Overview
Funding increases Venture Portland’s staffing to serve six Catalytic Investment Initiative (CII) districts, which include St. Johns, Williams, Foster, Lents, Gateway and Midway.
Venture Portland will also launch an Events Hub to help business districts and organizations with large-scale events. Services include event planning, vendor and resource connections, social media, and sponsorship recommendations. Venture Portland will also work with Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) for road closures, traffic control, etc.
Who does this program serve?
The focus of this program is to support business districts and organizations.
Timeline
December 2021: Increase in staffing hours for the Catalytic Investment Initiative Program (program has been operational since 2016)
January 2022: Venture Portland launches Events Hub
December 2022: All funds must be spent
How do I apply for this program?
This program does not accept applications and specifically serves the St. Johns, Williams, Foster, Lents, Gateway, and Midway districts in Portland.
How is this program funded?
The City of Portland has committed $530,000 to this program. This money comes from the U.S. government's 2021 American Rescue Plan local recovery funds. Portland will receive a total of $208 million from the American Rescue Plan and has until Dec. 31, 2026, to spend it. The City of Portland is spending money in three priority categories:
- Houselessness Response and Household Stabilization
- Small Business and Commercial District Stabilization
- Community Health and Safety
Read more about these investments in this article: American Rescue Plan: Investing in Portland
Who manages this program?
Venture Portland means business. Since 1986 Venture Portland has invested in the smart, strategic growth of Portland’s unique neighborhood business districts. These dynamic districts, which together make up most of the city’s businesses and nearly half of its jobs, play a vital role in Portland’s economic prosperity and collectively represent local, regional, national, and international demand for goods and services.
Results
The City is committed to sharing how American Rescue Act funding supports Portland people, households, businesses and community organizations. Check back for updates on the Rent Relief Program.
Sign up for Venture Portland’s eNewsletter here:https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1701720/1701568/?v=a
For more information from Prosper Portland, go to: Prosper Portland’s Economic Recovery Investments Funded by the American Rescue Plan – Prosper Portland