Courtney Yones is the founder of We Must Mustard, a small-batch condiment brand reimagining how mustard shows up on the table—not just as a spread, but as a flavorful, versatile dip.

With support from Hacienda CDC’s Empresarios program, Courtney is able to turn a passion for food into a growing business rooted in creativity, community, and bold flavor. 

What started as an experiment in the kitchen quickly became something more, but Courtney’s connection to food began much earlier. Growing up in a family where her parents owned restaurants, she developed a deep respect for pure, natural ingredients and the role food plays in bringing people together. That foundation continues to shape We Must Mustard today. Courtney began exploring how mustard could be elevated beyond its traditional uses—crafted with thoughtful ingredients and designed to pair with everything from meats and cheeses to vegetables and snacks.

As interest in her products grew, Courtney faced the realities that come with launching a food business—navigating regulations, production requirements, and building a brand from the ground up. That’s when she connected with the Empresarios program. 

Through Empresarios, Courtney received a micro grant that helped cover essential early-stage costs, including her Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) business registration and support for building her website. The program also supported a professional photo shoot, helping Courtney bring the We Must Mustard brand to life visually and elevate how it shows up to consumers. These foundational steps were critical in turning her product into a market-ready business. 

Equally impactful has been the ongoing mentorship she receives. Courtney meets monthly with Empresarios Program Manager, Melina Romero, who has helped guide her through the culinary industry—an entirely new space for Courtney.  

“Melina has been instrumental in helping me think through how to grow the business the right way,” Courtney shared. “She challenges me, supports me, and pushes me to expand thoughtfully while staying true to the brand.” 

With this support, Courtney has continued to refine her products and grow her presence in the local food community. We Must Mustard is now carried by respected regional grocers, including New Seasons Market and Market of Choice, as well as beloved specialty retailers such as Classic Foods Outlet, Elephants Delicatessen, Tender Loving Empire, and The Meadow—marking an exciting step forward in bringing her unique “dipping mustard” concept to a broader audience. 

Courtney’s connection to the Empresarios community extends beyond business support. In partnership with Hacienda, she donated nearly 250 jars of mustard to support its youth and family services programs, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community that has helped her grow. 

As the business evolves, Courtney remains focused on building something sustainable and meaningful. From expanding her flavor offerings to deepening her retail partnerships, she is committed to growing intentionally while maintaining the quality and creativity that define the brand. 

“The support from Empresarios has been incredibly meaningful—not just financially, but in giving me the confidence and guidance to keep going,”

Looking ahead, Courtney is excited to continue introducing We Must Mustard to new audiences, experimenting with new flavor profiles, and building a brand that brings people together around food in a fresh and unexpected way. 

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These business success stories are made possible thanks to our Empresarios team. Thank you for helping our entrepreneurs create sustainable businesses!

Progress, Resilience, and What’s Ahead

Estimada comunidad,

As we reflect on FY25, I’m grateful for the residents, partners, supporters, and community members who continue to believe in Hacienda CDC’s mission and help bring it to life every day.

I’m proud to share Hacienda CDC’s FY25 Impact Report, highlighting the collective impact we made together over the past year and the momentum continuing to shape our future.

This past year tested many communities across Oregon. Families navigated rising costs, housing instability, and a climate of fear and uncertainty that has deeply impacted many immigrant and Latino communities. Yet even in challenging moments, our community demonstrated extraordinary resilience, care, and determination.

In FY25 alone, Hacienda CDC served more than 4,000 residents and community members through our programs and initiatives. 

Building on this momentum, we are continuing to advance several important initiatives in FY26 that reflect our ongoing commitment to social and economic mobility for all communities:

• Dolores—Celebrating the grand opening of our newest affordable housing community in Hillsboro and expanding Resident Services to Washington County

• Arrobas Digital Access Initiative—Updating technology across our Learning Centers and piloting a device lending program to improve digital connectivity and access for program participants and the broader community

• Mass Timber Workforce Training—Launching one of Oregon’s first residential mass timber workforce training programs to connect community members to emerging industries and quality careers

• Portland Mercado Rebuild—Continuing the restoration and reimagining of a vital cultural and economic hub for Portland’s Latino community

• 27th Annual Latino Home Fair—Building on nearly three decades of creating pathways to homeownership through trusted resources, education, and financial empowerment opportunities

These efforts are part of a larger vision for a stronger, more equitable Oregon where families and communities can thrive for generations to come.

I invite you to explore our FY25 Impact Report and learn more about the people, partnerships, and progress shaping Hacienda CDC’s next chapter.

Thank you for being part of this work and for investing in our community.

Siempre Adelante,

Dr. Ernesto Fonseca
Chief Executive Officer
Hacienda CDC

Our Bold Vision for the Next 3 Years

Estimados amigos,

At Hacienda CDC, we believe in the power of community. For over 30 years, we have helped strengthen families, stabilize housing, and create economic opportunities that foster generational wealth.

Over the last year, however, we have witnessed immigration and economic equity face growing headwinds that show no signs of abating. In fact, we believe they will intensify in the coming months.

Times like these must be met with strong leadership, a bold vision, and action.

Today, I am proud to share with you our FY25–28 Strategic Plan—a clear, intentional roadmap to meet this moment and shape the future our communities deserve.

Over the next three years, we will:

• Strengthen our foundation to ensure Hacienda’s long-term sustainability.

• Elevate community voices through advocacy to unlock resources and political support for our communities.

• Launch innovative programs, ensuring more families have access to homeownership, small business support, and wealth-building pathways.

• Expand affordable housing in new markets, deepening our partnerships and long-term impact.

This plan is not just about what we aim to achieve—it is also about how we intend to get there: with discipline, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to equity and resilience.

Thank you for continuing to stand with us as we build a future where all families can thrive.

Siempre Adelante,

Dr. Ernesto Fonseca 

Chief Executive Officer 

Yonny is a self-starter and passionate business owner with a vision to bring bold flavors and elevated regional Mexican cuisine to life. Through the Empresarios program, he has transformed his dream into reality—launching a family business that shares the rich culinary traditions of Yucatán with the Portland community.

Read on to discover Yonny’s inspiring journey from Hacienda resident to proud Empresarios client.

Photo credits: Nick Mendez

Upon arriving in Portland, Oregon, Yonny and his family set out to make the most of their new life in a different country. Like many immigrants, this chapter was marked by hard work, determination, and the drive to build a better future. With a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to bring prosperity to his loved ones, Yonny began working tirelessly to support his family. His career in Oregon began in janitorial services, a role he held for several years.

Over time, Yonny realized he wanted something more. He shifted into the food industry, where he found not just a job, but a passion. Although Yonny’s new life in Portland began in the late ’90s, he never forgot his roots. A proud native of Yucatán, Mexico, he held tightly to the flavors and traditions of his homeland while adapting to life in the U.S. As a father of three, he constantly sought opportunities to grow and learn.

Over the course of more than a decade, Yonny’s persistence became one of his greatest strengths. Starting in the kitchen as a dishwasher, he quickly began asking questions, observing processes, and learning every aspect of how a kitchen operates. With each passing year, he developed a deeper understanding of the food industry and what it takes to run a successful kitchen. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually ignited a dream: to start his own food business.

That dream gave birth to Ta Bueno Ne.

“Ta Bueno Ne is a term of endearment we all heard growing up. It means ‘It’s good, friend,’ often used when talking about food in Mayan culture.” This sentiment captures the heart of Yonny’s mission—bringing comfort, culture, and connection through food.

“The Empresarios program helped me and guided me through a very difficult process. We didn’t know where to go but they knew how to support us”

“At first, we thought starting was easy. We soon realized it wasn’t, and we didn’t have any idea as to how to do it. It felt defeating and like we were doing everything wrong. Very discouraging.” Like many first-time entrepreneurs, he and his family underestimated the complexities of launching a business. The excitement quickly gave way to confusion and frustration as they encountered unexpected challenges—from permits and licensing to budgeting and logistics. But instead of giving up, Yonny looked for support.

Through the guidance of Business Advisors in the Empresarios Program, he began to understand not only the systems involved in the food industry but also the practical steps needed to create a sustainable business. With the encouragement and ongoing mentorship of Juan Vildosola, a Business Advisor, Yonny remained committed. He frequently reached out with questions, always eager to absorb new information. Over time, and with this steady support, his dream became a reality.

“Our food isn’t typical because we aim to elevate both visually and in flavors. Flavors matter but so does the plating. In Ta Bueno Ne, we really focus on all the details.” Developing new menu items was one of the first foundational goals Yonny pursued, shaping a culinary vision that reflected both his roots and his aspirations. Yonny made it his mission to present dishes that are both rooted in heritage and elevated in execution. From traditional flavors to modern presentation, every plate tells a story.

Yonny’s children have been a source of strength and motivation throughout his journey. Not only do they support him emotionally, they also actively participate in the business. His oldest daughter, now a co-owner, has fully embraced the entrepreneurial spirit. She works alongside her father, helping to manage operations and shape the future of their growing enterprise. “My kids are encouraging me to continue to do this, and they are proud that we have been able to achieve this success.” Yonny shared that his children are proud to know they can have a family business and also participate in running it.

Yonny exemplifies what’s known as the Hacienda effect—a full-circle moment experienced by many who engage with Hacienda’s programs. From being a resident in Hacienda housing to becoming a thriving small business owner, Yonny’s story highlights the potential and success that blossoms within the Hacienda community.

Yonny's journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when community, opportunity, and perseverance come together.

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These business success stories are made possible thanks to our Empresarios team. Thank you for helping our entrepreneurs create sustainable businesses!

Nico and Fran are two entrepreneurs with a mission to introduce their innovative pistachio spread, Pistakio, to every household. In 2023 they partnered up with Hacienda’s Empresarios program to launch their business. Read more about their inspiring journey. 

In 2022, Fran Voit and her partner Nico Buffo were in their senior year at Savannah College of Art & Design when they came up with an innovative business idea for one of their classes. With their shared passion for food, (and pistachios!) the two of them thought about ways to create a universally loved treat. Why pistachios? While traveling through Italy, these two entrepreneurs fell in love with its savory and sweet applications. From this unexpected inspiration came Pistakio, a spread that they call “pistachios reimagined.” 

Impressed by the final project, Nico's professor urged them to bring their idea to life. His encouragement instilled belief in the potential success of Pistakio. After much deliberation, Fran and Nico embraced the unknown, eager to see where their idea could take them. “We were honestly shocked at the response we got, and that got us thinking,” explained Fran. 

They soon launched an Instagram page, inviting followers to join them on their journey. In February 2023, they showcased their first batch of recipes at a farmers' market in Savannah, Georgia. At the farmers market, Nico and Fran received feedback from customers about what they liked and didn’t, which gave the business owners a better idea of what people appreciated. 

"We wanted to make sure people could use the spread on anything, not just have seasonal spreads like you often see," said Fran. This commitment to creating a versatile pistachio spread led them to Portland. “We knew that this was a great place to start a business because people care for fresh and local businesses.” Their goal was clear: to tap into the vibrant community of small businesses to offer a unique, delectable nut spread unlike any on the market. “We noticed that there were nut butters and spreads, but not many pistachio-based for everyday use...” Fran added. 

As Pistakio's popularity grew over time, Nico and Fran faced the challenge of meeting demand. During this time, they discovered the "Get Your Recipe to Market" course at Portland Community College. Fran luckily crossed paths with Melina Romero, the Empresarios Program Coordinator, since the Empresarios program gave an educational presentation to the class. “Melina was a presenter one day and we immediately connected after realizing we were both Ecuadorian. Soon after, we began to search for a kitchen to produce and she told us about the commissary kitchen, so we went immediately!” recounted Fran.   

The Portland Mercado commissary kitchen provided Nico and Fran with the space to scale up production, fueling their ambition to create more products. They soon became clients of the Empresarios program, where they were paired with Flavio Gracia, their personal business advisor. On one occasion, through the guidance of the Empresarios program, Fran and Nico pitched their ideas to a local grocery store, gaining invaluable insights to propel their progress. "I vividly remember seeing Fran and Nico's dedication and passion during the pitch meeting. Some board members said that it was the best presentation they had heard," shared Melina. 

The relentless determination and hard work of this dynamic duo have undoubtedly paid off. Their success is also due to the unwavering support of many. "It was because of a lot of people's support we are here now and in less than a year. I’m grateful for Melina and the Empresarios team, all the vendors, and the people who have supported us. We are grateful for it all.," expressed Fran. 

Looking ahead, Pistakio will be available for national purchase through their website beginning February 26th, 2024. Furthermore, Fran and Nico are eager to launch a second savory Pistakio spread in 2025 and explore additional flavor variations. “We want to create variations and fun collabs of our sweet one since it has been loved by so many already. And we're super excited (and nervous) for our launch coming up really soon!” shared these amazing entrepreneurs. Congratulations, Fran and Nico, on an extraordinary and inspirational beginning! 

Ready to start your food-related business? Learn more about our Empresarios program.

Do you have an idea for a new business or a product or service that expands your current business? You could win $20,000 for your entrepreneurial journey.

Hacienda CDC’s Empresarios programming supports entrepreneurs to start, grow, and scale their businesses. Read more about our featured Empresario and learn about our amazing community of small business owners.

Country of Origin:
Sinaloa, Mexico

Significance of Name: 
The store name is a tribute to the mother’s name.

Goals for Business: 
Brendas goal is to someday be able to grow her business enough to offer a job to community members and to potentially be able to have to give out scholarships to students and people who are in the financial need or with obstacles which limit their resources such as DACA.     

Meet Brenda Reyes

She is the owner of Tienda Doña Maria. Brenda moved to the U.S. in 1995, and is a current DACA recipient. She grew up in the NE Cully neighborhood all her life, alongside her family. As she grew up, she realized there was a lack of stores that offered products from Latin America and the services that her community used. This is what sparked her entrepreneurship. Her goal to provide for the neighborhood and surrounding areas to help out those who had limitations with regards to travel and the language barrier.

Tienda Doña Maria

Tienda Doña Maria is a Mexican grocery store where you can find phone cards, money transfers, pay bills, shipments and much more! Established in 2009, the store has supplied the community around Hacienda CDC’s headquarters with groceries, and services which commonly used.