FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2020

Grants for Small Businesses Available Throughout Oregon

Millions in grant funding is available for small businesses facing lost revenue in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Business Oregon awarded the final round of its Emergency Business Assistance Grant funding to intermediary organizations across Oregon to in turn provide grants directly to eligible small businesses. The fund was created by Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon legislature, funded with both federal CAREs Act funds and state funds.

“We reallocated some of our own budget and paired that with millions in federal funding to deliver this much-needed help to Oregon’s small businesses,” said Business Oregon Director Chris Cummings. “We stand as partners with the business community in this pandemic, and I hope every eligible small business accesses this final round of funding from this program.”

Businesses are eligible to receive up to $50,000 in funding as detailed in the application.  

Eligibility requirements have been expanded to allow for more business to get funding than in previous rounds. Businesses that have received less than $100,000 in small business assistance through the CARES Act (such as PPP, EIDL, EIDLA, City of Portland Small Relief Program, the Oregon Cares Fund for Black Relief + Resiliency and other programs) are now eligible. Additionally, even if a business was not prohibited from operations by the Governor’s Executive Order 20-12, the business could be eligible if it can demonstrate a 25% reduction in sales (reduced from 50% previously required) over a 30-day period in 2020 compared to a comparable period in 2019.

Also, any business that has already received a grant from this program is eligible for an additional award and should complete the supplemental application. This is a shorter application with less documentation needed. Businesses can expect to receive an award comparable to their prior award.

The following organizations have funding available. The application these organizations will need can also be found on Business Oregon's website in multiple languages to access ahead of time.

Regional Intermediaries and Counties

• CCD Business Development Corporation – Coos, Curry and Douglas County
• https://www.ccdbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CCD-BO-Grant-Application-Rd-4.pdf
• Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. – Jackson, Josephine County
• https://soredi.org/covid/matching/
• Community Lending Works – Benton, Lane, Lincoln and Linn County
• https://communitylendingworks.org/emergency-state-covid/
• Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments – Marion, Polk and Yamhill County
• https://willwp.org/
• Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon – Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington County
• https://www.mesopdx.org/grants/
• Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District – Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Western Washington County
• Clatsop County:  edu/cedr
• Columbia County:  columbiacountyoregon.com/
• Tillamook:   edctc.com/grants
• Col-Pac/West Washington County:  NW Oregon Emergency Small Business Grants
• Northeast Oregon Economic Development District – Baker, Union and Wallowa County
• https://www.neoedd.org/covid-19-resources/neoedds-covid-19-related-financial-assistance/
• Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corporation – Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla and Wheeler County
• https://www.geodc.net/covid-19-resources/
• Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council – Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson County
• https://www.coic.org/grant/
• Mid-Columbia Economic Development District – Hood River, Sherman and Wasco County
• https://www.mcedd.org/bizgrants/
• South Central Oregon Economic Development District – Lake and Klamath County
• http://www.scoedd.org/resources/

Statewide Intermediaries

• Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation – Statewide
• https://atniedc.com/rlf/covid-19/#ORGrants
• Central Willamette Credit Union – Statewide
• https://www.centralwcu.org/grants
• Point West Credit Union – Statewide
• https://www.pointwestcu.com/bizgrants/

In addition to the Emergency Business Assistance Grant program, Business Oregon is providing free masks, gloves and other protective supplies to small businesses. This website has more information and a simple request form: https://supplyconnector.org/states/oregon/free-ppe/

Media Contact: Nathan Buehler, 503-689-3559.

Business Oregon, the state's economic development agency, invests in Oregon businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy. The agency's services span rural community development and infrastructure financing; business retention, expansion and recruitment; export promotion and international trade; investments in industry research and development and entrepreneurship; small business assistance; and support for arts and cultural organizations. Learn more at www.oregon4biz.com