Portland, OR – Portland’s small businesses are the lifeblood of the city, and the unique business districts in which they are located are community hubs and a major driver for tourism. But due to an uncertain economic climate, near constant vandalism and break-ins, and the continued rise of big box retail, small businesses are fighting for survival. That is why Venture Portland recently awarded $90,000 to fund 11 grant projects in business districts across the City. These funds are critical to Portland’s small, volunteer-run business associations and will fund staff and contractors who aid small businesses, organize events, and market and promote Portland’s business districts. Business associations, which are non-profits that have small budgets and limited revenue streams, depend on Venture Portland’s grants to fund these activities throughout the year.

Venture Portland’s Grants Committee, comprised of small business owners and representatives from partner organizations such as RACC, evaluated grant submissions to determine business district grant funding. “Serving on the Venture Portland Grants Committee is a privilege and honor that my co-chair Greg Madden and the other dedicated committee members take on with great care for Portland’s unique business districts and small business community,” said Grants Committee Co-chair, Bridgid Blackburn. “This grant cycle falls on the fifth anniversary of the COVID shutdowns, and reminds us how much Portland’s small businesses are still struggling. Having heard from business districts that staffing is their highest priority to advance and support their work, we refined the grants program to fulfill this need. We received more requests than our budget would allow us to fund, indicating a clear need for continued staff funding for districts to keep Portland vibrant.”    

This highly competitive round of grants prioritized funding for staff who will work directly in business districts and facilitate activities that will drive crucial foot traffic to small businesses throughout the year. 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 projects they were able to fund. 

“Venture Portland is thrilled to help business districts thrive by offering these annual grant awards,” says Executive Director, Joy Church. “Portland’s business district associations drive economic uplift, visibility, and growth. We understand that providing staffing dollars to do so is paramount to their continued success. Venture Portland is proud to support these vital efforts.”

A complete list of grant awardees is below:

  • Division/Clinton Business District
  • Foster Area Business Association
  • Hawthorne Blvd Business Association
  • Hillsdale Business & Professional Association
  • Historic Mississippi Ave Business Association
  • Historic Parkrose
  • Lloyd Community Association
  • Montavilla East Tabor Business Association
  • NE Broadway Business Association
  • Old Town Community Association
  • Soul District Business Association

In addition to our grants program, Venture Portland also hosts monthly Lunch & Learns for small business owners on topics such as governance, 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.