Eugene Community Recovery and Community Lending Works are hosting a grant opportunity for small businesses owned by BIPOC community members and women. $100,000 will be granted in $5,000 or $10,000 awards based on business size.
“This grant is an opportunity to invest in the small businesses in our community that may not have access to, or missed, opportunities for federal funds. By identifying gaps in access to resources, we are carrying out our organizational values and investing in the equity of the future of Eugene,” Sarah Medary, City Manager.
Applications for this grant will be open on Tuesday, November 24 and remain open through the end of day on December 6.
Eugene businesses in the most impacted economic sectors (hospitality, retail, arts, and culture) ranging from 2-25 employees who have experienced negative impacts from COVID are eligible to apply. First awards will be allocated to businesses owned by BIPOC community members and women. Any remaining awards will be allocated to any business that has applied from the four identified sectors that meets the grant criteria.
Award amount is based on employee count. Businesses with 2-10 employees are eligible for $5,000 awards. Businesses with 11-25 employees are eligible for $10,000 awards.
Applications and additional information will be made available on the Community Lending Works website beginning on November 24:
https://communitylendingworks.org/emergency-grants-eugene
This funding is being administered through a grant agreement between Community Lending Works (CLW) and the City of Eugene and allocates $100,000 of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds for this purpose. The City of Eugene will distribute the funds to CLW, who is administering the grants.
Questions can be sent to communityrecovery@eugene-or.gov
Spanish speakers can direct questions to yvett@communitylendingworks.org
Additional information
Eugene Community Recovery is a collaborative effort between City of Eugene, regional partners and members of our community who are working together to maintain critical services, identify community needs and support long term community wellbeing.
Eugene Community Recovery focuses on recovery in multiple areas such as public health, childcare, non-profit support, housing stability, and job availability and retraining.
Eugene Community Recovery has implemented community solutions with the United Way and the Eugene Water and Electric Board to support families needing childcare solutions, access to basic needs, support for nonprofits providing basic needs, and utility assistance for low-income individuals, childcare providers, and essential service nonprofits.
More information about Eugene Community Recovery can be found at www.eugene-or.gov/eugenecommunityrecovery