PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland city officials announce storm relief for small businesses that incurred damages from January's weeklong snow and ice storm.
Through the Restore Grant Program, small businesses or nonprofits can claim up to $25,000 in eligible expenses, including repairs, inventory loss from food spoiled in power outages, equipment damages and any revenue loss from needing to be closed from Jan. 12 to 20. The deadline for applications is Feb. 29.
"We know that January and February are already a challenging time for many retailers. The ice storm brought added and unnecessary stress to business owners," said Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a Disaster Declaration due to the impact of storms. This allows small-business owners in Multnomah County to apply for Disaster Assistance Loans. According to the news release, advisors from Prosper Portland’s Small Business Hub are also available to help business owners access loans, grants and other business support programs.
Many small business owners in Portland are struggling to stay afloat from the winter storms. Its frigid temperatures caused flooding from burst pipes and made traveling in the city hazardous.
After the storm, approximately 60% of western Oregon restaurants were in danger of failing when forced to shut down for a week. Many business owners within the restaurant industry said it's time for city and state leaders to acknowledge that extreme weather seen in January is no longer rare. Some asked that leaders work with utility companies to reduce outages, add more snowplows and create a relief fund for restaurants fewer than 100 employees.
“We appreciate Mayor Wheeler, Commissioner Rubio and Director Branam for their swift and astute response in securing vital storm relief grant funding tailored to the unique challenges faced by our cherished independent restaurants, bars and food trucks,” said Naomi Pomeroy, chef and founder of the Independent Restaurant Alliance of Oregon.