Hillsboro Small Businesses Invited To Apply For Protective Equipment Grants

Press release from the City of Hillsboro:

June 4, 2020

Many small businesses need help and support to safely reopen and continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning on Friday, June 5, Hillsboro businesses can apply for a new Protective Equipment Grant program offered by the City of Hillsboro, in conjunction with community partners.

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Personal protective equipment (PPE) — such as masks, face coverings, and gloves — can be difficult for small businesses to acquire. Many small business owners cannot afford to wait extended periods of time for the delivery of these essential items during the Phase 1 reopening.

The City of Hillsboro has procured PPE with the specific intent of assisting local businesses to more safely resume customer interactions and operations.

• Hillsboro businesses increase donations during COVID-19 pandemic

How to Apply for a Protective Equipment Grant

• Visit our COVID-19 Business Resources webpage on June 5, 2020, starting at 9 am.
• Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Grant applications will be available in English and Spanish.
• City of Hillsboro staff are available by phone at 503-681-6100, in English and Spanish, to assist business owners who need help or have questions about the application process.
• The application window will remain open until further notice and while supplies are available.

Grant Selection Requirements and Priorities

Requirement:

• Grant funds will be awarded only to businesses located within Hillsboro city limits with an active business license from the City of Hillsboro prior to applying.

Priority will be given to:

• Businesses that are authorized to be open and operational, per State of Oregon Executive Orders, in the baseline and Phase 1 portion of the State of Oregon and Washington County’s reopening plan
• Businesses with 50 or fewer employees
• Businesses open to the public for operations
• Locally owned businesses will be prioritized over national chains and franchises

As part of this matching grant program, businesses must equally (50/50) share the cost of the requested equipment with the City of Hillsboro. For example, if a business requests, qualifies for, and is awarded $100 worth of equipment, then the businesses would pay $50 to the City. Selected businesses will pick up equipment and make payments at the Hillsboro Civic Center on the 4th floor.

Hillsboro Community Foundation Grant Opportunity

The Hillsboro Community Foundation (HCF) is offering a separate grant to help small businesses pay their portion of the PPE cost ordered through the City. These HCF grants are intended to assist small business owners who are unable to pay for their portion of the PPE purchase. For more information, contact the Hillsboro Community Foundation.

Other Available Resources

• Hand sanitizer will be available from the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, located at 5193 NE Elam Young Pkwy Suite A, or Centro de Prosperidad, located at 400 E Main Street, Suite 110 in Downtown Hillsboro — starting during the middle of next week. For details, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 503-648-1102 or Centro de Prosperidad at 503-336-9895.
• Business Oregon launched its Supply Connector resource to make it easier for Oregon businesses to get the vital PPE they need to keep employees and customers safe.
• The Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce also has a list of entities producing PPE.
• For other resources in English and Spanish, visit our COVID-19 Business Resources webpage or call the City of Hillsboro at 503-681-6100.