Small Business Grants in Oregon
Oregon offers more than 20 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, primarily administered by Business Oregon, the state's economic development agency.
In This Article
Which Oregon grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 12 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Oregon Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Oregon small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program
Business Oregon
$50,000–$100,000
Deadline Oct 17, 2025Provides matching grants to Oregon companies that have received federal SBIR or STTR awards. Phase I awardees can receive up to $50,000 and Phase II or Fast Track awardees can receive up to $100,000 for commercialization activities.
Status check, The Matching Grant application window closed October 17, 2025. Page states check back for future opportunities or sign up for updates. Application Support Grants appear to remain available.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Export Promotion Program (STEP Grants)
Business Oregon
Up to $10,000
RollingReimburses up to 50% of eligible export-related expenses for Oregon small businesses seeking to begin or grow international sales. Applications are processed first-come, first-served until funds are expended.
Status check, Applications accepted on rolling basis, processed first-come-first-served until funds expended. Must submit at least 60 days prior to activity start date. Limited funding currently available through Oregon Trade Promotion Program (OTPP). Other ad-hoc grants capped at $7,500.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 12, 2026
SBIR/STTR Application Support Grants (Phase 0 and 00)
Business Oregon
Up to $5,000
RollingHelps Oregon-based companies prepare competitive SBIR/STTR proposals by covering costs for technical consultants, grant writers, legal counsel, and other application expenses. Application Support Grants are temporarily on hold pending federal reauthorization.
Status check, Application Support Grants (Phase 0 and 00) are open with rolling applications. Up to $5,000 available for grant writing, consulting, legal/accounting services, and market research. Applications submitted by email per guidelines.
Last verified, Jul 13, 2026
Prosper Portland Property Investment Program (PIP)
Prosper Portland
Up to $50,000–$75,000
RollingA matching grant program for businesses and property owners making tenant improvements or large-scale building improvements within designated Portland TIF Districts. Provides 50% matching funds for approved projects.
Status check, PIP is active and accepting applications on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline. Portland.gov lists it as currently active with an ongoing application deadline. No pauses or closures indicated across multiple official sources.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
Rural and Agriculture Energy Assistance Program
Business Oregon
$3,000–$6,375
RollingOffers grants covering 75% of energy audit costs for farms, ranches, and rural small businesses. Helps identify ways to improve energy efficiency in buildings, processes, and equipment.
Status check, ODOE is now accepting interest forms from Oregon agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Program covers 75% of energy assessment costs. No specific deadline mentioned, appears to be ongoing until funds exhausted.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Business & Microenterprise Assistance
Business Oregon
$2,500–$30,000
Deadline Sep 30, 2026Provides grants to small businesses and microenterprises whose owners meet low- and moderate-income criteria. Funding of $2,500 per retained LMI employee, up to $30,000, helps businesses remain solvent and retain jobs.
Status check, Business Oregon is accepting CDBG applications for the 2026 Fall application round through September 30th, 2026. The page describes the general CDBG program, not specifically the Small Business & Microenterprise Assistance component.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
Prosper Portland Small Business Repair and Stabilization Grant
Prosper Portland
Up to $10,000
RollingProvides financial reimbursement to Portland small businesses for eligible expenses related to security, prevention, damages, and vandalism. Businesses must be located within the City of Portland.
Status check, The Local Small Business Expanded Repair/Restore Grant Program is listed as active with ongoing deadline. Provides up to $25,000 over life of program for eligible repairs due to break-ins and vandalism.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 12, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Oregon grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Oregon grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Oregon.
Women-owned Business Grants
Oregon's Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) offers Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification, which opens access to government contracting opportunities. Prosper Portland's Reimagine Oregon Fund also targets support for women-owned neighborhood businesses.
- ›COBID WBE Certification
- ›Prosper Portland
Minority-owned Business Grants
COBID provides Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification for minority-owned businesses seeking state, county, and city government contracts. Prosper Portland's Inclusive Business Resource Network supports BIPOC entrepreneurs with grants, lending, and technical assistance.
- ›COBID MBE Certification
- ›Prosper Portland Inclusive Business Resource Network
Veteran-owned Business Grants
Oregon certifies service-disabled veteran-owned businesses through COBID's Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) program. Portland also offers the Veteran Tech Readiness Small Business Grant to help veteran-owned businesses build digital capacity.
- ›COBID VBE Certification
- ›Veteran Tech Readiness Small Business Grant
Rural Business Grants
Oregon's rural businesses can access the Rural and Agriculture Energy Assistance Program for energy audit grants and USDA Rural Business Development Grants for broader economic development projects. Business Oregon's loan programs also give preference to businesses in rural or distressed areas.
- ›Rural and Agriculture Energy Assistance Program
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grants
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Business Oregon's SBIR/STTR Support Program offers application support grants of up to $5,000 and matching grants of $50,000 to $100,000. The Commercialization Gap Fund supports early-stage companies in target sectors like clean tech, bioscience, advanced manufacturing, and digital health.
- ›SBIR/STTR Support Program
- ›Commercialization Gap Fund
Tips for Applying in Oregon
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register your business with the Oregon Secretary of State before applying to any state-funded programs. Sole proprietors without a DBA may be exempt from this requirement for certain programs.
- 2Get COBID-certified through Business Oregon if your business qualifies as minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, or an emerging small business. Certification opens doors to government contracting set-asides and targeted grant programs.
- 3Many Business Oregon grants, especially Export Promotion Grants, are processed first-come, first-served until funds are depleted. Submit applications early in the funding cycle, which runs October 1 through September 29.
- 4Contact a Business Oregon Regional Development Officer before applying. They can help you identify the best programs for your needs and walk you through the application requirements.
- 5Connect with your nearest Oregon SBDC center for free, confidential advising on grant applications, business planning, and financial projections. The network has 20 centers across the state.
State Economic Development Agency
Business Oregon (Oregon Business Development Department)
Business Oregon invests in Oregon businesses, communities, and people by administering around 90 grant, loan, tax incentive, and other programs to further economic development statewide.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Oregon can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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