With warm and sunny weather right around the corner, Portland’s business districts are currently preparing to host a variety of activities to welcome visitors and showcase their unique local businesses. That is why Venture Portland recently awarded $44,000 to fund fourteen grant projects in business districts across the City. These funds are critical to Portland’s small, volunteer-run business associations and will support summer events, beautify public spaces, and retain critical staff who help market and promote Portland’s small businesses.

The application process began in February and Venture Portland staff were available to assist with grant writing and project planning. After the deadline in March, the applications were given to Venture Portland’s Grants Committee, which is comprised of small business owners and representatives from partner organizations RACC and Bricks Need Mortar. The Grants Committee evaluated grant submissions to determine business district grant funding but was forced to make some difficult decisions as the total number of requests was far greater than the funds available. In the end, the Grants Committee prioritized projects that would have the greatest impact on small businesses located in all of the City’s geographic quadrants.

“Congratulations to all of these grant recipients whose investments will have an economic impact and make the city a better place,” said Commissioner Carmen Rubio, who also acts as Venture Portland’s liaison to City Council. “Getting people back together is important to forge strong, vibrant community connections and reinforce our sense of place and culture.”

Venture Portland is thrilled to help business districts thrive by offering these Spring Grant Awards,” says Executive Director, Joy Church. “We are pleased to support multiple 2024 projects such as the MLK Dream Run in the Soul District, the Jade District’s International Night Market, and staffing to several business district associations. Our immense thanks goes to the City Council, Commissioner Rubio, and Prosper Portland for giving us the opportunity to aid in these meaningful efforts.”

To further support neighborhood businesses, Venture Portland hosts monthly webinars for small business owners on topics such as event planning, leadership, advocacy, and more. Our ongoing marketing efforts keep Portlanders in the know about events and activities in business districts. Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletters and follow us on Instagram for the latest updates.

A complete list of grant-funded activities is below:

  • 82nd Ave Business Association – Hire New Staff
  • Beaumont Business Association – Fremont Fest Marketplace Support (August 3)
  • Foster Area Business Association – Summer Soiree Event (June 22)
  • Greater Brooklyn Business Association – Best of Brooklyn BBQ (July 25)
  • Hillsdale Business and Professional Association – District Beautification Project
  • Historic Mississippi Ave Business Association – Mississippi Street Fair (July 13)
  • Historic Parkrose – Summer Nights Event (July 10)
  • Jade District – International Night Market (August 10)
  • Lents Business Association – Lents Collective Cultural Fair (June 30)
  • Lloyd Community Association – Continue Existing Staff
  • Montavilla East Tabor Business Association – Continue Existing Staff
  • NE Broadway Business Association – Continue Existing Staff
  • Soul District Business Association – MLK Dream Run (September 21 & 22)
  • St. Johns Boosters Business Association – Activate St. Johns Events Series (Ongoing)