Many lenders, non-profits, and corporations in Oregon are committed to offer free grants as well as loans to female or minority owned businesses. There is financial aid as well as counseling (free advice) for Latinos, Black, Asian, LGBTQ, veteran, and other minority small businesses or startups. Find more information below on loans and grants near you.
A priority is on ensuring women and minority owned companies have the capital they need. There is assistance programs for small businesses as well as startups or mid-sized companies in Oregon. The free grants as well as loan programs are combined with ongoing support including 9but not limited too) free counseling; mentoring; technical assistance; sales help; workshops; networking opportunities and much more.
Black, female owned, Asian, and other disadvantaged groups can apply for help from the programs below. While many are based in Portland or Eugene, grants or low cost loans are available statewide.
Small business loans or free grants for females or minorities in Oregon
The list below is updated daily. New grant resources as well as loans (from lenders, banks, the government, foundations, or charities) will give priority to the disadvantaged.
January and February 2021
Oregon Cares Fund for Black Relief + Resiliency helps black owned businesses get grants from the government. They focus on the CARES programs as well as funds for minority owned businesses hit by COVID. The service is run by the non-profit Contingent, which helps the low income, youth, and disadvantaged. Read more. https://thecontingent.org/initiatives/
November and December 2020
Corvallis and Benton County small businesses can apply for free government grants as well as businesses in Eugene There is money for sole proprietors, rural companies, small businesses, people of color, the indigenous and others. Applications are from the Economic Development Office as well as Community LendingWorks. The focus is on minority, veteran, and women owned businesses that are hard hit by COVID, including restaurants, hotels, and others. Read more https://communitylendingworks.org/emergency-grants/
Portland Oregon and Multnomah County restaurants, food trucks and meal sites can apply for free CARES grants. Millions of dollars will be paid out to food service businesses, including women and minority owned companies, that have been impacted by COVID. The grants can pay for rent or utility bills, salaries, safety equipment, and other bills. Apply here. https://multco.us/health/inspections-and-licensing/news/grants-restaurants-food-service-impacted-covid-19
Black owned businesses, non-profits, or even charities in Oregon can get financial assistance. The Oregon CARES Fund will give free grants ($1,000, $2,000 or $3,000) to black owned organizations or businesses. The amount of money issued will depend on how much the businesses has been impacted by COVID. There are also other resources giving to these businesses in partnership with The Contingent as well as the Black United Fund. For more information, or to apply, learn more here. https://thecontingent.org/oregon-cares/
August 2020
Over $60 million in free grants is being given out to black owned businesses. The state of Oregon is partnering with and The Contingent as well as The Black United Fund to disburse funds. The money can pay operating expenses, cover rent, inventory and other bills. Each qualified business may be given thousands of dollars. Read more or apply. https://www.bufor.org/
By Jon McNamara
