COVID-19 Grants and Business Resources
With the spread of COVID-19, business has been made difficult throughout not only our county, but the entire world. As such, the Port is providing a straight-forward list of resources to help our economy survive. Below are two grant programs for Columbia County businesses only. The first round application process is now closed.The application process will be reopened pending additional funding. Please read through each program description and application form before applying. Small businesses may not be reimbursed by multiple funders for the same cost (double-dipping), meaning that no duplicate payments or supplanting of other costs are allowed for these grants.
Port of Columbia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund
Over $200,000 is available through this program for qualifying Columbia County businesses impacted by COVID-19, with each applicant eligible for up to $10,000. This grant fund is comprised of CARES Act funds coordinated with the City of Dayton and the State of Washington as well as a private foundation grant from Innovia. To request assistance, you must meet the program requirements spelled out in the grant application and submit required documentation. Grant recipients will be required to sign a contract certifying that their business has been harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The following application can be filled out online, signed electronically, and emailed to grants@portofcolumbia.org along with attached invoices. Alternatively, you can print it out, fill it out by hand, print out invoices, and bring it all up to the Port office.
The first round of grant applications closed August 14 and submissions are currently being reviewed. A second round will open pending additional funding. For questions, email grants@portofcolumbia.org.
CDBG Micro-Grant Program
A total of $6,025 is available through this program for qualifying microenterprise owners impacted by COVID-19, with each applicant eligible for up to $3,500. To request assistance, you must meet the program requirements spelled out in the application form and submit required documentation.This grant is best for low to moderate income businesses that need $3,500 or less. When funds in this program are exhausted, any applicants that were not funded are automatically eligible for the Port of Columbia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund. The following application can be filled out online, signed electronically, and emailed to grants@portofcolumbia.org along with attached invoices. Alternatively, you can print it out, fill it out by hand, print out invoices, and bring it up to the Port office.
The first round of grant applications closed August 14 and submissions are currently being reviewed. The application process will reopen if there are any funds remaining after first round awards are made. For any questions, email grants@portofcolumbia.org.
Other Resources
Interested in state, federal, and even some other local opportunities for your business? Included in the document below are some resources to get you started.