The Columbia County Economic Team, Columbia Pacific Economic Development District and the Columbia County Board of Commissioners just announced the immediate opening of a grant fund to directly benefit small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All small businesses with fewer than 25 employees are encouraged to determine their eligibility and apply immediately.

$250,000 in direct small business grants are now available to qualifying businesses in Columbia County, but business owners need to act quickly. Grant applications for amounts ranging from $2,500 - $25,000 are due July 3rd.

Information and applications available for download at www.smallbizhub.columbiacountyoregon.com

Again, all applications are due by midnight, Friday July 3, 2020.

According to the state program providing the matching funds, small businesses and some non-profits are eligible if they are:

--In Columbia County

--Also registered in Oregon

--Current/compliant on taxes

--Adversely impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 crisis.

--25 or fewer employees as of February 29, 2020.

--50% or more reduction to sales as a result of the COVID -19 crisis.

--Have not received federal financial funding relief through the CARES Act of 2020

--A non-profit with federal status

Eligible applications will be reviewed for potential funding and notified if a grant award will be made. Grant checks are expected to be available by July 31.

Our County Board of Commissioners originally established this grant fund and we were fortunate to successfully receive matching funds from the state through a collaborative effort with Col-Pac. This is critical, flexible money that business owners can put to immediate use in adapting their business, retaining employees, any number of things that will help them navigate, re-open, stay open and begin to recover.

Columbia County Economic Team

P.O. Box 1653

St. Helens, Or. 97051

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