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? Most small business grants come from state and federal programs, with a smaller number from corporations and foundations. 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, known as Business Oregon. Within this agency, grant programs for small businesses include:
- Oregon Trade Promotion Program (OTPP): Reimburses eligible Oregon small businesses for export-related expenses including international trade show participation, trade missions, and export training. Ad-hoc grants are currently capped at $7,500 per company with one grant per company allowed until further notice. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days before any planned activity. Federal STEP funds were fully allocated as of December 31, 2025. Limited state funds remain and are awarded first-come, first-served. Visit the Business Oregon export programs page for details.
Application process: best practices and tips
The process for applying to any Business Oregon grant depends on the specific program. For export grants, you’ll need to ensure your business meets eligibility criteria and submit the online OTPP application and any supporting documents Business Oregon asks for. Many grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out, so apply early.
Contact Business Oregon’s Regional Development Officers before applying. They can help identify the right program and guide you through the process.
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 funding, whether through grants, loans or investors.
Prosper Portland Reimagine Oregon Economic Opportunity Investment Fund
Prosper Portland’s Reimagine Oregon Economic Opportunity Investment grants fund Portland businesses and nonprofits whose projects support communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition. Grants range from $5,000 to $300,000, and anchor projects from $50,000 to $700,000.
The last round closed April 4, 2025, and the next cycle hasn’t been announced. Join Prosper Portland’s mailing list for updates.
Application process: best practices and tips
To be eligible, your business must be located within the City of Portland. Check prosperportland.us for the most current eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and application timeline when the next round opens.
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.
The state also offers grant options for farming and agricultural businesses, such as the Oregon Specialty Crop Block Grant. Visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture at oregon.gov/oda for additional agriculture-specific programs.
Oregon Specialty Crop Block Grant
The Oregon Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is administered by the Oregon Department of Agriculture using USDA funding to improve the competitiveness of Oregon-grown specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, and other non-commodity agricultural products. Grants of up to $250,000 are available for innovative projects that benefit the broader specialty crop community, such as pest and disease management research, food safety improvements, marketing and promotion initiatives, and new technology development.
It’s important to note that proposals must benefit the specialty crop industry as a whole rather than a single grower or operation. Successful applicants typically include industry associations, research institutions, and collaborative producer groups rather than individual farming operations applying on their own behalf.
Application process: best practices and tips
Applications are submitted to the Oregon Department of Agriculture and are typically due in January each year. Awards range from $50,000 to $250,000. The 2026 round closed January 30, 2026, with awards announced by November 2026, so watch for the next solicitation in late 2026. Check their website for the current solicitation and application guidelines. Contact ODA’s Specialty Crop Program directly before applying to confirm your project meets the broad benefit requirement.
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 research institution, such as a university or nonprofit research institute).
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 SBIR or STTR funding, businesses must have fewer than 500 employees with more than 50% ownership and control by United States citizens or permanent residents.
Application process: best practices and tips
Businesses applying for SBIR 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.
Note: The SBIR and STTR programs lapsed on September 30, 2025, after Congress missed the reauthorization deadline. Both programs were reauthorized on April 13, 2026, and are now active through September 30, 2031.
Small Business Administration grants
The SBA itself says it “does not provide grants for starting and expanding a business.” Its grants go to nonprofits, resource partners and educational organizations, and its STEP export grants go to states. In Oregon, Business Oregon uses STEP funds for the export grants described above. For direct funding, look at SBA-backed loans, which must be repaid.
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.
Amex Shop Small Grants
In 2026, American Express and Main Street America awarded $20,000 grants to more than 500 small businesses through the Amex Shop Small Grants program. Applications closed January 16, 2026, and future rounds haven’t been announced.
Amber Grant
WomensNet awards $15,000 Amber Grants to women-owned businesses every month, and three of each year’s monthly winners receive an additional $75,000 year-end grant. There is a $15 non-refundable application fee.
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. 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 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.