The City of Portland has 50 unique business districts that contain more than 23,000 small businesses, the majority of which are still struggling to recover from the past several years of challenges. To aid in their recovery, Venture Portland has launched a brand-new Major Impact Grants program in addition to their traditional Fall and Spring Grants. During this most recent grant cycle, Venture Portland awarded $250,000 in Major Impact Grants to six Portland business districts. These grants, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 each, were made possible thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, Prosper Portland, and City Council, and are the largest awards Venture Portland has ever been able to offer. Grant recipients will implement projects that will increase foot traffic and economic development for small local businesses over the next year. Venture Portland intends to offer another $250,000 in Major Impact Grants in 2024.

Venture Portland’s Grants Committee, comprised of small business owners and representatives from partner organizations RACC and Bricks Need Mortar, evaluated grant submissions to determine business district grant funding. “It has been a remarkable experience being a part of the Venture Portland Grant Committee this year,” said Committee Co-chair Greg Madden. “I found it both exciting and rewarding, with its fair share of challenges. Managing this ARPA-funded grant, which happens to be the largest grant administered by Venture Portland, gives me confidence that the substantial funding and Major Impact criteria will make a positive difference in revitalizing the business district recipients affected by the pandemic.”

This highly competitive round of grants prioritized projects that will make Portland’s business districts more accessible, inviting, and enjoyable for visitors. During the application process, Venture Portland staff were available to assist with grant writing and project planning. The response was overwhelming, and the all-volunteer Grants Committee had to make difficult decisions about the few projects they were budgeted to fund.

“As we continue to work on the larger challenges that Portland faces, the Business District Grants Program is helping to create energy and vibrancy throughout our City. Portlanders love an opportunity to get together and celebrate our neighborhoods, so I want to thank Venture Portland for investing in this work to build community while supporting our essential small businesses,” City of Portland Commissioner Carmen Rubio said.

To further support member business district associations, Venture Portland regularly hosts webinars for small business owners on topics such as event planning, marketing, board operations, and more. The organization also promotes local businesses and business district events via ventureportland.org, weekly e-newsletters, and social media. To stay in the know about the latest happenings in business districts, subscribe to Venture Portland’s e-mail list and follow us on Instagram.

2023 Major Impact Grant Recipients:

  • Central Eastside Industrial Council – Gateway Mural Project
  • Hawthorne Blvd Business Association – Kiosk and Solar Incubator Hub
  • Historic Mississippi Ave Business Association – Staffing
  • NW Industrial Business Association – Staffing and District Development
  • Old Town Community Association – Chinese Lantern Project
  • Williams Vancouver Business Association – Evening Light District Project