News Release from Marion County
Posted: April 15th, 2020 11:08 AM
Salem, OR – Today, the Marion County Board of Commissioners announced additional funding for the Small Business Grant Program for businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. The county partnered with Willamette Workforce Partnership (WWP) to receive and process applications.
On April 1, 2020, the county approved use of $200,000 in lottery funding for grants of up to $5,000 to qualifying small businesses in Marion County on a first come, first serve basis. Grant applications were accepted beginning at noon on April 9, 2020, and due no later than noon April 10, 2020.
Willamette Workforce Partnership received an overwhelming response receiving more than 1,000 requests in the 24-hour application window. In the first few minutes, WWP received enough applications to exhaust the available funds and is distributing grants to 102 businesses with average amounts of $2,000-$2,500 starting today.
In order to help as many businesses as possible, this morning the commissioners authorized an additional $800,000 in lottery funding to provide additional grants. Businesses that submitted applications, and meet eligibility requirements, will receive a $1,000 grant to meet short term needs as businesses begin to receive federal stimulus and other available business funding.
Commissioner Colm Willis, board chair, said, “Marion County is committed to helping our business community as we all navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our priority is to ensure the health and well-being of Marion County’s residents – including the financial well-being of local businesses.” He continued, “Our economic development staff will continue to provide resources and technical assistance to businesses as they weather this storm. Small businesses are the heart of our economy here in Marion County and we are proud to stand with them during this crisis.”
Marion County is thankful for the collaboration with Willamette Workforce Partnership and appreciates their dedication and commitment to our business community. Businesses who qualified and under the initial first come, first serve process can expect to receive checks in the next few days. WWP and Marion County staff is continuing to process the remaining applications and will distribute funds on a rolling basis.
For more information, please contact Jason Schneider, Marion County Economic Development Coordinator, at (503) 373-4300 or BusinessRecovery@co.marion.or.us.
