Relief Fund Established for Milwaukie Business Owners

On April 7, City Council adopted a resolution establishing a business relief fund to support small businesses in Milwaukie impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The fund will provide one-time grants up to $5,000 to businesses for working capital expenses, such as payroll, lease or commercial mortgage payments, utilities, insurance and inventory, among others.

The online application is at www.milwaukieoregon.gov/economicdevelopment/business-relief-fund or available in the link below. The total funding available is $130,000, which is being allocated from the Construction Excise Tax program. The application is open from Wednesday, April 8 through Friday, April 10.

“We know the coronavirus pandemic is causing tremendous impacts to Milwaukie’s business community and this is just one of the steps the city is taking to help,” said Ann Ober, city manager. “Combined with the resources being offered at both the federal and state levels, we hope this relief fund will help offset some of the effects Milwaukie business owners are forced to bear.”

Eligible businesses include:

• Businesses with a current Milwaukie business license
• Public-facing businesses (retail, coffee shop, food service, etc.) directly impacted by the governor’s executive orders
• Businesses experiencing 25% or higher decline in revenue because of the coronavirus pandemic

Priority will be given to businesses:

• Directly impacted by Executive Order 20-07 and Executive Order 20-12 
• With ten employees or less 
• Women-owned, person of color-owned, or veteran-owned  
• Included within city's economic development plans and strategies

Businesses do not qualify if they are a:

• National franchise 
• Non-profit organization 
• Business or individual whose primary revenue is generated from rental properties 
• Business owner with current liens or fees owed to the City of Milwaukie 

Anticipated timeline for the business relief fund grants:

• Application open from Wednesday, April 8 through Friday, April 10
• Grant recipients notified the week of April 20
• Grants resources available to businesses in late April or early May

Grant recipients will need to provide a budget outlining their anticipated uses for the funds and a follow-up report.

The online application is expected to open on Wednesday, April 8 after City Council approval. Please check back for updates. For more information, email econdev@milwaukieoregon.gov.