminder of what persistence, commitment, relationships, and access to technical assistance can make possible over time, and how small business growth can create opportunities that reach beyond the business itself.

Congratulations to the Grasshopper Landscaping team!

🎈Are you looking to buy your first home here in Vancouver? 🎈Check out the new homeonwnership program from Evergreen Habi...
08/18/2026

🎈Are you looking to buy your first home here in Vancouver? 🎈

Check out the new homeonwnership program from Evergreen Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Vancouver, Washington City Government.

If you are a resident of the fourth plain community in Central Vancouver you may be eligible. Come along to the Fourth Plain Community Commons on August 24th at 5:30pm to findout more!

Almendra brings a powerful combination to community work: a grounded presence, thoughtful leadership, and the energy to ...
08/07/2026

Almendra brings a powerful combination to community work: a grounded presence, thoughtful leadership, and the energy to turn care into action.

Today, we’re proud to recognize Almendra Velasquez Perez, our Senior Climate and Health Coordinator at Fourth Plain Forward.

A Washington State University alumna with a degree in Environmental Science, Almendra leads initiatives at the intersection of climate resilience, public health, and youth and family engagement. Growing up in an agricultural family and supporting Wenatchee families through wildfires helped shape her commitment to making environmental justice accessible, practical, and responsive to the realities communities face.

Her work takes many forms, from facilitating workshops for local schools and hosting Art & Nature in the Park to organizing winter support for unhoused neighbors. Through each effort, Almendra advances a clear conviction: climate resilience must be rooted in dignity, equity, and immediate community care.

Her commitment extends beyond her role at Fourth Plain Forward. Almendra also serves as Vice President of Community Engagement for LULAC of Southwest Washington and on the WSUV Vancouver Collective for Social and Environmental Justice Board, contributing to justice-centered environmental leadership across our region.

Those of us who work alongside Almendra see another meaningful dimension of her leadership. She is collaborative, thoughtful, generous with her support, and always willing to help. She listens with intention and brings a calm, grounding presence to our team, while moving an impressive range of projects forward with energy, consistency, and care.

Almendra, thank you for the leadership, heart, and spirit of service you bring to Fourth Plain Forward and our community. We are proud to have you on our team.

⚠️ Art & Nature in the Park – CANCELLED this Saturday, Aug 8Due to unhealthy air quality from wildfire smoke, we're canc...
08/05/2026

⚠️ Art & Nature in the Park – CANCELLED this Saturday, Aug 8

Due to unhealthy air quality from wildfire smoke, we're cancelling this Saturday's Art & Nature in the Park at Down Neighborhood Park.
Wildfire Smoke Safety Tips from Clark County Public Health:

✔️ Check air quality before heading outside. Visit airnow.gov or the WA Dept. of Ecology's Air Quality Map
✔️ Limit time outdoors and avoid vigorous physical activity
✔️ Keep windows and doors closed; set A/C to recirculate
✔️ Use a HEPA air cleaner or DIY box fan filter (MERV 13) if your indoor air feels smoky
✔️ Avoid vacuuming, burning candles, or frying food. These add to indoor air pollution.
✔️ If you must be outside, wear a properly fitted N95 mask.

⚠️Especially at risk: children, adults 65+, pregnant people, outdoor workers, and those with heart/lung conditions like asthma or COPD.
Learn more: clark.wa.gov/public-health/smoke-wildfires

We hope to see you all for the next and last Art & Nature in the Park August 22nd at Downs Neighborhood Park. Stay safe out there! 🫶🏽

Shout out to our incredible partners who help made last Art & Nature in the Park such an enriching experience for the fa...
08/04/2026

Shout out to our incredible partners who help made last Art & Nature in the Park such an enriching experience for the families who join us! We couldn't do this without your immense support. 🙏

Vancouver Bee Project
Clark County Parks & Rec
Fort Vancouver Regional Library
Columbia Premier Soccer Club
Water Resources Educational Center
Lulac

Next Art & Nature in the Park is this Saturday Downs Neighborhood Park from 11 AM–2 PM
Join us for more arts, crafts, snacks, nature activities, and a FREE soccer clinic made possible by the generosity of Columbia Premier Soccer Club! ⚽️💚🌱

Sign up your kiddo for the soccer camp here: www.columbiapremier.com/vusa/

See you in the park! 🌼

¡Un enorme agradecimiento a nuestros increíbles socios que ayudaron a que el pasado Art & Nature in the Park fuera una experiencia tan enriquecedora para las familias que nos acompañaron! No podríamos hacer esto sin su inmenso apoyo. 🙏

Vancouver Bee Project
Clark County Parks & Rec
Fort Vancouver Regional Library
Columbia Premier Soccer Club
Water Resources Educational Center
Lulac

El próximo Art & Nature in the Park es este sábado en Downs Neighborhood Park, de 11 AM a 2 PM.

¡Únete a nosotros para más arte, manualidades, meriendas, actividades de naturaleza y una clínica de fútbol GRATIS, gracias a la generosidad de Columbia Premier Soccer Club! ⚽️💚🌱

Inscribe a tu peque en el campamento de fútbol aquí: www.columbiapremier.com/vusa/

¡Nos vemos en el parque! 🌼

As your business grows, your role as a business owner grows too. These next two Business Academy sessions are designed t...
08/03/2026

As your business grows, your role as a business owner grows too. These next two Business Academy sessions are designed to help you think strategically and strengthen the way you lead your business.

Join us on August 11 and August 18 for practical conversations around CEO identity, leadership, sustainability, and long-term growth.

We’d be glad to have you continue learning alongside a supportive community of entrepreneurs.

Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or clicking the link in our bio.

What a wonderful evening!Last night, our Business Mixer brought together small business owners, community partners, loca...
08/01/2026

What a wonderful evening!

Last night, our Business Mixer brought together small business owners, community partners, local organizations, and resource providers for an evening filled with meaningful conversations, new connections, and opportunities to grow together.

At Fourth Plain Forward, we believe that strong small businesses are built not only through hard work, but also through relationships, access to resources, and a supportive community. Events like this create space for those connections to happen.

A special thank you to Chase, KeyBank, and OnPoint Community Credit Union for generously sponsoring our raffle prizes and helping make the evening even more memorable.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared your expertise, showcased your businesses, and invested your time in strengthening our local small business community. We’re grateful to be part of a community that believes in growing together.

Here’s to many more meaningful connections and opportunities ahead!

One week ago, we had the privilege of celebrating a milestone that represents so much more than a ribbon cutting.Congrat...
07/31/2026

One week ago, we had the privilege of celebrating a milestone that represents so much more than a ribbon cutting.

Congratulations to the team behind Milky & Coco’s Kit-Tea Café on the successful opening of a business built with vision, creativity, and perseverance.

It was an honor for Fourth Plain Forward to help celebrate this exciting milestone alongside community members, partners, friends, and supporters who came together to welcome a wonderful new small business to the Fourth Plain corridor.

Today, it’s especially exciting to see the café already becoming a place where people gather, connect, enjoy handcrafted drinks, browse unique gifts, and even help cats find their forever homes.

If you haven’t visited yet, we encourage you to stop by and experience this one-of-a-kind local business.

Congratulations again to the entire Milky & Coco’s team, we’re excited to see your business continue to grow!

Last night, we wrapped up the final session of our four-week Business Essentials Series.Over the past month, entrepreneu...
07/30/2026

Last night, we wrapped up the final session of our four-week Business Essentials Series.

Over the past month, entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries, including food businesses, beauty professionals, skilled trades, and service-based businesses, came together each week to strengthen their knowledge, ask questions, share experiences, and invest in the future of their businesses.

Last night, we celebrated everyone who completed the program and received their Certificate of Participation.

Each certificate represents more than completing a four-week program, it represents time invested, valuable knowledge, meaningful connections, and another step forward for a local small business.

Congratulations to every participant! Your commitment, curiosity, and dedication to learning are what help build stronger businesses, more resilient entrepreneurs, and a stronger local economy.

A special thank you to our facilitator, Viridiana Ponce, for sharing your expertise and guiding entrepreneurs throughout the program.

We’re also grateful to Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries for hosting us and to Clark County Washington for making this program possible through its continued investment in local small business development.

We’re honored to walk alongside entrepreneurs as they build businesses that strengthen our community.

Address

5117 E. Fourth Plain Boulevard #111
Vancouver, WA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13602580817

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Fourth Plain Forward posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Fourth Plain Forward:

Shortcuts

Share

Category