Top Small Business Grants for 2025 in Oregon

According to an Oregon Public Broadcasting article, there are around 400,000 small businesses registered across the state, accounting for more than half the state’s total employment. These businesses not only provide jobs, but contribute to the state economy through the sale of goods and services.

At the same time, starting and running a small business in Oregon isn’t always easy. Perhaps more than ever, small businesses across the nation are facing challenges as they relate to rising costs, inflation, and new tax regulations. The good news? There are many grants available to fuel the growth and sustainability of small businesses here in the Beaver State.

From state-specific and federal grants to funding options for corporate and private foundations, all small businesses operating in the great state of Oregon should be aware of the assistance that may be available to them. Not sure where to begin? We’re covering what you need to know as a small business owner below.

What are small business grants?

Specifically, small business grants refer to dedicated funding that’s available to help small business owners cover expenses without having to take out additional loans. Unlike business loans, grant money generally does not need to be paid back and doesn’t involve giving up any equity in the business to an investor. And because grants don’t require repayment, they also don’t come with any interest charges or other fees. 

Small business owners in Oregon are encouraged to explore all their options when it comes to grants because doing so could help them secure the funding they need to grow their businesses, take on new ventures, and achieve greater levels of success, all while freeing up more cash flow.

Who funds small business grants? Typically, grant programs are made available directly through the state or even the federal government. In some cases, third-party grants may be available, but this is less common. Likewise, charitable organizations may offer small business grants to private or even nonprofit organizations, whereas other grants may be industry-specific.

With so many different types of grants to explore, Oregon business owners may be wondering where to begin. Generally, it’s a good idea to start by exploring options for state-specific and federal grants before moving onto other opportunities.

Oregon state-specific grants

Fortunately, Oregon is a state that offers many grants to small businesses. Here are a few options you may want to explore for your own business.

Business Oregon grants

Oregon has its own economic development agency, which is known as Business Oregon. Within this agency, there are numerous grant funds, including:

• Community grants for infrastructure, health, and safety.
• Business grants for exporting goods.
• Emergency grants for businesses.

Application process: best practices and tips

The process to apply for any of Business Oregon’s small business grants will depend on the exact grant for which you are applying. For example, if you’re applying for business grants for exporting goods, you’ll need to ensure that your business meets the qualification criteria. 

From there, you’ll need to submit the required documentation, which includes (but is not limited to):

• Business certification forms
• Application form (online)
• Global Trade Promotion Program application

Many of these grants are available on a first-come-first-serve basis until funds run out, so it’s always better to prepare and submit your application materials sooner rather than later.

Oregon Small Business Development Center (SBDC) resources

While the Oregon Small Business Development Center doesn’t offer any direct grant funding options, it does work to connect small business owners in the state with resources to help them secure necessary funding — whether that be in the form of grants, loans, or venture capital. 

What about industry-specific grants in Oregon?

Many of the grants available to small businesses throughout Oregon are industry-specific, meaning they are available only to businesses in certain sectors. According to USGrants.org, the most commonly represented industries in Oregon grant-funding include:

• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services
• Accommodation and Food Services

Likewise, the state offers numerous grant options for farming industry businesses, with funding often made available through the Bureau of Land Management. You can explore specific grant options here.

Federal grants available to Oregon businesses

In addition to state-specific grants, Oregon small business owners may also want to expand their horizons and apply for federal grants as well. While small business owners may have a greater chance of being approved for state funding, federal grant options may be more heavily funded and may thus still be worth exploring.

Whether your small business is looking to fund research and development, expand your operations, or innovate new products/services, federal grant options can help make it happen. 

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program

For small businesses looking to raise funding for scientific research, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program may be worth looking into. Specifically, this program offers research and development funding in a two-phase process, providing small businesses grant money when they meet certain eligibility requirements (such as partnering with a local college or university for research).

Application process: best practices and tips

Before you can apply for STTR funding, your business will need to pre-register with the federal System for Award Management (SAM). You’ll need to obtain your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in order to submit your formal application, so complete this step early on to avoid delays. 

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program

Closely related to the STTR program is the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Like STTR, SBIR offers grant funding to businesses looking to invest in research and development. However, whereas STTR grants tend to focus more on collaboration between small businesses and research institutions, SBIR grants are often centered around internal R&D.

To qualify for STTR funding, businesses must have fewer than 50 employees with more than 50% ownership and control by United States citizens or permanent residents.

Application process: best practices and tips

Businesses applying for STTR funding are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements before submitting an application. Likewise, it’s a good idea to start the registration and application process sooner rather than later, as funding can run out if you wait until the official deadline.

Small Business Administration grants

Oregon small business owners may also want to explore funding options available through the United States Small Business Administration. According to the SBA website, “SBA provides grants to nonprofits, Resource Partners, and educational organizations. These grants aim to support entrepreneurship through counseling and training programs.”

Common types of SBA grants that may be available to Oregon business owners include:

• Manufacturing grants
• Research and development grants (including SBIR and STTR)
• Grants for community organizations
• State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grants

Application process: best practices and tips

Application requirements can vary greatly depending on the specific grant for which you’re applying, so be sure to read eligibility and application details on the SBA website carefully before you get started — paying special attention to deadlines.

Corporate and private foundation grants

Some private foundations and corporations may also offer grants to small businesses in Oregon and the rest of the country, so these may be worth looking into in addition to state and federal funding options.

Backing Small Business by American Express and Main Street America

American Express and Main Street America have been offering small business grants since 2021, offering funding to independent businesses with brick-and-mortar locations across the United States. This program, which is available to businesses with fewer than 20 employees, aims to strengthen businesses by providing up to $10,000 to fund “projects that promote sustainable growth, enhance long-term resilience, and increase local impact.”

Amazon Small Business Grant program

Retail giant Amazon also hosts a small business grant program each year, offering grant amounts that range from $15,000 to $25,000 — and totaling more than $250,000. To be eligible, business owners must have an existing Amazon Business Customer account and have an annual revenue of less than or equal to $1,000,000. 

Tailor AID

Tailor Brands is also proud to announce its Tailor AID program, which aims to give up to 1,000 displaced workers a fresh start with a fully funded business kit to help them launch their own businesses. To qualify, you must be a United States citizen and provide proof of termination due to AI within the past 90 days. This offer, which is valued at $1,000, can be a great way for aspiring Oregon business owners to finally make their move.

Applying for small business grants in Oregon: best practices for success

As you can see, there are many grant options available to small business owners in Oregon. The key, of course, is to exhaust your research and determine which opportunities are worth your time and effort to apply.

Here are some additional tips worth keeping in mind as you prepare to apply for small business grants:

• Don’t procrastinate: Many grants are offered on a first-come-first-served basis — and once grant funds run out, that’s it for the year. By submitting your application early, you could have a better chance of receiving funding.
• Gather documentation: Some grant applications require a great deal of documentation, so be sure to review the list of supporting documents you’ll need early on in the process. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to gather the paperwork needed for your application.
• Prioritize your proposal: Most grant applications will also require a written proposal, which should outline your business objectives and how you plan to use the funds from the grant. This document could be the difference between your application being approved or rejected, so it’s not something to take lightly.

Conclusion

Small business owners in Oregon have a lot to keep in mind when it comes to running their businesses smoothly and efficiently. From staying on top of changing industry regulations to maintaining documentation for taxes, accounting, and bookkeeping, whether you’re just starting a small business or a seasoned pro, the work is never done.

If you’re looking for assistance in exploring your business funding options, managing your small business, or even setting up a professional business website, Tailor Brands has you covered. With one subscription, you’ll enjoy access to more than 20 different business tools and services to help you manage your business needs as they evolve. Get in touch to learn more about our services today.