Highly competitive round of grants prioritized funding to facilitate activities that will drive crucial foot traffic to small businesses throughout the year.
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, vandalism and break-ins, and the continued rise of big box retail, small businesses are fighting for survival. That is why Venture Portland, a non-profit currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, recently awarded $75,000 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 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. “Venture Portland is proud to announce the latest round of grants that will build the capacity of Portland’s diverse business districts,” said Venture Portland President Eric Larpenteur. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Grants Committee, $75,000 has been awarded to strengthen staffing that supports our small business community. As we mark our 40th year, we are honored to continue the work begun in the 1980s—championing Portland’s business community as the backbone of our local economy.”
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.
“Portland’s business districts are what make our city special,” said Venture Portland Communications Director Jacob Falkinburg. “These grant dollars will help local business associations continue to serve as a lifeline to our small business community and enable them to host events and activities that Portlanders look forward to all year long.”
A complete list of grant awardees is below:
- Division/Clinton Business District
- Hawthorne Blvd Business Association
- Historic Mississippi Ave Business Association
- Historic Parkrose
- Kernside Business Association
- Lloyd Community Association
- Montavilla East Tabor Business Association
- Multnomah Village Business Association
- NE Broadway Business Association
- Soul District Business Association
- St. Johns Boosters Business Association
In addition to its grants program, Venture Portland also hosts monthly Lunch & Learns for small business owners on topics such as governance, leadership, advocacy, and more. Venture Portland’s ongoing marketing efforts keep Portlanders in the know about events and activities in business districts. Subscribe to Venture Portland’s weekly e-newsletters, Instagram, and purchase tickets to the 40th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting.
About Venture Portland
Venture Portland means business. Since 1986, Venture Portland has invested in the smart, strategic growth of Portland’s unique business districts. Through grant funds, training, and marketing, the organization serves Portland’s diverse and dynamic business districts. Comprised of a majority of the city’s businesses and nearly half of its jobs, business districts play a vital role in Portland’s economic prosperity. Learn more at ventureportland.org
