Prosper Portland announces Scale Up Grant Awardees

May 20, 2026
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Shawn Uhlman, Prosper Portland

The Events and Film Office at Prosper Portland awards $175,000 in grant funding to local event producers poised to grow into destination events.  

In partnership with Travel Portland, the Events & Film Office at Prosper Portland is proud to announce three awardees for the annual Scale Up Grant, a competitive grant program providing funding and technical assistance for local Portland events that are positioned to grow and attract attendance beyond the Portland metro region. The awardees are Vanport Jazz Festival, Portland Jigsaw Masters, and the Portland Criterium.

The Scale Up Grant program invests in Portland events that have potential to showcase the best of Portland and become a destination event that draws locals and visitors alike. The Scale Up program leverages events as an economic development tool to increase foot traffic in support of small local business, draw out of state visitors, and elevate the unique narrative of Portland.

Each year, up to six local events receive three years of grant funding, technical assistance, and marketing support from Prosper Portland and Travel Portland. Two other events for 2026 received funding in the last round of Scale Up grants: Portland’s Folk Festival and White Lotus Summer Market.

“This year’s mix of events offers something for everyone,” said Portland Mayor Keith Wilson. “I am optimistic our investment in these grantees will enable them to continue to grow their respective events. Plus, these activations bring energy to the community with event attendees actively supporting local businesses and adding to Portland’s overall vibrancy.”

This year’s awardees include:

Portland’s Folk Festival | January | Crystal Ballroom 
Portland’s Folk Festival is an annual all-ages celebration of folk and Americana music at the Crystal Ballroom. The festival began in 2018 as a way for Portland musicians to come together to celebrate the burgeoning local scene and enjoy each other’s craft. Its current iteration boasts 30 local and national artists performing on two stages over two days.

White Lotus Summer Market | June | SF Supermarket 
The White Lotus Summer Market is a celebration of Portland’s vibrant Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community, transforming Southeast Portland into a dynamic hub of culture, creativity, and commerce that provides a platform for emerging entrepreneurs and creative makers to showcase handmade crafts, specialty foods, and unique products.

Vanport Jazz Festival | August | University of Portland
The Vanport Jazz Festival is a two-day outdoor jazz festival that honors the city of Vanport and the voices that formed Portland’s jazz community. The festival carries the torch of those artists who filled their communities with music and pays homage to this legacy by hosting a jazz experience for the modern day.

Portland Jigsaw Masters | August | AVENUE Portland
The Portland Jigsaw Masters is one of the largest speed puzzling tournaments in America. This three-day speed puzzling event is open to the public, where participants can compete as individuals, in pairs, or in teams of four.

Portland Criterium | August | North Park Blocks & Lloyd Center Mall  
The Portland Criterium (or “crit”) is a short-circuit bicycle race held on closed city streets. Riders fly past fans every few minutes to complete multiple high-energy and action-packed laps on a spectator-friendly course. These races are known for their thrilling intensity, strategic maneuvering, and roaring crowds.