The East Multnomah County small business relief fund application is now closed. 

Q: What is a private or family-owned business? 
A: Private or family-owned businesses are majority-owned by a member or members of a single family. They are actively involved in the day-to-day management of the businesses and potentially employ fellow family members.

Q: Why do I have to fill out a new form when I’ve already applied to previous grant, loan and/or utility credit programs?
A: These are federal funds and consequently have different requirements for reporting. In addition, we have applied lessons learned from previous relief programs to ensure that the application captures the most accurate demographic and business owner information.

Q: Are franchises eligible?
A: Yes, franchises or businesses with multiple locations are eligible if they meet the other eligibility requirements noted in the grant.

Q: I qualify for unemployment but have not received notice. Will this affect my application? Am I eligible?
A: If you are a business owner (including sole proprietor, freelancer, independent contractor) and qualify for unemployment benefits you still may be eligible for this grant opportunity as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements noted in the grant.

Q: What information should I gather for my grant application?
A: Please have these items on hand when you’re ready to apply:

Q: My business is registered to an address outside of East Multnomah County but I sometimes sell in one of the eligible jurisdictions; am I eligible?
A: While the address on your state business registry is the address used to verify your initial eligibility, if you have an active business license in East Multnomah County you are eligible to apply for grant funds.  

Q: How do I calculate gross revenue?
A: Your gross revenue is your total business sales BEFORE any deductions. For example, if you sold a dress for $100 then your gross revenue is $100.

Q: I can’t find a field to enter my 2019 gross sales; what should I do?
A:The application does not ask for exact sales figures. You will need to know if your gross sales were below the $2,000,000 eligibility threshold and you have experienced a decline in your revenue since March 1, 2020.  If your application is selected, you may be asked for verification.  

Q: How do I estimate my decline in revenue?
A: At the time of application, you only need to confirm that your sales have declined since March 1, 2020. If your application is selected you may be asked for verification, in which case use your best judgment to estimate how your revenue was impacted by COVID-19.  

Q: If I had to lay people off am I disqualified for this grant funding opportunity?
A: No, applications are scored on a variety of elements, including business vulnerability, adaptability, and the impact of COVID-19 on the business.   

Q: Is the application available in other languages?
A: Yes. The application is available in English, Spanish, Russian and simplified Chinese.

Q: Why does eligibility not apply to businesses that were not operating prior to December 31, 2019?
A: These grants are designed to support businesses that are most impacted by COVID and have demonstrated experience with their business operations over the last year. 

Q: Do I have a better chance if I submit my application as soon as the process opens?
A: No, this is not a first-come first-served process. All of the eligible applications will be reviewed at the same time.  

Q: I am a freelancer/ independent contractor/ “solo-preneur.” Am I eligible for grant funding?
A: If you were in operation and in compliance with the State of Oregon registration requirements on or prior to December 31, 2019 you may be eligible for funding.

Businesses operating under the owner’s own name are not required to register with the State of Oregon. For more information visit the Oregon Secretary of State website under the question, “Are all businesses required to register and use an assumed business name?”

Q: If I own more than one business, will I be eligible to receive a grant for each business?
A: You should submit a separate application for each business. Each business is eligible for one grant, and each business is evaluated separately.  

Q: I need to make a change to my application. What should I do?
A: At the end of the application, you will have the chance to review your answers and go back to change them before you submit your completed application. 

We are verifying the information that you have submitted and can update information as needed if your application is selected. 

We are not able to update your answers if you are dissatisfied with your application responses. You will need to resubmit your application.

Q: Would relocation costs be an eligible use of grant funds? For example, we are currently renting space in a commissary kitchen that may close.
A: Yes, if the relocation costs are business expenses as described in the example above.

Q: I received a CARES ACT grant from another source, am I still eligible for this funding? 
A: Yes, but please indicate in your application where you have received funding. 
 

Q: My husband and I own our business, but I have been the sole operator for the past 10 years – does that qualify for the “woman-owned” category?

A: Yes, that qualifies as woman-owned.

Questions?

Contact: 503-552-6761
Email: [email protected]

 

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