Press Release: DEADLINE EXTENDED: New COVID19 “Extreme Risk” Impact Funding Now Available from Jackson County

Medford, Oregon – Over $1.4 million in grant funds are now available for eligible businesses impacted by the April 30th move to “Extreme Risk” related to COVID19 in Jackson County. Applications for this new “SOCARES 2021” fund may be accessed through SOREDI, serving as the grant administrator.

These new grant funds are available in 15 Oregon counties impacted by the recent order to move to Extreme Risk on Friday April 30, through a $20 million emergency business relief allocation from the State of Oregon. These funds are intended to be equally accessible to all businesses including the historically disadvantaged population groups (Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Women-owned businesses).

The grant application window has been extended by 72 hours. Applications will now be accepted for Jackson County businesses between 12 pm PST on Friday, May 14 – 11:59 pm PST on Thursday, May 20. Applications will be reviewed after the submission window closes and funded based on demonstrated need, until funding is exhausted. ONLY complete applications, with all required documentation, will be considered. Applicants will be notified of their award status no later than June 19, 2021.

Applicants should first check eligibility requirements before proceeding to apply and should allow at least one hour to complete the application process. Furthermore, applicants are strongly advised to gather appropriate documentation and be prepared to upload, as required. The online form at SOREDI will generate email confirmations of application submissions.

Southern Oregon CARES Business Grant applications may be accessed here: https://soredi.org/socares2021/

Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Those needing assistance may schedule a 15-minute appointment with SOREDI via the website. Due to the amount of potential grant awards and short timeframe to apply, SOREDI staff will NOT be able to accept questions by phone. This is a new program with new requirements different from the previous grant programs. Businesses who applied for other funding or were placed on a wait list for funding will need to reapply and resubmit documentation.

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About SOREDI: SOREDI is a private, membership-based, non-profit organization, governed by a board of directors. Its seven-person staff is charged with local business expansion and new business recruitment efforts, financial assistance to start-up companies through its business loan fund, and management of Enterprise Zones in Jackson and Josephine Counties. The agency was formed as a regional economic development agency in 1987. Learn more at https://www.soredi.org.