COVID-19 Small Business Resources
Business survival and retention is a top priority. We all want to emerge from the other side of this with the ability o restore our businesses, livelihoods, and economy.
Reaching out countywide, Columbia County Economic Team will be communicating with you regularly.
Please bookmark us and visit often for updates.
Emergency Small Business Grants
The grant application period has closed for Columbia County’s current round of grant funding. If you submitted a grant application, add grants@columbiacountyoregon to your list of “known” or “favorites” in your email platform. You may be getting a message requiring immediate response and additional information, that will help ensure you see it.
And check you junk or spam folders often. You’ll need to respond IMMEDIATELY as time is very short; these applications must be complete and approved this week. All grant recipients will be notified by Wednesday, Dec. 30.
Advocacy
Have OR-OSHA Covid Rules Cost Your Business?
Survey from Oregon State Chamber of Commerce
Businesses across the state have been impacted by the new OR-OSHA temporary COVID-19 rules. In order to comply with these rules, businesses face both time and financial costs. Here’s a chart that shows the requirements of the new OR-OSHA temporary rules and a link to the COVID-19 Standard webpage for resources to help with compliance.
OR-OSHA is planning to make the temporary COVID-19 rules permanent (with possible changes) for the duration of the pandemic, and the agency has asked stakeholders to help estimate the cost of compliance of these new mandates.
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey from the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce and share how much complying with the new mandates have cost you as a business owner or operations manager!
Please fill out the survey by January 21, 2021. Your answers will be aggregated and no personal information will be shared.
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The CCET Board of Directors has unanimously voted to support the Compatibility Remand component currently before the Board of County Commissioners, as the final step in the Port of Columbia County’s Port Westward Re-Zoning application. You may recall, this application has been in consideration for seven years. On behalf of the CCET Board we have sent our letter of support (attached) to the Board of Columbia County Commissioners and we strongly encourage you to do the same.
After withstanding all challenges – including LUBA and state Appellate Courts – it is down to one issue, “compatibility” and the County Commissioners will soon make a decision on that. We have 21 days to submit written comments BY December 7th, and CCET strongly urges you to do so – and encourage others to join you.
Here’s how:
- Submit your letter of support to the Board of County Commissioners’ by email to normine@columbiacountyor.gov — right away, but definitely before January 27th.
- Use a Subject line like: “We Support your approval of Port of Columbia County’s Compatibility conditions for Port Westward Re-Zoning – to make certain it’s collected into the proper file
- Craft your own support letter or use the customizable sample letter attached. Or simply send the other template. Feel free to use the attached CCET Board support letter for reference.
- Keep it simple and straightforward: This is about Land Use Compatibility between the lands to be re-zoned and adjacent agricultural lands. All other issues have been resolved through years of process, legal challenges, etc. It’s down to this one thing, compatibility, which has been addressed through the Port’s actions.
- When you email to the Board of Commissioners, please Cc CCET at advocacy@columbiacountyoregon.com. We’ll be gathering and tracking letters of support. Also, please consider copying it to at least 3 others from your address book, urging them to join you.
- If you’re active in local organizations or public bodies, request a vote and resolution or letter in support.
- If you have questions, please go to the Port’s website for background, history, and FAQs. Do any research you need to but please make sure your letter of support is received at the County BY December 7th.
- If you need more samples or key discussion points, contact us at CCET, or go to click on the link above for a sample letter.
Here’s why:
- Creating much-needed family wage jobs and addressing a critical shortage of marine industrial sites on the Columbia River, were goals of the Port of Columbia County when it purchased approximately 837 acres of land next to the Port Westward Industrial Site from a willing seller in 2010.
- After public comment, Columbia County Commissioners are expected to make a final decision in January.
- This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are still others, mostly outside the county, that who will oppose this action once again – and try to make it about things it’s not.
- This is about uses the Port has proven are compatible through its actions, application modifications, and the compatible uses that are there today.
- Compatibility is working already. The singular issue remanded is for compatibility with adjacent or surrounding agricultural uses. The Port has overwhelmingly demonstrated that in multiple ways.
- The Port has worked together with interested parties and signed agricultural leases on the very land in question.
- The Port has implemented plans for large agricultural buffers around future industries.
- The Port has worked out agreeable and approved limitations on the type of industries to be located on the property – which further addresses “no adverse impact”.
- Large agricultural operations, small family farms, and rural homes have existed compatibly alongside military and industrial usage at Port Westward for eighty years.
- Industries at Port Westward already pay over 20 percent of all the property taxes received by Columbia County. Those taxes support public services including our Sheriff’s Office, County Roads & Parks, 9-1-1, 4-H/Extension, Vector Control, Soil & Water Conservation, plus the Clatskanie School District, RFPD, Park & Rec, Library, and Rainier Cemetery District. Making this land more developable will attract and enable investment that creates jobs and contributes even more to our communities and services.
Please join us by voicing your support and urging our County Board of Commissioners to approve the final Compatibility Remand component of the Port Westward Re-zoning Application. Time is urgent, send to: jacyn.normine@columbiacountyor.gov on or before January 27th.
PPE for Small Business
Get PPE for your small business here. Order Today!! Masks, Gowns, Sanitizer and Gloves
Keep your employees and customers healthy and safe – at an affordable price. Download your PPE order form here and send it back immediately to info@columbiacountyoregon.com. If received by 5 p.m. Thursday, your order will be available on Friday the next day, anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at CCET Office at the St. Helens Library.
Free disposable masks (limit 200 per week, per business) and quality anti-microbial masks, plus sanitizer and gloves.
This program brought to you as a service of Columbia County Board of Commissioners, CCET – Columbia County Economic Team, and the Columbia County Fair Board.
Daily Updates
LOCAL
STATE
OHA launches COVID-19 vaccine dashboard showing the status of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination effort. The dashboard will provide daily updates on the number of people partially and fully vaccinated, along with key demographic information showing race, ethnicity, sex and age of everyone immunized.
The dashboard also shows information by county.
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New Oregon Framework by Activity 12.2.20
https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19
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Masks, face shields and face coverings are currently required statewide for indoor public spaces (for example, grocery stores, pharmacies, public transit, personal services providers, restaurants, bars, retail stores, and more). In addition, face coverings are required in outdoor public spaces when physical distancing is not possible.
Children age 5 and up are required to wear a face covering. People with a disability or medical condition may request accommodation from the business if they cannot wear one.
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Governor Kate Brown Releases School Health and Safety Metrics
Updated guidance for schools is released
1/20/21
As part of its planned guidance and metrics review process with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) released an update to the Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance.
The updated guidance includes updated advisory metrics for in-person instruction. The metrics are based on the latest COVID-19 studies and data and help Oregon’s schools make informed decisions about returning to in-person instruction.
While health metrics have shifted from required to advisory, schools must follow all the required guidelines. All staff must be trained on the first three sections of Ready Schools, Safe Learners and schools need to designate a school leader to implement, support and enforce health and safety protocols.
A new requirement, that when students and staff return to in-person instruction out of alignment with the advised metrics, schools must offer access to on-site COVID-19 testing for symptomatic students and staff identified on campus as well as those with known exposure to individuals with COVID-19.
The update also includes multiple new resources to support learning outside, field trips, equitable grading practices, attendance best practices, contact tracing partnerships, COVID-19 testing, and more.
A video of ODE Director Colt Gill explaining the updates is available.
Updated guidance will be posted to coronavirus.oregon.gov.
NATIONAL
Phase Two Reopening Guidance
This information has been updated effective August 13, 2020. We will continue to keep this page updated as we receive new information.
County Guidance for Entering Phase 2
Outdoor Recreation Organization Guidance
Indoor & Outdoor Entertainment Facilities Guidance
Indoor & Outdoor Entertainment Facilities FAQs
Swimming Pools, Spas, & Sports Courts Guidance
Pools, Spas & Sport Courts Guidance
Venues & Event Operators Guidance
Coronavirus Funding Options
Small Business Association Funding Options
We know business owners have suffered significant economic loss during this pandemic, and we want to help by providing timely and relevant funding information Here’s an updated list of resources for loans and grant funding that are available during COVID-19. We encourage you to explore all options and to let us know how we can help.
For specific questions, please reach out to the local small business specialist here in Columbia County, Mark Ellsworth – ellsworth@portofcolumbiacounty.org.
Grants
Oregon Small Business Stabilization Grants
Finder.com – Local, State, Federal and Private Grants for Small Business Owners
Facebook Small Business Grant Program – Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where they operate. The application process is not open yet and we will share more details as they become available.
Pamplin Media Marketing Grant – Pamplin Media has established a $1million marketing grant fund to assist local businesses with their advertising during these challenging times.
Restaurant Employee Relief Funds
Guidance for Businesses and Employers
Small Business Navigator
Small Business Solutions Video Series courtesy of the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce
SBA Guidance & Resources
Small Business Development Center Resources
The PCC SBDC is available to assist you in assessing the appropriate actions for your business. Please email: sbdc@pcc.edu if you need assistance in this planning process, or if you have any questions regarding the guidelines.
SBDC COVID-19 Business Resources
Information for Employers
State of Oregon Employment Department- The health and safety of workplaces is of utmost importance to the Oregon Employment Department. This information provides general guidance to employers, workers, and job seekers who may be impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
This web page will be updated as more information becomes available. The Oregon Employment Department is working with partner agencies nationwide and the U.S. Department of Labor to ask for additional unemployment benefits options related to COVID-19.
Columbia County Worksource Office: 503-397-4995.
Please note: The office is currently staffed to receive phone calls but the lobby is not open to the general public.
Reduced Hours via Workshare. Work Share provides an alternative for larger employers who may be facing the prospect of a lay off situation. With Work Share, instead of reducing staff, an employer reduces the hours of work for a group of workers. Partial Unemployment Insurance benefits are then paid to supplement workers’ reduced wages.
Permanent Layoffs: Rapid Response Assistance – If you are considering a long-term or permanent layoff of workers, contact the WorkSource center for rapid response assistance. Local Rapid Response teams can help you navigate through this challenging process and assist with the development and implementation of a transition strategy.
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Below are the recommended strategies for employers to use now:
- Actively encourage sick employees to stay home
- Separate sick employees
- Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees
- Perform routine environmental cleaning
- Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps
- Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel.
- Specific travel information for travelers going to and returning from designated countries with risk of community spread of Coronavirus, and information for aircrew, can be found on the CDC website.
Additional Measures in Response to Currently Occurring Sporadic Importations of the COVID-19:
- Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.
- If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Employees exposed to a co-worker with confirmed COVID-19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.
Local Partners & Resources
Northwest Oregon Works
Local Credit Unions & Loan Assistance
Wauna Credit Union. – Wauna Credit Union is an SBA-approved lender. Click here to apply for the SBA PPP Loan.
Wauna is currently providing a variety of low-cost borrowing options, which may help contribute to your ability to cope and maintain the necessities of life for you and your families during and following the coronavirus pandemic:
- 0% Visa Balance Transfer promotion (extended through June 30th , 2020)
- Current Loan Rebate promotion (90 days no payment, $500 cash back)
- EZ$ Loan (up to $1,100)* and EZ$ Premium (up to $2,600)*
- Credit card limit increases
- Current HELOC promotion
SBA Payroll Protection Loan Program – Round Two Applications
- The SBA PPP loan program will again begin accepting applications Monday, April 27.
- We expect this round of funding to again be depleted quickly. Current InRoads business members should send an email to payrollprotection@inroadscu.org to receive a link to a secure application.
- Completed applications will be processed in the order received although we cannot guarantee funding due to high demand nationwide.
Member Assistance
During this unprecedented time, InRoads continues to be a resource for our members and our communities. To help you navigate through any financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, we’ve put new programs in place including*:
- Emergency Assistance Loans: A zero interest loan up to $2,500 and no payments for 90 days to assist existing InRoads members to pay bills, rent, cover groceries, or other financial needs. Click here to apply.
- Personal Loans: We’ve lowered the rates on new personal loans to help those who may be seeking a little extra security in their wallets right now. We’re also offering no payments for 90 days. Click here to apply.
- Skip Payment: If you have an existing InRoads loan that qualifies, you may be able to skip payments for two months with no skip payment fee.
- Pay loans by phone: We are currently waiving all pay by phone fees.
- Rewards Checking requirements: We will waive the 10 debit card purchases per cycle requirement to receive rewards during this time.
- Business Assistance Loans: Email us at business.assistance@inroadscu.org to request assistance with your current InRoads business loan(s) during this time.
We are here to work with you. Have a need that’s not listed? Reach out via email at member.service@inroadscu.org, by phone at 503.397.2376, or our LIVE app and we’ll talk more.
Local Business Advocacy and Chambers of Commerce
Local Goverment Resources
Utilities
State Resources
Here’s a list of relevant state resources to help navigate your business through this crisis. We’ll keep this page updated and add or remove relevant and timely information as needed.
We encourage you to explore your options, and don’t hesitate to reach out with additional questions. We are here for you – let us know how we can help!
Governor Kate Brown COVID-19 Resources for Oregonians
Oregon State Chamber of Commerce
Oregon Economic Development Association
Northwest Grocery Association Guidelines
Ready to reopen? Here’s what you need to know – From SAIF
National & International Resources
Here’s a list of national resources to help navigate your business through this crisis, and to help you stay informed about COVID-19 at the national level We’ll keep this page updated with timely and relevant information as we receive it.