Pulling Together
Applegate farmers and food producers have been trying to join forces for years. Is this their moment? "We're honing in on action," says AGA co-Director, Megan Fehrman. by Christina Ammon…
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Fast Internet Reaches The Applegate
Rural residents react to Elon Musk's newfangled Starlink satellites. by Footloose in The Applegate One night sitting around a fire with my friends, four blinking lights paraded in a neat row across…
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Business Oregon Announces Commercial Rent Relief Grants to Help Small Businesses Behind on Lease Payments
Business Oregon Announces Commercial Rent Relief Grants to Help Small Businesses Behind on Lease Payments The Oregon Legislative Emergency Board allocated $100 million to Business Oregon for a new…
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Upcoming Small Business Grants
Upcoming Funding Announcement: Small Business Grants As the economic impacts of the pandemic continue, the Oregon legislature and Governor Kate Brown approved $20 million more to Business Oregon’s Emergency Business Assistance…
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Southern Oregon Startup Challenge
Southern Oregon Startup Challenge SOREDI and local angel investors have launched the Southern Oregon Startup Challenge, a Q4 2020 competition among Rogue Valley companies. This challenge may result in up…
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National Small Business Association (NSBA) is Seeking Small Business Leader to Join Leadership Council
The National Small Business Association (NSBA) is seeking leaders from the small business community to become part of NSBA’s Leadership Council. Specifically we are seeking members who may know their…
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Free PPE for Small businesses and Nonprofits
The Governor’s office in partnership with the Oregon Legislature’s Emergency Board, allocated $10 Million from the federal CARES Act funding for the purchases of personal protective supplies for small business.…
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New Restaurant Regulations for Winter
Many restaurants may be considering using tents to keep outdoor areas warm, while continuing to make extra space available for physical distancing. They should be aware that tents should either…
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Disaster-Related Public Contracting Opportunities
Disaster-Related Public Contracting Opportunities. Any businesses that are interested in selling services or products to the relief effort should ensure they are registered in the FEMA and State (ORPIN/Oregon Buys)…
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USDA Recreation Economy Resource Guide
USDA Recreation Economy Resource Guide Available Now! USDA launched a resource guide to provide rural community leaders and economic development practitioners a complete list of programs at Rural Development, Forest Service, and National Institute for…
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Recent Updates from Regional Solutions Office
Dear SW Oregon Economic Development & Business Services Professionals: New social gathering policy—limiting indoor “social get-togethers” to 10 people: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2351G.pdf New policy requiring face coverings in certain outdoor locations: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2288K.pdf…
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USDA Offers $1 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Rural Businesses/Ag Producers
USDA offers $1 Billion in loan guarantees nationwide to help rural businesses and agricultural producers impacted by COVID-19: The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is making available up to $1 billion…
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Phase II Reopening Guidance Tool
OHA has posted a “Reopening Guidance Tool” that graphically helps explain what types of businesses fit where, both in terms of phases & gathering limits. (You may note that this…
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New Changes to PPP & EIDL Grants
The new Governor’s Executive Order spelling out how the new Phase 2 rules relate to prior guidance is now available: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Documents/executive_orders/eo_20-27.pdf In particular, For new language on travel guidance and modified return…
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Phase 2 Reopening Informational Webinars
In cooperation with local public health & Chambers of Commerce, Regional Solutions will host two webinars tomorrow, Friday, June 5 for SW Oregon businesses and other organizations, on the Phase…
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Specialty Crops Producers Can Now Apply for Financial Assistance Through USDA? Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Specialty Crops Producers Can Now Apply for Financial Assistance Through USDA? Coronavirus Food Assistance Program WASHINGTON, May 26, 2020-? Specialty crops producers can now apply for USDA?s Coronavirus Food Assistance…
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Gov. Urge for Limited Travel on Memorial Day Weekend; Main Street Resources; Food Hub Survey
Memorial Day: The Governor issued an announcement urging restraint and limited travel over Memorial Day weekend, which was co-signed by several of mayors from our region. News release here: https://www.oregon.gov/newsroom/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?newsid=36667…
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Updates from Regional Solutions Office
Oregon Businesses Encouraged to Apply for Paycheck Protection Loans Now Oregon businesses that have not yet applied for Paycheck Protection Program loans can still take advantage of the funds, with…
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Business Updates; Resources for Re-opening
Re-opening webinars for small businesses-TODAY/TOMORROW. Regional Solutions is working with County public health to provide webinars for small businesses to help understand the sector guidelines for retail; restaurants/bars; and personal…
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Info for re-opening businesses; Contact Tracer Workforce Recruitment; Faith Based Community & COVID-19 Webinar
Best website for the latest State guidance and thinking about Re-Opening is: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/erd/pages/covid-19-news.aspx Watch for a forthcoming announcement from Business Oregon about making funds available to match local small business grant programs.…
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Sector Guidelines for Reopening Businesses
The final guidelines (except for child care) are now on OHA’s website. On page: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19 , scroll down to Governor’s Orders and OHA Guidance (halfway down the page), then open “OHA…
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Jeff Merkley: Loans Newly Available to Farmers and Ranchers
Oregon’s farmers and ranchers are a critical piece of our rural economies, and that’s why I led the charge to successfully include a provision in the most recent coronavirus legislation…
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The Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Holds Public Teleconference
The Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Holds Public Teleconference The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement announces that a public teleconference of the Advisory…
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Updates and Resources forEconomic Development & Business Services Professionals (5/5/2020))
Dear SW Oregon Economic Development & Business Services Professionals: Financial support for child care providers. The Oregon Early Learning Division has set-up a portal to apply for the emergency funds. The…
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Economic Injury Disaster Loan/Advance program now accepting applications from AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES ONLY
SBA has just opened its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance application portal to agricultural businesses. See attached press release. Due to the already large number of EIDL…
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Independent contractors and self-employed can now apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 28, 2020 CONTACT INFORMATION Gail Kiles Krumenauer, Communications Director Phone: (503) 947-1268 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Available in Oregon Starting today, the Oregon Employment Department is providing…
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Travel Oregon Offers “State of the Tourism Industry” Webinar
Wednesday, April 29 at 1:30 p.m. Next Wednesday, Travel Oregon will host a State of the Travel Industry webinar. Join Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson, Alana Hughson, managing director of…
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U.S. House of Representatives to Vote on Next Federal Package for Business Support
The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on the next Federal package for COVID-19 business support. Additional funds ($310 billion) would be allocated to the Paycheck Protection Program,…
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USDA Announces Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program will take several actions to assist farmers, ranchers, and…
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Small Business Administration Unable to Accept New Applications for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Program
Employment and Economic Response to COVID-19 Daily Digest: Thursday, April 16 This digest is a compilation of information and resources related to employment, commerce and economic development issues surrounding COVID-19.…
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Paycheck Protection Program and Layoff Aversion Updates
Paycheck Protection Program update: 9500 PPP loans have been approved for Oregon businesses, totaling almost $2.5 billion through April 13. Nationwide $258B of the $349B provided in CARES Act had…
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Jackson County Library Services Resource List for Small Businesses
Resources for Small Businesses Government Jackson County COVID-19 Response provides a daily situational update as well as emergency news and information. Oregon Response provides Coronavirus information and resources, executive order updates and information about sick leave…
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Comprehensive List of USDA Programs Available to Rural Communities, Organizations and Individuals
U.S. Department of Agriculture has released a comprehensive description of programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource…
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Video: Finance Relief Options for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
Recording of SBDC CARES Act explanation workshop: https://youtu.be/i9spueKweT4
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OLCC Will Temporarily Accept Expired State of Oregon Issued ID
OLCC Will Temporarily Accept Expired State of Oregon Issued ID April 8, 2020 The Oregon Liquor Control Commission will allow alcohol and marijuana licensees to accept expired Oregon driver licenses…
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April 8: USDA Implements Meaures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities
STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT: USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19 *Updated April 8, 2020* WASHINGTON, April 8, 2020 – USDA Rural Development has taken a…
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CARES Act Student Loan Information
Dear Friend, I hope this message finds you well, and that you and your family are staying home and staying safe as our fight against the coronavirus continues. Throughout the…
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Business Impact Survey Travel Oregon, SBDC, and Business Oregon:
Sharing your experience is the best way to ensure that your business is getting the support it needs during this emergency and emergencies in the future. Fill out this Business…
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USDA announces second round of telemedicine/distance learning grants
Distance Learning and Telemedicine IEDC webinar on COVID-19 response: https://members.iedconline.org/IEDC/IEDCCore/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=WEBIN0420C Latest on unemployment insurance claims: https://www.oregon.gov/employ/Agency/Pages/News-Releases.aspx#release?id=87
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CARES Act/Paycheck Protection Program
Snippet from Sen. Merkley’s office: “The Administration/U.S. Treasury has not yet sent banks and credit unions the info they need to accept and process the new Payroll Protection Program (PPG)…
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New Guidance on CARES Act from SBA & Treasury
New guidance came out today on the CARES Act, making clear that companies that have had layoffs—but re-hire—are eligible: The new rules (1) require businesses to spend 75 percent of…
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Comprehensive List of FAQ’s About the CARES Act.
Comprehensive list of questions and answers about all things related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Information for regular citizens, businesses, nonprofits, students, Medicare recipients, those receiving/seeking…
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The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they…
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Post Changes to Your Business on soforso.com!
A new website, www.soforso.com, (Southern Oregon for Southern Oregon) has sprung up to help local businesses connect with customers. Local businesses can go to the site and submit information about…
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Dense List of Economic Recovery Resources from Gov. Brown’s Regional Solutions Office
The CARES ACT: Different versions of the summary are probably best for different audiences. A few that I have seen. Possibly the most digestible piece came out of the Senate…
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Economic Relief Resources from USDA for Rural Residents and Businesses
USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19 WASHINGTON, March 25, 2020 – USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to…
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Economic Disaster Declared by SBA Allowing for Increased Resources for Small Businesses
Dear Friend, Over the past few weeks, I’ve spoken with and heard from small business owners from all across Oregon about the massive economic consequences of the coronavirus crisis. In…
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Employment and Economic Recovery Daily Digest; Regional Solutions/Governor Brown’s Office
STATEWIDE Employment and Economic Response to COVID-19 Daily Digest Monday, March 23 This digest is a compilation of information and resources related to employment, commerce and economic development issues surrounding COVID-19.…
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Marijuana Retail Licensees Allowed to Provide Curbside Delivery
Temporary Rule Aligns With Governor’s Executive Order to Promote Social Distancing Portland, OR -- Today the Oregon Liquor Control Commission approved a temporary rule that supports social distancing to…
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Public Safety, Safe Access Focus of Latest Commission Action
Enforcement Powers Granted to Combat Establishments Defying Executive Order Portland, OR -- Commissioners of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission met today to adopt temporary rules to protect public safety and safe…
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Economic Injury Disaster Lending (EIDL) Has Been Approved for Jackson and Josephine Counties
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). SBA disaster assistance…
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OLCC Cutting Red Tape for Alcohol and Marijuana Licensees
Actions Designed to Provide Economic Relief and Business Opportunity in Face of Covid-19 Hardships Portland, OR -- Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and measures to prevent its spread put…
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Josephine County SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
We are closely monitoring the quickly developing effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We have created a web page with all updates, business resources, and general health announcements at https://www.grantspasschamber.org/community-health-alerts Here are…
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