Assistance for Your Business
Portland Small Business Hub business advisors can help you connect to financial relief programs, and will provide one-on-one assistance in applying for loans, grants and other opportunities.
Prosper Portland’s Local Small Business Repair Grants are one-time emergency funds to provide support of up to $10,000 to local small businesses needing immediate repairs. Grants are available throughout the city where businesses have sustained physical damage – such as broken windows or doors, graffiti, or sign damage – since March 8, 2020.
Prosper Portland works with Portland businesses to identify business needs and eligibility for either its assistance programs or those of its partners, and then helps you find the program that fits best. Available through Prosper Portland: Growth Capital; Furniture, Fixture & Equipment Purchases; Tenant Improvement & Leasehold Improvements; Predevelopment Financing; and Construction & Permanent Loans.
The Prosperity Investment Program (PIP) offers a matching grant that helps businesses and property owners make tenant improvements and small- and large-scale improvements to new and existing buildings. The program provides 50 percent matching funds for approved project hard and soft costs in certain TIF Districts. Total grant may not exceed $50,000, with the exception of the Interstate Corridor TIF District, which offers up to $75,000 with a 75/25 match.
If your PPP loan is $150,000 or less, you may be eligible to apply for direct forgiveness using the Small Business Administration’s online portal.
First Draw and Second Draw PPP loans made to eligible borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness if during the 8- to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement:
Employee and compensation levels are maintained,
The loan proceeds are spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses, and
At least 60% of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs.
In partnership with Prosper Portland, the Professional Business Development Group, and Government Contracting Assistance Program, VertueLab offers a range of programs to support businesses delivering climate solutions and seizing the opportunities coming as a result of increased government investment in climate, recovery, and infrastructure.
Shop Small PDX promotes local purchasing throughout the city by showcasing the city's small businesses, many owned by people of color. The site invites Portland residents and visitors to be intentional about where they spend their money, and offers inspiration in a full array of products, services, experiences and gift ideas.
Businesses within the Portland, Oregon region are welcome to join the free directory.
The Mercatus business directory and story archive elevates the narratives of entrepreneurs of color in Portland and connects the city and region with local talents, businesses, services and products from diverse entrepreneurs. Mercatus partners with the Inclusive Business Resource Network to provide business technical assistance, connects members with professional service and technical assistance providers and offers access to digital marketing consulting for business owners of color.
The Inclusive Business Resource Network (IBRN) is a citywide program that brings multiple services for small businesses and entrepreneurs into a single network. Entrepreneurs can receive one-on-one advising from trusted organizations, training, and other resources. If you are unsure about where to start, schedule an appointment with one of our business advisors to map out a best fit!
PDX 311 is here to help with any question, request, or service (except emergencies - call 911!) for local government within Multnomah County. Open 7 Days a week, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 3-1-1 or email 311@portlandoregon.gov for:
Questions about anything from construction projects to how to pay a parking ticket.
Requests about anything from getting a permit to ADA access for government program or service.
Reports about anything from graffiti, trash, abandoned automobiles, and campsites.
Metro's RID Patrol tackles the problem of dumped garbage on public property and provides other cleanup services. Report dumped garbage at 503-234-3000 or online.
Schedule a free 15-minute meeting with a construction, zoning and development expert at BDS. Ask questions about building permit submittal requirements and zoning. Get help with the permit process, ask zoning requirements questions, building codes and more.
Energy Trust of Oregon is providing free lighting upgrades to eligible small and medium commercial and industrial businesses.
Save money on utility bills, increase productivity and improve the comfort of your space with energy-efficient equipment for your business. Energy Trust of Oregon is offering increased incentives for small businesses.
Business or property owner located within the Clean & Safe District can call 503-388-3888 to get support.
The Graffiti Program helps to remove graffiti at zero or reduced cost. Removal includes painting and/or power-washing surfaces; it does not include acid-etched glass or graffiti on vehicles.
Assist Oregon businesses to succeed in obtaining Government Contracts.
The License Directory Search can help you get started on your State of Oregon business licenses, permits, and registrations.
The City of Portland Safe Blocks Program helps community members problem-solve safety issues and find resources and services. Call 503-823-4064 to be connected with a Safe Blocks Program coordinator who serves your area.
SummerWorks is a paid summer internship program for youth ages 16–24 in the Portland Metro area. The internship is 160 hours and focused on youth learning and experience. Contact stephanie.blair@portlandoic.org if you are interested in hosting an intern.
The Portland Events & Film office supports events producers with resources to create safe, successful events that positively impact our city. Contact the Events Navigator at Portland Events and Film with any questions for event planning.
Information for vendors, suppliers, and contractors about business opportunities with Prosper Portland.
The Portland Film Office is the first point of connection between filmmakers and the city. We help navigate permits and procedures, and connect productions with other city bureaus like Parks or Transportation. Our goal is to make filming in Portland fast and easy for productions big and small.
Find general information for new and existing vendors/contractors that want to grow their business through public contracting. Get to know the procurement teams, review vendor/contractor requirements, review requirements, learn about certification and how to find and compete for City of Portland contracts.
Report a problem with a public trash can if you see a broken, damaged or overflowing public trash can.
Government projects may have specific requirements or targets for their contracts to be awarded to minority-owned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and emerging small businesses. Certifying your business for as many certifications as qualified for helps make it possible to grow and overcome barriers.
Business or property owner located within the Central Eastside District can request cleaning and safety services.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) Healthy Businesses permit allows temporary changes to streets to give people more space to conduct business safely.
