Exploring New Ways to Support Local Makers

Portland Made prides itself on our ability to bring makers together, fostering a community of doers and thinkers who might otherwise find themselves without ample opportunities to connect with peers. Historically, we have focused our efforts on in-person gatherings, which serve as great chances for makers to set their tools down and meet people so that they can learn both from fellow makers and from special guests.

Outside of meet ups and other pop-up events, Portland Made hosts behind-the-scenes tours and markets, connecting makers with consumers and maker-curious community members.

Virtually and at their leisure, people can discover local brands by perusing our Brand Gallery where we showcase hundreds of local makers. Our hope is that consumers use this resources as a springboard for buying local. It’s one small way we can connect makers with buyers. The Brand Gallery also serves as a directory of fellow makers for our members to familiarize themselves and connect with their peers on a deeper level. But how else, during this time of Covid-19, do we foster community growth and resiliency for small businesses?

We come together… in different ways.

Right now, all across the United States, citizens are experiencing mandatory physical distancing due to the pandemic. We are all having to switch gears, canceling or postposing social gatherings and shutting our doors. Though on the surface, this time may feel isolating, we here at Portland Made are looking at the silver lining, seeing this as an opportunity for the community to come together in new ways.

We makers are innovative. We thrive on overcoming challenges.

For the next few months we are going to explore ways we can make use of our shared access to digital spaces. Until further notice, we are going to forego gathering makers in person and are going to instead host webinars and other virtual ways to connect. Join us in embracing our community online.

Our next workshop is in collaboration with Travel Portland. We’re going to host it as a webinar, and it will be free to all members. The topic is timely — it’s a Deep Dive into Newsletter and Email Marketing. We very much look forward to seeing your face on screen for this upcoming workshop.

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Words by Meghan Sinnott

Photos by Sarah Toor and Ashley Walters

Art by icon8