Additional help is now available for Salem small businesses, sole proprietorships, and non-profits with 25 or fewer employees, experiencing negative economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding is made possible through a grant from Business Oregon’s Emergency Business Assistance Program.
Salem was awarded $238,000 to distribute to eligible businesses for grants of up to $25,000. Businesses can apply for a range of funds. The online grant application opens at 8 a.m., Wed., Sept. 30 and closes at 5 p.m. Wed., Oct. 7. The application is available in English and Spanish.
“The City of Salem is committed to supporting local businesses, the foundation of Salem’s economy,” said Salem Mayor, Chuck Bennett. “This is the City’s third round of COVID funding assistance. We want to ensure all businesses have access to these resources. We expect to offer a fourth round of funding later this fall and will continue to look for additional resources to assist our businesses.”
Businesses that previously received federal loans and grants, including Economic Injury Disaster Loans or Paycheck Protection Program funding through the CARES Act, are eligible, but must reduce the maximum grant amount by the amount of CARES Act funding received. Additional funding requirements are available on the City’s website.
Funding decisions will be made via lottery. If additional funding is available after applications are reviewed, the grant application process will re-open and notifications of the re-opening will be posted on the City’s social media and website.
For grant program questions in English, email SalemGrants@cityofsalem.net or call 503-540-2480 or 503-540-2435. For questions in Spanish, email SalemGrants@cityofsalem.net or call 503-540-2303.