RESPONDING To Disparity
Catalytic
Investment Initiative
The Catalytic Investment Initiative is designed to respond to the disparity among Portland’s business associations. Participating Catalytic Investment Initiative districts possess a unique demographic and economic profile, business district size, built form and lack of infrastructure pose unique and significant challenges. As a result, participating neighborhood business district associations require targeted support, creative metrics and innovative strategies to ensure small business, and business association, success.
Grants
Venture Portland’s Catalytic Investment Initiative Grants provide critical catalytic funds to increase business association membership, volunteers and revenue. Potential projects could include a business seminar series, seasonal event (summer/holiday), marketing/promotion activities and/or a map or identity collateral. Eligible business associations must participate in a board strategy session, complete a 12-month work plan, Annual Check-up and Benchmarking Success to ensure the success of their grant activities.
Support
Venture Portland will provide personalized technical assistance and a full-time staffer to assist eligible business associations with various activities including the grant application/evaluation process, grant project implementation, creating and maintaining a member database, implementing a membership campaign, member communication (canvassing, newsletters, email, etc) and district marketing/promotion.
The majority of Portland’s neighborhood business districts are dues-paying members of Venture Portland and receive valuable benefits including grants and representation on Venture Portland’s Board of Directors. Venture Portland also provides start-up support and assistance to emerging business districts.