Ground Up PDX

Ground Up PDX is a Portland, Oregon-based social enterprise that manufactures handcrafted, peanut-free nut butters while providing employment training to women overcoming adversity. Founded in 2016 by Julie Sullivan and Carolyn Cesario, the company operates a 6-9 month job skills training program that has employed over 90 women since inception. Their product line features unique flavors including Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, Chunky Hazelnut, and other specialty nut butters made with clean ingredients, no added sugar (honey-sweetened), and no palm oil. The company serves the consumer packaged goods industry through retail distribution in over 1,300 stores nationwide. Ground Up partners with local nonprofits to identify women who have motivation to work but lack employment opportunities, providing individualized training regardless of background or job history. Their mission-driven approach combines social impact with premium food manufacturing, creating a sustainable business model that empowers women while delivering high-quality specialty food products to health-conscious consumers. The company has received significant media coverage from outlets including Bon Appétit, Today Show, and Portland Monthly, highlighting their innovative approach to social entrepreneurship in the specialty foods sector.