Small Business Grants & Resources

Benton County Microenterprise CDBG Grant – Available to assist sole-proprietors, micro-enterprises (5 or fewer employees, including owner), and small businesses (6 or more employees) that have been impacted directly by the Covid-19 public health restrictions in 2020 and continuing into 2021. Grant award levels are $5,000 for sole-proprietors, up to $10,000 for micro-enterprises, and $2,500 per full-time employee for small businesses up to a maximum of $25,000. CDBG has many nuances to the program, so to make things easier, CLW has created an initial pre-screening questionnaire to assist with the qualification process. This grant is available to all businesses within Benton County. (En Español)

Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund – provides direct loans to help start-ups, micro-enterprises, and small businesses expand or become established in Oregon. This fund fills a niche not provided through traditional lending markets. Find out more here >>.

Inclusive Backing Grant Program – As small businesses continue to feel the impact of the pandemic, many still need support to keep their doors open. To back underrepresented small business owners as they navigate the pandemic and plan for long-term success and resilience, American Express is partnering with Main Street America to launch a $1.65M year-round program called Inclusive Backing. As part of American Express’ Backing Small initiative, the program will provide hundreds of underrepresented small businesses with financial support as well as other resources to address their critical needs and challenges. Details on future grant cycles will be announced in early 2022. Find more information here >>

Business Right-of-Way (BROW) Permit Program – Restaurant, retail, and service businesses are eligible to use up to four parking spaces adjacent to their business for outdoor seating, queuing or shopping areas. Non-adjacent spaces in Municipal parking lots may be approved if the business applies to use a tent. Businesses are required to provide any fencing, barricades, or outdoor furniture to delineate the areas approved for outdoor use. Fencing items may be left out overnight. When used for outdoor dining, alcohol may be served per Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) license agreements. Application materials and related info can be found here.

Private Parking Lot Use for Local Businesses – Businesses can use vehicle storage space for outdoor operations, such as dining or merchandising, so long as 50% of the required spaces remain available for vehicle parking. This permission doesn’t include parking spaces in the public right of way, such as those in downtown Corvallis. In addition, drive aisles, fire access areas, and ADA-accessible spaces must remain unobstructed.

Upcoming Small Business Grants & Resources

Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities, and join our mailing list at the bottom of this webpage.

Shop/Support Local Business
  • Corvallis Savings Pass– Visit Corvallis has developed an online savings passport that we are promoting to out-of-town travelers, visiting groups and locals alike! This mobile-exclusive savings passport features Corvallis businesses and there is no cost to you to participate in the program. Check out who is already participating >>
  • IOU Corvallis – A community-sourced fund that provides meals for folks who need a boost, business to restaurants, and security to our friends and neighbors. IOU Corvallis is back up and running during the two-week freeze!
  • Built Oregon Marketplace – Give the gift of Oregon. Oregon makers, growers and producers with shelf-stable products can sign up to sell on this online platform. Built Oregon works to support and accelerate the founders and companies through the state, and create inclusive opportunities to the next generation of entrepreneurs. You can sign your business up for the platform here >>

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