Clackamas County businesses can apply for grants of up to $100,000 to buy equipment, upgrade facilities or train workers.

The county's Office of Economic Development opened applications Thursday, Sept. 17, for its Business Development Grant Program, which has $600,000 available this cycle.

That includes businesses in Lake Oswego, West Linn and Oregon City. The deadline is Oct. 22 at 5 p.m.

The grants are funded by Oregon State lottery dollars. Every dollar awarded must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the business, meaning a company seeking the full $100,000 would need $100,000 of its own committed to the project.

Proof of matching funds, such as a bank letter or loan commitment, must accompany the application.

The program targets traded-sector businesses, defined as companies that produce or manufacture goods in Clackamas County and sell them outside the county.

Examples include manufacturers and food processors. Applicants must have been in business at least two years and hold an active registration with the Oregon Secretary of State. Nonprofits and government agencies are not eligible.

A county staff committee scores applications primarily on economic impact, which accounts for 60% of the evaluation. Since the Board of County Commissioners approved the program in April 2024, the county has invested more than $1 million in 22 businesses, supporting 262 existing jobs and creating 15 new ones, according to the county's announcement.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the county's procurement page. For questions or language assistance, contact the Office of Economic Development at [email protected] or (503) 742-4249.