COVID-19 Small Business Grant Funding Available through CDBG Program

In spite of all the recent news, here’s an exciting announcement: Business Oregon’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has awarded $300,000 in total grant funds to be distributed to qualifying small businesses within the following jurisdictions: Butte Falls, Cave Junction, Central Point, Gold Hill, Jacksonville, Phoenix, Rogue River, Shady Cove, Talent, and unincorporated Jackson County.

The grant funds are a result of collaboration between all the participating jurisdictions, led by the cities of Rogue River and Talent.  SOREDI will administer both the grant funds and the application process. Colleen Padilla, SOREDI’s Executive Director, says “[SOREDI] is pleased to be on point, pivoting to the current need; special thanks to the communities—including lead cities Talent and Rogue River for making this possible. We are eager to process applications quickly and minimize any further delays. We intend to utilize SOREDI funds to help reduce the time delay from approval to receipt of funds for the grant recipients. This is one way we believe we can demonstrate our collaboration with the cities and our commitment to being “business friendly” in this time of economic upheaval.”

Business Oregon also commends the regional collaboration, stating, “Regions and communities that collaborate—whether brought together by a watershed, labor shed, or a sense of community need—will be better positioned for resiliency and recovery during the pandemic and beyond. It has been inspiring watching groups come together to bring funding to our local businesses. Such as the city of Rogue River as the lead applicant for a group that included Butte Falls, Cave Junction, Central Point, Gold Hill and Shady Cove. As well as the city of Talent as the lead for the group that included their neighboring city of Phoenix and unincorporated Jackson County. These communities are all better positioned because of this collaboration.”

If you or someone you know has a business that has been adversely impacted by COVID-19, grant funds may be a solution. These specific grant funds are to be used to maintain business operations and/or retain employees. Eligibility and award amounts are based on the number of low to moderate employees retained on staff that reside within the qualifying jurisdiction.

CDBG grant applications will be accepted beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Grant information and grant application materials are available online at https://soredi.org/covid/covidgrants/ and at participating jurisdictions’ City Halls. Application assistance is available by request. Questions and requests may be addressed to grants@soredi.org.