Up to $9 million in grants will be available for organizations that provide technical assistance to historically underrepresented and under-resourced businesses across the state, Business Oregon announced last week.
Underrepresented business owners include people who are Indigenous, Black, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, immigrants, people with disabilities and farmworkers, among others.
The program was established by the 2021 Oregon Legislature and builds on a federally funded program intended to help businesses respond to the pandemic last year.
Business Oregon is currently seeking applications for the 2021-23 grant cycle from service providers who can demonstrate authentic connections to their clients and extend and enhance the availability of services targeted to underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Technical assistance includes business plan review and assistance, marketing and brand identity, technology services, access to capital and business coaching.
Applications are due by Monday, Nov. 15. Detailed program information and the application materials can be found at https://www.oregon4biz.com/Innovate-&-Create/.
Last year, Business Oregon awarded funding to 23 statewide organizations “who both reflected and responded to the unique needs of Oregon’s diverse small business community.”
-Saphara Harrell
