A closed sign in downtown Salem on Thursday, March 19, 2020. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
Salem businesses affected by the pandemic can apply for a relief grant from the Salem Chamber of Commerce through May 31.
The Chamber is awarding relief grants of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 to for-profit Salem-owned businesses, according to an announcement. Businesses must explain why they need a relief grant and how the funds would impact their business.
Zachary Sielicky, director of business advocacy for the Chamber, said about 200 businesses have already applied.
The money comes from federal Covid relief funds through the American Rescue Plan Act. Oregon legislators during the 2022 session were able to allocate a portion of the state’s relief funds to projects of their choice. State Sen. Deb Patterson (D-Salem) and Rep. Raquel Moore-Green (R-Salem) gave the Chamber a total of $350,000 for the program, Sielicky said.
Links to the application form are available on the Chamber website in English, Spanish and Russian.
Winners will be awarded in July based on the decision of a “diverse selection committee” which will consider the business’ need and the impact the grant dollars would have, the announcement said.
-Rachel Alexander
