Supporting East Portland small businesses
December 8, 2014
Nick is proud to serve as Council liaison to Venture Portland and to our thriving small business community.
Small businesses are the backbone of Portland’s economy. They bring character and strength to our neighborhoods, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
Nick regularly visits with small business owners across Portland. Throughout his visits, Nick noticed a visible difference with some business districts in East Portland.
Because of East Portland’s infrastructure, districts like Midway and Gateway do not have the same commercial retail corridors as other popular business districts in Portland. Its small businesses are spread throughout large neighborhoods, making it more challenging for business leaders to recruit workers and build strong business associations.
Venture Portland organized a focus group of East Portland business stakeholders to brainstorm solutions. With their input and ideas, Venture Portland designed a year-long program to jump start East Portland business districts.
Nick secured $100,000 to fund the program through the Fall Budget Monitoring Process. Business districts east of SE 82nd Avenue will receive targeted support and outreach staff to recruit members and strengthen their districts!
Check out Venture Portland’s website to learn more about Portland’s great business districts.
Venture Portland is hiring! Click here for more information.