Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) was granted $250,000 from Business Oregon to distribute COVID-19 Emergency Business Assistance Grants in Hood River, Sherman and Wasco Counties. Grants will be disbursed on a first come, first-served basis with $100,000 each earmarked for Hood River and Wasco Counties and $50,000 for Sherman County.
Small businesses and non-profits with 25 or fewer employees that have been adversely affected by economic conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and have not received federal emergency assistance under the federal CARES Act, the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance Program or other federal emergency pandemic assistance funding may be eligible to apply. Additionally, 50% of all funds must be given to sole proprietors. “The purpose of these funds is to fill the gaps not reached by other programs,” said Jessica Metta, MCEDD Executive Director.
Background
The Oregon Legislature, in partnership with Governor Kate Brown, allocated $5 Million from the State General Fund which will be combined with $5 Million redirected from existing programs at the Oregon Business Development Department (Business Oregon), for the purpose of providing financial assistance to small businesses and non-profits adversely affected by economic conditions associated with COVID-19. Businesses may use the proceeds for any business-related operating expenses.
For eligibility requirements and application visit: mcedd.org/bizgrants/