Extend and re-use existing portlet projects
Consider adapting or re-packaging a portlet created by someone else.
Before creating a new portlet check if anyone else is working on a similar project. The JA-SIG portlet adopters email list would be a fine place to discuss your portlet idea. Also, check the Internet for portlets that might serve as a suitable starting point for your project.
Create a new portlet project
Create a child page under the home page for this space for your portlet. Copy the steps from an existing portlet project for birthing your project, and then nag someone like ~awp9 to make progress on bootstrapping that infrastructure.