1. Marion and Polk County move to High Risk classification for COVID-19
Effective today, Friday, February 26 Marion and Polk counties have been downgraded from Extreme Risk to High Risk for COVID-19. This change allows businesses more flexibility, including increases to capacity limits, See Risk Guidance chart for an overview. Here is a link to the official press release.
2. Willamette Workforce Partnership (WWP) Incumbent Worker Grant Program is open
The Incumbent Worker grant is a competitive grant that provides funding to help businesses effectively train and retain employees by providing skills upgrades and process improvement training for existing, full-time employees. Grant application is open on a continuous basis as long as funds are available. Maximum Grant award is $25,000. Link to grant application.
3. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) updates for small businesses
The Small Business Administration will offer Paycheck Protection Program loans to businesses with 20 or less employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Wednesday, March 10, 2021. President Biden has also announced additional program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):
1. Find a lender:
Get matched with a lender
Search for lenders in your area
2. Identify a loan:
First Draw PPP Loans:
If you have not received a PPP loan before, First Draw PPP Loans are available to you.
Second Draw PPP Loans:
If you have previously received a PPP loan, certain businesses are eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
4. Launch Mid-Valley Business Education Series
Launch Mid-Valley will be hosting a virtual business education series starting on April 6th. Participants will walk away with a stronger grasp on their business model, entrepreneurial finances, marketing, business plan and pitch deck. Participants that finish will be prepared to submit an application for the Mid-Valley Angel Fund and the option to be paired with an adviser from the Small Business Development Center. The education series will take place over three consecutive Tuesday evenings starting April 6. Participants can register here: https://lybes.eventbrite.com.
5. Angel Oregon Tech kicks off March 11th
Angel Oregon Tech is an education program and investment event hosted by Oregon Entrepreneurs Network OEN, which connects tech entrepreneurs with investors, mentors and fellow founders. Included is a four-week workshop series and the opportunity to pitch for a $125,000 angel investment at Techfest NW. Register for Angel Oregon Tech and Techfest NW (May 21) here. https://www.techfestnw.com/