A closed sign in Engelberg Antiks in downtown Salem on Thursday, March 19, 2020. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
The state’s economic development agency on Wednesday began accepting applications for the last pot of money in a program intended to help small businesses with operational and commercial rent.
After distributing two rounds of grants to help businesses with rent, the Oregon Commercial Rent Relief Program has now opened the final portion of the $100 million program. This portion of the program is aimed at helping businesses with operational costs.
It specifically targets industries that have been hard-hit by the pandemic. Restaurants, bars, gyms, brewpubs, theaters, bowling centers and salons are some of the more common examples of eligible businesses.
To be eligible, businesses must have fewer than 100 employees and must either serve food and drink, provide personal services or offer a place for physical exercise or entertainment.
The grant closes June 6 and awards will be made through a lottery. Businesses that received assistance from previous rounds are still eligible as long as they were awarded less than $100,000.
More details and how to apply can be found on Business Oregon’s website.
-Jake Thomas
