Growing family-wage jobs
We provide Portland companies with access to new markets, technical assistance, and loans so they can grow and hire. We connect Portlanders to job training and job opportunities. We support companies in high-growth sectors that create family-wage jobs.
Desired Outcomes
Quality Job Growth – By 2020 Portland’s robust economy will have increased employment by 28,000 quality jobs, including nearly half at middle wages.
Business Vitality – Strong and growing Portland businesses are able to offer substantial middle-wage job opportunities.
Access to Career-Path Employment – Job seekers from across the socioeconomic and demographic spectrum can access quality job opportunities.
Key actions to achieve these outcomes focus on:
- Cluster action plans for Portland’s targeted industries (Athletic & Outdoor, Green Cities, Technology & Media, Metals & Machinery, Healthcare);
- Public benefit agreements as part of business assistance;
- Implementation of Greater Portland Global, the region’s international trade and investment strategy;
- Industry-level commitments to diversify workforce, establish career pathways, and increase local hiring;
- Partnership with public and private entities to promote Portland globally as a competitive location to start, grow, or locate a business, particularly for diverse business owners.
Projects & Programs
These are just some of our projects & programs that help grow family-wage jobs:
Equitable Food Economy Collaborative
Equitable Food Economy Collaborative Contact: Shea Flaherty Betin, email The Equitable Food Economy [...]
Prosper Portland Business Finance Programs
Prosper Portland works with Portland businesses to identify business needs and eligibility for either our assistance programs or those of our partners.
Business Advancement Team
Prosper Portland’s Business Advancement Team is a catalyst for equitable economic growth. We help businesses grow by providing support and identifying opportunities that foster the creation of living wage jobs for all Portlanders.
Youth & Adult Workforce Partnerships
Prosper Portland's workforce partnerships create better access for Portlanders to connect to job training and opportunities.
Prosperity Investment Program (PIP)
PIP Grants are awarded to support business competitiveness and/or property redevelopment in projects that meet social equity goals.
N/NE Community Development Initiative Action Plan
The Action Plan guides the investment of $32 million in the Interstate Corridor urban renewal area to align with strategic goals that benefit the community.
The Portland Mercado
Prosper Portland's assistance to the Portland Mercado included grant funding and help with concept development and the business plan, representing a total investment of more than $1 million.
Community Economic Development
Prosper Portland takes a community-driven approach to creating thriving commercial areas, successful neighborhood businesses and equitable access to quality jobs throughout Portland.