Substitute Exhibit A

Reasons to Support the Small and Neighborhood

Business Association Grant Program Expansion Now!

By Sam Adams

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

1.  There is a return on investment to the allocation: The stronger the Neighborhood Business Districts, the more Portlanders are likely to shop in town, plus the more Business License Fee the City of Portland will receive.

2.  With the exception of $5,000 to produce an annual conference, funds go directly to small and neighborhood business associations.

3.  The annuals small and neighborhood business conference will provide for citywide education of best practices, advocacy organization and a forum for government and private sector discussion of key issues.

4.  Grant applications will now be made by non-neighborhood business groups such as the Native American Chamber of Commerce, City’s Small Business Advisory Council, and Fashion Incubator.

5.  A grant program is the best way to deal with the unique needs of each neighborhood business district and small business association.

6.  This proposal is supported by the City’s SBAC and all the Presidents of all the Neighborhood Business District.

7.  No administrative costs are taken from the $100,000 allocation.

8.  Grant program is already in place, has been successful at leveraging hundreds of thousands of dollars in private-sector matching funds.

9.  Funding the expansion now will allow neighborhood business districts to produce summer festivals that introduce new customers to their districts.

10.  Source of money options: PDC’s Creative Services Fund used to be a general purpose economic development fund before Mayor Katz transferred it. Use of Contingency recognizes that need to expand program now to take advantage of summer events.

11.  We have been processing this internally for two months. It will take 30 days to advertise for grants application and 30 days to process. Summer is almost here!