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Prosper Portland

Service Area Summaries > Community & Economic Development > Prosper Portland -- 31 pages · pp. 385-415 ↗

Intro (~2,340 tokens, spilled to sibling files): pp. 385-389 · PDF ↗

Contents

Section PDF pages Description
[doc] Business Advancement pp. 390-392 ↗ Prosper Portland's Business Advancement Team assists local businesses with development and technical support to drive inclusive job creation and equitable economic growth. The program focuses on three strategic objectives: inclusive job creation, business competitiveness in five priority industries (Athletic/Outdoor, Food & Beverage Manufacturing, Green Cities, Technology/Media, Metals/Machinery), and equitable economic growth through long-term collaborations. FY 2023-24 to 2024-25 performance exceeded targets: 52 business expansions/relocations created 625 quality jobs (vs. projected 5-year goal of 25 and 1,250 jobs). Enterprise Zone cumulative investment exceeded $420M toward a $750M five-year target. Portland Means Progress businesses have invested over $495M in BIPOC-owned businesses and hired 1,290+ interns since 2019.
[doc] Inclusive Entrepreneurship pp. 393-395 ↗ Prosper Portland's Inclusive Entrepreneurship programs provide business development support to underrepresented entrepreneurs through four initiatives: IBRN (15 partners providing advisory and professional services), COEP (construction contracting support), Green Construction Contractors Development Program (PCEF-funded clean energy focus), and Mercatus (online business directory with 1,700+ members). FY 2026-27 budget of $2.8M represents a decline from $4.6M in 2025-26. IBRN served 691 business owners in FY 2024-25 (70% BIPOC, 70% women/gender expansive). Mercatus Digital Marketing and COEP funding have been eliminated due to budget constraints, risking a potential 32% General Fund cut affecting 175 businesses.
[doc] Neighborhood Business Development pp. 396-397 ↗ Prosper Portland's Community Based District Support program advances economic development through the Neighborhood Prosperity Network (NPN)—partnering with 6 community-based organizations in Northeast/East Portland—and a citywide Business District Support Program offering competitive grants and training. The FY 2026-27 budget of $1.37M represents a reallocation toward direct business district support and deeper collaboration with PBOT and the Enhanced Services District Program.
[doc] Office of Events and Film pp. 398-401 ↗ The Office of Events and Film supports Portland's creative economy by managing film and event production, administering three grant programs (Large Event, Scale Up, Uniquely Portland), and producing signature events. FY 2026-27 budget is $1.24M. In FY 2024-25, the office secured $605,000 in Visitor Development Fund dollars and supported 46 film projects. My People's Market has provided vendor space to over 400 businesses owned by people of color since 2017.
[doc] Office of Small Business pp. 402-403 ↗ The Office of Small Business (OSB), created by City Council in spring 2024, provides centralized small business assistance through PDXOfficeOfSmallBusiness.com. Led by a manager and three liaison staff, it offers one-on-one support, business navigation, and community engagement. Services are available in five languages with an equity-focused approach, currently serving 63% BIPOC-owned businesses.
[doc] Reimagine Oregon pp. 404-406 ↗ The Reimagine Oregon Economic Opportunity Investment Fund Grant Program supports community economic development through grants to for-profit and nonprofit businesses in Portland. It funds two tracks: for-profit business growth/entrepreneurship and nonprofit community wealth building. Grants range $5,000–$300,000 (anchor projects $50,000–$700,000). FY 2026-27 revenue is $2,044,760 from Recreational Marijuana Tax. Program transferred to Prosper Portland in June 2023. Goals include equitable capital access, reducing wealth gaps, and supporting entrepreneurs disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. FY 2024-25 saw 53 grants at $6.3M; FY 2025-26 had 25 grants at $1.35M with 280+ jobs created/retained.
[doc] Small Biz & Middle Income Hsg Fin Assist pp. 407-409 ↗ Prosper Portland's Small Business and Middle Income Housing Finance Assistance program offers loans and grants to businesses and housing projects with limited capital access. The FY 2026-27 General Fund budget is $2.3M, supplemented by $16.5M from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund and additional leveraged capital through the Strategic Investment Fund and EDA Revolving Loan Fund for direct loan and grant disbursements.
[doc] Small Business Tenanting & Leasing pp. 410-412 ↗ Prosper Portland's Small Business Tenanting & Leasing program supports small business access to affordable commercial space through direct property leasing, tenant improvements, and grants. The 2026-27 proposed budget is $707,754. As of January 2025, the agency manages 182,000 sq ft across 7 properties, with 140,000 sq ft leased to 25+ businesses. The Affordable Commercial Tenanting (ACT) program provides approximately $500,000 citywide for tenant improvements and build-out, focusing on underserved entrepreneurs facing capital access barriers.
[doc] Workforce Development pp. 413-415 ↗ Prosper Portland's Workforce Development program provides services to low-income Portlanders and manufacturing businesses through five primary initiatives: adult workforce development (594 participants), youth programs (348 participants), community-based navigation (400 participants), construction industry apprenticeships, and manufacturing grants. FY 2026-27 budget totals $1.37M in revenues, down from $1.59M in 2025-26. The program faces potential 79% General Fund cuts that would eliminate adult and youth programs. Participation is predominantly people of color: 58% in adult programs, 67% in youth programs, and 45% in apprenticeship programs.

See also