Summer markets. A small business bootcamp. Live music in unexpected locales. These are among nine projects that Multnomah County awarded $250,000 in grants to today for their potential to activate neighborhoods and spark economic activity.
Chair Jessica Vega Pederson announced the recipients of the County’s inaugural Community Vitality and Economic Opportunity Grants, a pilot program designed to jumpstart small, creative projects, enhance community vitality, and support economic development across every district.
“These investments in small businesses and vibrant neighborhoods are key to our region’s economic health and prosperity,” said Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “I’m looking forward to the many ways these small but mighty grants will bring creativity and community-building alive across the county – and with it, a lot of fun, learning, connecting and thriving. Congratulations to every grantee!”
The Board of County Commissioners allocated these funds in the FY25 budget to build more vibrant, welcoming, and safe business districts and neighborhoods. In April, Chair Vega Pederson invited local businesses, nonprofits and other eligible organizations to compete for the one-time-only funds. Eligible recipients had to have operating budgets under $5 million a year. All applicants had to be located in Multnomah County.
Fifty-two small businesses and nonprofits applied for grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. No matching funds were required. The nine projects selected are:
District 1 (Southwest Portland and inner East Portland)
- Old Town Community Association: No Vacancy Art Gallery, in Old Town Chinatown, $30,000 (space activation)
- Lan Su Chinese Garden: Blossom and Summer Bounty Market, $12,000 (cultural event)
- Oregon Entrepreneurs Forum: Pop-up and pitch event, $10,516 (economic event)
District 2 (North and Northeast Portland)
- Lloyd Ecodistrict: Lloyd Live at Holladay, Holladay Park, $49,562 (event, civic engagement, space activation)
District 3 (Central and outer Southeast Portland)
- Division Midway Alliance: Division-Midway Business Leadership in Creating a Vibrant and Prosperous Corridor Project, $39,506 (economic development)
- Asian Health and Family Center: capital improvements and community events, $11,416 (capital)
District 4 (East Multnomah County)
- Outgrowing Hunger: Rockwood People’s Market enhancement, $15,000 (event, civic engagement)
- Community Pulse Association: Business bootcamp and civic engagement series, $45,000 (civic engagement, economic development)
Countywide
- Latino Network: Adelante Juntos Community Defense Initiative, family preparedness clinics, $37,000 (event/civic engagement)
District 2 Commissioner Shannon Singleton said, "I am excited to see Lloyd Live at Holladay was selected for grant funding to work with businesses, community-based organizations, and other groups to plan some free events at Holladay Park. Activating this space for events and gatherings will have lasting impacts on the neighborhood and beyond."
Her enthusiasm was echoed by District 3 Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards.
"Both the Asian Health and Service Center and Division Midway Alliance are invaluable anchors in East Portland and trusted partners that help to create a thriving, equitable community through economic development and civic vitality," Commissioner Brim-Edwards said. "By activating spaces, increasing foot traffic for businesses and fostering community connection through cultural events, we're investing in and elevating the important role East Portland businesses and cultural centers play in our County."
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