Historic Parkrose business empowerment grant
Matching awards to improve Parkrose businesses
The Historic Parkrose Small Business Support Grant (this replaces the District Improvement Grant program) provides funding to local business owners who have been established in the Historic Parkrose district for a minimum of 3 years. The grant aims to support businesses by improving their operations through the following:
- Security enhancements
- Furnishing
- Website improvement
Each grant has a maximum amount of $6,000 and must be matched by the business.
For example, if the business improvement costs $5000, $2500 will be granted from Historic Parkrose, and $2500 must come from the business.
Purpose
This initiative is designed to support businesses within the Parkrose community by enabling them to enhance their facilities and services, thereby contributing to their long-term sustainability. The allocated funds can be used for a range of purposes, including:
- Enhancing security through the installation or upgrade of security cameras, new locks, lighting, and alarms
- Updating or Replacing Business Furnishings by improving their physical environments by updating or replacing worn-out or outdated furnishings. This includes purchasing new tables, chairs, décor, or any necessary equipment that enhances the customer experience and overall business aesthetics.
- Improving Online Presence by enhancing their digital footprint by creating or upgrading e-commerce websites and implementing SEO optimization strategies.
Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have operated a business within the Historic Parkrose district for at least 3 years. (See attached map for Historic Parkrose district boundaries.)
- Have an active business license in the City of Portland and the State of Oregon.
- Be willing to match the grant dollar-for-dollar (for every $1 provided by the grant, the business must contribute $1).
- Be in good standing with any prior grants from Historic Parkrose
Examples of Eligible Businesses
- Restaurants seeking to enhance customer experience with new furnishings
- Service-based businesses aiming to improve online engagement through website upgrades
- Shops enhancing safety with upgraded security systems
Examples of Eligible Expenses
- Security upgrades (cameras, alarms, lighting)
- Point of sale equipment for inventory management
- Tables, chairs, or décor for improving business ambiance
- Professional website redesign or e-commerce platform implementation
Ineligible Expenses
- Operating costs (e.g., mortgage, rent, insurance, or wages, including contractors)
- Replacing inventory lost due to theft, disaster, or vandalism
- Projects started before the grant application was approved
How to Apply
Please prepare the following:
- A detailed project plan explaining how you will use both the grant and matching funds.
- Estimates or quotes for the planned improvements.
- Proof of your business’s ability to match the grant (e.g., bank statements, financing commitments).
- Photos or documentation showing the current state of your business (if applicable).
- Your business’s registration and tax documentation, including your active business licenses.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all grant funds are allocated. Selection will be competitive, with priority given to projects demonstrating a significant business impact:
Operational Efficiency:
- Enhancements that allow the business to operate more smoothly or securely, such as new security systems, website functionality, or updated furnishings that improve workflow and customer experience.
Revenue Growth:
- An increase in sales or customer base as a result of better aesthetics, inventory management, expanded product offerings, or improved online visibility due to website upgrades.
Customer Experience:
- Noticeable improvements in how customers interact with the business, such as a more attractive storefront, new furnishings, or better security leading to a safer and more welcoming environment as well as web optimization that improves the user experience.
Cost Savings:
- Reducing business costs by implementing more efficient security measures, equipment upgrades, or technology solutions that result in long-term financial benefits.
When evaluating the significant impact, preference will be given to businesses that can demonstrate how the grant funds, matched with their own investment, directly lead to tangible benefits like increased foot traffic, revenue growth, improved safety, or operational enhancements.
These impacts should be reflected in the Post-Grant Report, where businesses will detail the improvements made and the resulting changes in their operations or performance. See below.
Reporting
Within 12 months of receiving the grant, recipients must submit a report detailing:
- A summary of the improvements made (security, furnishing, or website).
- Documentation such as receipts, photos, or other proof of the completed work.
- A reflection on how the improvements impacted your business, whether through growth, safety, or operational efficiency.
Failure to submit this report may affect future eligibility for Historic Parkrose grants.
Contact Information
For questions about the grant or the application process, please contact the Historic Parkrose Grant Team at outreach@historicparkrose.org.
