The City of Hillsboro recently distributed $249,000 in Small Business Stabilization Program grant awards. 

A total of 64 local businesses received funding awards ranging from $1,500 to $10,000. See the full list of businesses that received awards. 

The Small Business Stabilization Program was created by the Hillsboro City Council in response to community feedback about the harmful impacts of federal immigration enforcement activities on businesses in Hillsboro. 

“We’ve heard from many local small business owners that customers and employees are afraid of leaving their homes because of extreme immigration enforcement activities in our community. The situation is creating a negative financial impact on small businesses,” said Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace. “The entire City Council is united and proud to provide this support to our valued community members who continue to be negatively impacted.” 

The goals of the Small Business Stabilization Program include supporting small businesses during a period of economic instability, helping small businesses remain in Hillsboro, and promoting employee retention. 

Grant applications were scored based on percentage of revenue decline, duration of time in Hillsboro, number of employees, and a plan for use of funds which could be put toward payroll, rent, utilities, inventory, and professional services. 

Industries eligible for the grants included restaurants, mobile food services, food markets, bakeries, grocery stores, retail, and other commercial businesses. 

A total of 92 eligible applications were received prior to the February 27 deadline to apply. Applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from the City of Hillsboro, Adelante Mujeres, Centro Cultural, and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. 

Funding was provided through the City of Hillsboro General Fund. 

The Small Business Stabilization Program is part of a broader set of City initiatives to support the community in response to increased immigration enforcement activities in Hillsboro. 

Additional initiatives have included declaring a local emergency, codifying Sanctuary City status, and creating grant programs to provide support for rent, legal expenses, food and more. 

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Related Links

• Supporting Community in Response to ICE Impacts
  
  
• Hillsboro City Council Advances Community Support Programs in Response to ICE Impacts.