City News

Salem businesses in need have a new place to turn – City Hall

A sign in the window of Coin Jam on March 17, 2020 announcing a closure during the COVID-19 pandemic (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter)

Salem businesses that could use a cash infusion and haven’t received other pandemic financial aid can apply for thousands of dollars in city funding starting Monday, June 15.

Applications for funding are on the Willamette Workforce Partnership website and close on Wednesday, June 17, at 12 p.m. There’s $188,000 that will be distributed through a lottery system.

The money is coming from a combination of sources including the city’s general fund, enterprise zone fines and a $15,000 grant from Marion County.

Businesses with up to five full-time employees can apply for up to $3,000 and businesses with six to 40 employees can apply for up to $5,000. The money doesn’t have to be repaid.

It can be used for payroll, rent, utilities and to protect workers and customers from COVID-19 exposure. The businesses must be within Salem city limits.        

In April, Marion County commissioners made $1 million available for a small business grant program and demand was so high the program ran out of money almost immediately after the applications went live. 

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Have a tip or story idea? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected] or @daisysaphara.