January 26, 2023 4:00 a.m.

In the KQEN Business Spotliglht:

A program to assist businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic closes on Friday.

Business Oregon has partnered with the CCD Business Development Corporation to offer $3 million in funding. It is paid for with money from the Oregon Community Development Block Grant program CARES Act funding for communities impacted by COVID-19.

Small Business and Microenterprise Grant Assistance grants of $2,500 to $30,000 will be awarded per business. Microenterprises whose owner meets low- and moderate- income criteria can quality for up to $10,000 in grant funding. Small businesses can quality for $2,500 per employee retained for up to $30,000 in funding.

Small businesses and microenterprises must meet certain criteria to be eligible:

*Was in business prior to March 8, 2019

*Can document COVID-19 impact, including lost revenue, mandated closures, workforce issues, supply complications and the like

*Was generally stable/strong prior to the COVID-19 pandemic

*Has an owner and/or employees who meet low- and moderate-income criteria

Applications for this grant program will be processed on a lottery basis. At the time the program closes, all submitted applications will be randomized and processed.

To register and apply, go to: www.ccdbusiness.org/oregonsbma