Small businesses in Douglas County can now apply for COVID-19 relief funds through a $500,000 community development block grant program.

The City of Roseburg is partnering with Roseburg-based CCD Business Development Corporation to administer and process grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000, according to a release from the city.

A total of $275,000 is available to be awarded in cash, while the rest will be used to provide professional services, workforce training or meet other needs of local businesses that apply.

CCD Development Corporation Executive Director Theresa Haga said “This grant is targeted to those who need technical assistance and workforce training to ensure their business is resilient.”

Awards will be based on demonstrated need rather than a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m.

The program is open to any eligible business located in Douglas County. Eligible businesses are described as those which:

• were immediately impacted by public health restrictions;
• were generally stable/strong prior to the crisis;
• are either employing low-income to moderate-income people or microenterprises employing five or less employees and whose owner is low-moderate income;
• and have been in business for at least one year.

For general questions, email cdbgroseburggrants@ccdbusiness.com, or check out the website at ccdbusiness.org.