(watch live stream here on May 13 at 10 a.m.)

Governor Kate Brown will hold a press conference tomorrow to announce the counties that can begin entering Phase I of reopening on May 15 under her framework for building a safe and strong Oregon. She will be joined by representatives from the Oregon Health Authority.

The press conference will be held by teleconference tomorrow, Thursday, May 14, at 10:00 AM PST. A live stream will be available for the public here.

We just learned about The Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program which allows small businesses that have a current business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing due to COVID-19. These can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while waiting for the determination on your application for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

  • Loan Terms:
    • Up to $25,000
    • Fast turnaround
    • Will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan

To find more information and locate an Express Bridge Loan Lender please visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/sba-express-bridge-loans.

Business Oregon and the Oregon Innovation Council announced the Enhanced Innovation Grant Program that will fund up to five proposals from innovation-based companies. The program has $250,000 available and will fund individual grants up to $50,000. Proposals are due May 20. Learn more.

The Oregon Health Authority announced the release of the reopening guidelines in Spanish. They are attached for any business seeking the guidelines in Spanish. The OHA also provides them in 10 other languages: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19. Look under OHA Guidance for the General Public for the guidelines in various languages. Under that same tab you can find downloadable and printable signage for your place of business.

OSHA has guidelines for business and you can find their temporary rules regarding COVID-19: https://osha.oregon.gov/Pages/re/covid-19.aspx.

Oregon.gov has guidelines for insurance and financial information for consumers: https://dfr.oregon.gov/insure/health/understand/Pages/coronavirus.aspx.