What Oregon Business Grants are available?
Oregon offers various grants to support small businesses, help with funding needs, and promote growth. Here are some critical business grants available in Oregon.
- Business Oregon’s Grant Programs: This includes several types of grants. Community grants focus on infrastructure, health, and safety projects. Business grants for exporting goods assist companies that want to sell products overseas. Emergency grants offer quick financial help during tough times.
- Rural Opportunity Initiative (ROI): This program supports rural businesses. It provides funding to improve access to capital and resources. The goal is to boost economic growth in rural areas.
- Federal Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Support Program: This federal grant helps small businesses engage in research and development. It funds innovative projects that can lead to new technologies and products.
- Rural Business Development Grants from USDA: These grants target rural areas. They help small businesses grow by providing financial assistance for various activities, including training and technical assistance.
- CDBG-CV Statewide Emergency Small Business & Microenterprise Grant Program: Businesses in Oregon can access federal grant funds through the Oregon Community Development Block Grant. This program provides technical assistance to support financial stability, job retention, and job creation for individuals with low—and moderate-income levels, aiding businesses in navigating economic challenges and ensuring future success.
- Small Business Microenterprise Assistance (SBMA) Grants: These grants support microenterprises, which are very small businesses. They focus on helping low-income entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses.
- Technical Assistance (TA) Grants: TA Grants offer support for training and technical help. They aim to strengthen the skills of business owners and their employees. Obtaining a loan at startup requires a business plan and often collateral.
- Oregon Business Recovery Center (BRC) Grants: BRC provides financial aid for businesses recovering from disasters, such as natural disasters or economic downturns.
- Prosper Portland’s Local Small Business Repair Grants: These grants focus on helping local small businesses with repairs and improvements. They aim to enhance the physical spaces of businesses, making them more appealing. Prosper Portland also assists businesses that do not qualify for bank loans due to shortfalls, ensuring they have access to alternative funding options.
What tax credits are available for Oregon Businesses?
Oregon offers several tax credits to help small businesses thrive. These credits can reduce the taxes owed, making it easier for business owners to invest in their companies.
Here are some key tax credits available in Oregon.
- Strategic Investment Program (SIP): This program provides property tax exemptions for significant investments in manufacturing and research facilities. It encourages businesses to create jobs and invest in local economies.
- Enterprise Zones: Businesses in designated enterprise zones can receive property tax exemptions. This helps attract new companies or expand existing ones in economically distressed areas.
- Oregon Investment Advantage (OIA): This credit is for businesses that invest significantly in specific industries. It encourages growth by reducing corporate income taxes for qualifying companies.
- Research and Development Tax Credit: Businesses engaging in qualified research activities can claim a credit against their corporate income tax. This promotes innovation and technological advancements within the state.
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Tax Credits: Companies working with SBDCs may qualify for various credits. These credits support business development and growth through training and resources.
- Film and Video Tax Credit: Film and video producers can receive tax credits based on their spending in Oregon. This supports the local film industry and creates jobs.
- Historic Property Rehabilitation Tax Credit: Businesses restoring historic properties can benefit from this credit. It incentivizes preservation while promoting tourism and local culture.
Can I get an Oregon Business Loan with Bad Credit?
A low credit score limits financing options, but credit-challenged Oregon small business owners can still access needed capital with bad credit business loans. These specialized financing options focus on a business’s cash flow and growth potential more than the personal credit score of the business owner(s), increasing your chances of credit and lender approval.
Several alternative lenders specialize in providing business financing for credit-challenged entrepreneurs. Online lenders offer easy online applications with minimal documentation, quick decisions, and fast funding, which benefits small businesses with urgent capital needs.
However, business loans for bad credit often carry high interest rates and increased fees. In addition, you may receive a lower maximum loan amount, have shorter repayment terms, and require more frequent repayment. These conditions can lead to further financial strain if not properly managed. Ensure you have a plan and budget before agreeing to a bad credit business loan.
A popular strategy for OR business owners is to use a bad credit business loan as short-term financing until their credit improves. With a better credit score, entrepreneurs can potentially access lower-cost, long-term loans and pay off bad credit business loan debt.

