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Startups Grants In Oregon - 2024

Explore our comprehensive guide for the latest List Of Startups Grants In Oregon to fuel your entrepreneurial journey in the Pacific Northwest.

Lisa Shmulyan
Accounting & Tax
February 15, 2024

If you're on the lookout for startup funding in Oregon, you've come to the right spot. The state is rich in grants aimed at boosting entrepreneurs and bringing prosperity to communities. Being a key player in *Oregon entrepreneurship*, the state offers ample financial help for small business dreams.

Business Oregon stands out by providing various grants and partnerships with local banks to aid small businesses1. It offers matching funds for businesses to reach global markets1. It also backs projects that benefit communities, like bettering wastewater facilities and aiding rural business hubs1. Such efforts are vital, ensuring firms receive the support they need through their growth phases.

The Oregon Investment Advantage program gives breaks on corporate income taxes, encouraging business expansion and relocation here1. Entrepreneurs can explore numerous funding choices through a detailed brochure and program list.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon provides a robust grant landscape for startups.
  • Business Oregon is a critical resource for *Oregon entrepreneurship*.
  • Grants are available for a wide array of community projects and small business needs.
  • Matching grants facilitate market expansion beyond Oregon1.
  • The Oregon Investment Advantage program offers significant tax benefits1.

Introduction to Oregon’s Startup Grant Landscape

Oregon is great for startups because of its support network and many grant chances. These grants help with business growth, community projects, and new tech. The state works hard to create a good place for new businesses.

Why Oregon is a Hub for Startups

Oregon's startup scene benefits from its beauty and efforts to help new businesses. It has incubators, accelerators, and coworking spaces for support. Its focus on new ideas and caring for the environment attracts startups.

There was a 26% increase in new businesses in 2022 compared to 20192. This shows Oregon's supportive actions and its place as a top spot for startups.

Importance of Grants for Startups

Grants are key for startups to get money without needing to pay it back. The SBIR Support Program and the Export Promotion Program help with innovation and growth in Oregon3. They give financial support and motivate businesses to take on new projects and enter big markets.

Grants are so important that Oregon's government put $2 million into the Rural Opportunity Initiative for 2023-20252. This money helps startups in their early stages, pushes innovation, and boosts the local economy.

For more details on grant opportunities for Oregon entrepreneurs, check out this article on small business grants3.

Business Oregon’s Grant Programs

Business Oregon grants offer financial help to improve business growth and community projects in Oregon. These programs are aimed at increasing business skills. They also support important community projects to boost Oregon's economy.

Matching Grants for Export Businesses

Business Oregon provides matching grants to help small businesses sell abroad. The Export Promotion Program gives up to $10,000 to small businesses for export help4. The SBIR Support Program offers up to $50,000, or $100,000 for a Phase I federal grant4. These grants help small businesses reach worldwide customers and win international fame.

Community-Focused Grants

Business Oregon also funds community development. They provide grants for infrastructure, brownfield clean-up, and starting business centers in rural areas. SBMA Grants offer $2,500 to $30,000 for businesses following low-income criteria, helping the underserved5.

The TA Grants program gave $4.7 million to support small businesses that are underserved5. This helps communities grow even with few resources.

The Oregon Business Recovery Center (BRC) gives grants to small businesses with 50 or fewer employees in certain areas5. This helps local communities develop. It shows Business Oregon's dedication to growing the economy and improving the state sustainably.

Social Equity & Educational Development (SEED) Grant Fund

The Social Equity & Educational Development (SEED) Grant Fund is a key effort in Oregon to fix past unfairness. It supports programs that bring people together and create equal opportunities. This funding comes from 3% of the local sales tax on cannabis.

Purpose and Goals

The main goal of the SEED Grant Fund is to fix the harms caused by old, unfair cannabis laws6. It focuses on making things right through education and giving back to those who were hurt by these laws. Projects that get funding work on improving education, helping businesses grow, fighting for justice, and keeping local cultures alive.

Eligibility Criteria

To get money from the SEED Grant Fund, you need to be dedicated to making communities fairer and better6. It looks especially for projects by people and groups who haven't been treated fairly before. They must aim to help Black, Indigenous, and Latinx neighborhoods. And, they have to show how they'll match the fund's goals.

Application Process

Applying for the SEED Grant Fund is made to be open and easy for everyone. They've planned to spread $14 million from cannabis taxes throughout Portland6. So far, they've given out over $4.3 million in 42 grants, showing a strong link with the community6.

Those interested need to send in detailed plans showing how they'll help the community and support fairness6. The number of applications has varied, showing more people are getting involved. The process needs clear plans, budgets, and proof that the community is behind the project. This helps make sure the money goes to the right places.

Regional Development Officer Assistance

Regional Development Officers are key to Oregon's startup help. They provide tailored regional development support. Entrepreneurs get guided through many state funding options. Officers match businesses with the best grants, loans, and financial aids. This expertise helps businesses grab opportunities for Oregon economic growth.

Several programs are available—for example, the Technical Assistance grants offer up to $5,000. Good Neighbor grants can go up to $25,0007. For needs over $25,000, they must fit with the foundation’s goals7. Capital grants can pitch in up to $250,000, covering a third of the project's budget7. But, you must have half the budget ready before applying7. This help is vital for startups working on big projects, which might wait three to six months to get processed7.

Regional Development Officers also help navigate loan programs. The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) can cover up to 50% of project costs, aiming for a 33% stake8. The Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) gives loans for up to 75% of costs, with a cap at $250,0008. Also, each $25,000 of investment must create at least one job8.

It's a good idea for entrepreneurs to connect with Regional Development Officers for business consultation services. They'll get help with the application process, making sure all necessary documents are ready8. These include descriptions of business operations, financials, and cash-flow forecasts. This full range of support is crucial for startups. It helps them get funding, push their business forward, and aid in Oregon’s bigger economic development.

Environmental Services Grants and Incentives

Oregon puts a focus on caring for the environment with grants and incentives. These funds help improve watersheds and lower utility bills. It's a push to make sure both big projects and personal efforts help make a sustainable future come true for everyone.

Community-Based Projects

Oregon helps the environment by funding community projects. These efforts work to make watersheds better and communities more energy-resilient. A big fund from HB 2021 sets aside $50 million for renewable energy and resilience projects. At least half this money goes to projects in environmental justice communities. This fair sharing of resources9 is important. An announced timeline gives all the key dates applicants need to know for project submissions9.

The environmental grants Oregon program backs many types of projects. Projects range from renewable energy to electric vehicle charging stations9. Oregon shows it cares about growing economically without hurting the environment. The state offers solid support from the planning stage to building, with grants of $100,000 to $1,000,0009.

Sewer/Stormwater/Water Bill Incentives

Oregon also offers incentives to help cut down on municipal utility bills. These are key for eco-friendly actions by locals and businesses. One highlight is the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program. It gives up to $5,000 back for buying electric vehicles (EVs) for those with low- to medium-incomes10. This helps get more people into cleaner modes of transport and fits the state's environmental goals.

There are rebates for EV chargers too, covering up to 100% of costs for public chargers under the Community Renewable Energy Grant Program10. Businesses and public agencies can get up to $5,500 for setting up EV chargers10. These steps aim to save money on utility bills while encouraging sustainable habits. Support also extends to fuel-efficient projects, covering up to 75% of costs for small energy projects and giving grants of up to 30%, or $50,000, for making school buses cleaner10.

Oregon actively works to create a sustainable, healthy community through its grants and incentives. By supporting big projects and individual actions, the state is building a greener, more resilient future for everyone.

Community Placemaking Grants

The Community Placemaking Grants in Oregon are key to boosting the local arts and bringing people together. They offer money to projects led by the community. This helps create public spaces that show the rich culture of the area. These spaces make people feel more connected and proud of where they live.

Arts and Culture Initiatives

These grants support a wide range of arts and culture projects, like public art and local festivals. Recently, amounts awarded varied from $10,000 to $24,443 for projects aimed at helping marginalized groups. This includes Latinx, Black, immigrant, refugee youth, and those with disabilities11. These efforts are key to making neighborhoods more culturally rich and giving people a chance to express themselves and engage in arts11.

Strengthening Community Connections

The grants support things like murals, movement studios, and music programs. They have $450,000 to give, with grants from $5,000 to $25,00012. The goal is to bring neighborhoods closer through cultural activities. It also helps preserve the history of various cultures and fight gentrification. By doing so, it makes spaces where everyone feels welcome11.

The next chance to apply for a grant is from August 9 to October 4, 2025. Winners will be announced in January 2025. No need to match the funds, making it easier for different groups to apply12. This wide support from the grants is a big help in growing the culture of Oregon's communities. It promotes togetherness and fairness for all.

East Portland Action Plan (EPAP) Grants

The EPAP Grants are key to funding in East Portland, meeting its diverse needs. In 2023, they shared about $50,000 for projects to boost community health13. They also helped plant lots of trees with a $416,436 grant from ODOT and Friends of Trees13. This effort aids in making the area greener and more beautiful.

With 28% of Portland's people living there, these grants are essential13. They also put $115,000 into making stores look better, helping local businesses grow13. Plus, $60,000 went to making walking to school safer, and $45,000 was used for the "Gateway Green" public space plan13.

For the next cycle, about $55,000 is up for grabs, with $10,000 max per project14. The applications start on November 20, 2023, and end on January 5, 202414. These projects, to be done from March 2024 to 2025, will keep supporting community goals14.

Portland City Council put $500,000 into this plan, showing its value15. They also funded a paid advocate with $125,000 to watch over these projects15. This plan is about addressing needs now while planning for a better future.

Prosper Portland’s Grants for Local Businesses

Prosper Portland plays a big part in helping local businesses grow. It also helps make Portland's area better. With a focus on including everyone and lifting the economy, these grants help different kinds of businesses in the community.

Small Grants and Sponsorships Program

The Small Grants and Sponsorships Program by Prosper Portland helps events that bring the community together. It helps local businesses host events that make community bonds stronger. This support helps achieve the goal of making local businesses and Portland better.

Community Livability Grants

Community Livability Grants are crucial to making vibrant neighborhoods. They boost places where people live and work. Businesses can get up to $25,000 for improvements like repairs or murals.

Businesses must have a Portland business license and open regularly, ensuring the funds are used well16. This way, immediate and long-term improvements are made, helping the community thrive.

Prosper Portland shows its commitment through big investments. For example, the Reimagine Oregon Economic Opportunity Investment Fund gave $6.3 million to 53 projects16. With 380 applications asking for over $109 million, the need for this funding is clear16. The funding supports business growth, community wealth, and projects that bring people together16.

Since 2014, Prosper Portland invested over $233,000 in the St. Johns business district17. Each year, up to $50,000 is given out to help businesses and property owners in the area17. These efforts aim to create wealth in communities that need it the most, using cannabis tax money16.

In summary, Prosper Portland's varied grant programs play a key part in improving the Portland area. By tackling immediate and long-term needs, these grants boost business growth. This creates a prosperous and inclusive community for everyone.

Travel Portland’s Visitor Experience Enhancement Grant

Travel Portland is dedicated to making the city more attractive to visitors. Through lodging tax revenues, this grant program offers financial support for tourism projects. It aims to ease visitor pressure and make life better for locals.

Eligibility and Award Amounts

To get this grant, applicants must meet certain requirements. They can be local governments, port districts, tribes recognized by the federal government, or non-profits registered in Oregon18. Since January 2023, the program has given $385,000 to fifteen projects19. For the 2023-24 fiscal year, Travel Portland handed out $245,000 to ten projects. Grants were between $20,000 and $25,000 each20.

Application Guidelines

The deadline to apply for the 2024 grant is February 12, 2024. Applicants will learn if they succeeded by March 31, 202419. If you get the grant, you must sign an agreement by April 15, 2024. All projects need to be finished by April 30, 202519. These grants look for projects that bring new tourists, increase stays, and improve visitor experiences. They aim to welcome people of different backgrounds and abilities20. In 2024-25, Travel Portland will give $140,000 to five projects. The grants will range from $10,000 to $40,00020.

For 2023-2025, there’s $3.5 million available for Competitive Grants. Of this, $500,000 is for making tourism more accessible and inclusive18. Funding requests can be between $20,000 and $100,000 and don’t need matching funds. Yet, showing you have more funds may help your application18. This shows Travel Portland's big effort to boost the city's travel scene.

Enterprise Zone and Tax Incentive Programs

Oregon's Enterprise Zone programs help businesses in certain areas by giving tax breaks on new property and equipment. This setup encourages companies to grow and innovate. Over time, it has saved businesses billions in property taxes, boosting Oregon's economy.

The "standard" enterprise zones and the long-term rural zones offer tax incentives Oregon trusts. From 2007 to 2020, Oregon gave $2.5 billion in property tax breaks. After 2020, businesses got another $1 billion in tax breaks21. Data centers benefit most, getting three-quarters of these incentives and saving over $180 million last year21.

Big companies like Intel and Amazon saved a lot too. Intel got more than $214 million in tax breaks21. Amazon got over $80 million, and Twitter's data center in Hillsboro saved $5.6 million21. These savings show how Oregon's tax incentives help businesses save on property taxes.

Amazon and Google, major tax break beneficiaries, provide jobs in eastern Oregon. Amazon has about 740 workers, and Google about 200 in their data centers21. Their presence aids the local economy in areas with 12,000 to 16,000 people.

The Oregon Enterprise Zones impact the state's finances too. For every dollar of tax break in the "standard" zones, $1.35 comes back as personal income tax21. But rural zones for data centers only break even in economic output. They lose 84 cents in personal income tax for every dollar of property tax break21.

Other programs like the Opportunity Zone and Urban Renewal Area in McMinnville give extra support21. These efforts show how different areas work to attract and keep businesses.

Conclusion

Oregon shows a strong commitment to growth, innovation, and community22. The Economic Equity Investment Program, for example, helps culturally focused groups. It offers from $50,000 to $900,000 for housing and economic fairness projects.

$850,000 has gone to building 15 homes in rural Oregon areas. Another $692,775 helps with homeownership, working alongside credit unions22.

Oregon Humanities is also stepping up. They plan to give $100,000 in grants for public programs in 202423. Organizations could get up to $10,000 each for various events and programs. These are scheduled from May 15, 2024, to May 15, 2025.

The support from Oregon shows the value of investing in community projects23.

The state is also focused on helping rural and diverse entrepreneurs.Through initiatives like the High Impact Opportunity. They're setting up Regional Innovation Hubs too. This helps startups and small business owners use financial tools to succeed in Oregon.

FAQ

Why is Oregon considered a hub for startups?

Oregon is known for its strong support network for economic growth. It has many grants made just for growing businesses.  Organizations like Business Oregon help startups find money for new ideas, growth, and helping their communities.

What are the key types of grants provided by Business Oregon?

Business Oregon gives out several grants. These include Matching Grants for Export Businesses and grants focused on community projects.  They also offer funds for business growth, supporting communities, and tech advancements.

How does the SEED Grant Fund support social equity and educational development in Oregon?

The SEED Grant Fund uses money from cannabis sales for community projects and justice efforts. It aims to keep arts, heritage, and history alive.  At the same time, it works to improve social fairness and education.

Who can benefit from Regional Development Officer Assistance?

Entrepreneurs in Oregon can get help from Regional Development Officers. These officers match businesses with state funds, including grants and loans.  This ensures the right programs support their growth.

What kind of environmental grants and incentives are available in Oregon?

Oregon offers grants to protect watersheds and promote eco-friendly practices. These grants help with community projects.  Businesses can also save on utilities like stormwater and water services.

What is the focus of Community Placemaking Grants in Oregon?

Community Placemaking Grants aim to boost local arts and strengthen neighborhoods.  They support art and culture projects that help communities feel more connected and alive.

What is the purpose of the East Portland Action Plan (EPAP) Grants?

The EPAP Grants focus on health and relationships in East Portland. They support community services that meet people's needs.  These grants help make local connections stronger.

How does Prosper Portland’s Small Grants and Sponsorships Program benefit local businesses?

Prosper Portland’s program supports events that bring people together.  Community Livability Grants improve neighborhoods for living and business, making them lively and attractive.

What are the eligibility requirements and award amounts for Travel Portland’s Visitor Experience Enhancement Grant?

This grant aims at projects that meet Travel Portland's goals, such as reducing tourist overload and making life better locally. It is funded by lodging tax and offers generous amounts with clear rules and application steps.

How do Oregon's Enterprise Zone programs benefit businesses?

Oregon's Enterprise Zone programs reduce taxes on new properties and tools in certain areas. This encourages businesses to innovate and grow.  Other programs like the Oregon Investment Advantage give extra tax benefits on company earnings.

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