Posted
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Washington County releases RFI for Small Business Assistance in Underserved Communities
Washington County is issuing a request for interest (RFI) from community-based organizations and community development financial institutions about ways to assist small businesses in their recovery from the economic damage that occurred during the pandemic.
Throughout the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and corresponding economic downturn, Washington County responded with a range of small business support programs. Since early 2020, the County has allocated millions in Federal CARES Act and other funds for small businesses, either directly or through partnerships with a variety of entities—cities, community based-organizations (CBOs), and others.
In recognition of the disparate economic impacts of the economic downturn, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) gave direction for County staff to provide additional support services to small businesses and entrepreneurs during the reopening phase. An allocation of $250,000 has been made available for enhanced business support services tailored to communities with unequal access to resources and support.
The County recognizes that it can best achieve its goals of sustaining our diverse business community through partnerships with Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and others. These organizations are mission driven and they possess the technical expertise, community relationships, and other assets that can play a prominent role in this effort.
The County seeks expressions of interest from CBOs, CDFIs, and others who are willing to partner with the County in this mission of assisting our diverse business community in economic recovery from the pandemic. In this way, the County is open to receiving novel and community-grounded ideas about how to support small businesses—generally, those with fewer than 50 employees—during this recovery period.
Submission details and requirements can be found in the RFI here. Submissions are due to the County no later than 5:00 p.m. August 12, 2021
Questions about this RFI should be directed in writing to Matt Craigie, Economic Development Manager for Washington County [email protected].
Media Contact:
Silvia Pereida, Public Affairs and Communications Coordinator503-307-0932
[email protected]