By Jonathan Bach Staff Reporter, Portland Business Journal
Oregon has unveiled a tool to help get small businesses connected with financial resources and information to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
Governor Kate Brown announced the tool, called the Coronavirus Small Business Resource Navigator, on Thursday.
“My goal is to connect thousands of Oregon’s small businesses with the federal, state, and local financial support available to small businesses dealing with the impacts of COVID-19,” Brown said in a statement. “There are potentially billions of dollars available from the CARES Act, and I want Oregon businesses to get their fair share.”
Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, is leading the navigator and will be aided by other state agencies, the governor’s office said. Those include the Secretary of State’s Office, Employment Department and the Department of Consumer and Business Services.
The website is to include information on programs created by the federal CARES Act; state programs; local government programs; and more. An email and hotline for small business owners also will be made available, the governor’s office said.
The Business Journal has also compiled a resource guide, which launched three weeks ago and is continually updated. You can find that here.