Small Business Assistance Grant Program

The City of Bend’s Small Business Assistance Grant Program provides funding to help local businesses improve operations, strengthen resilience, support growth, increase competitiveness, and invest in climate-smart projects.

The application for the 2026 Small Business Assistance Grant program is now closed. Check back in summer 2027 for more information about future opportunities.

Downtown Bend looking east. Drone shot showing building and streets.

Helping Bend Small Businesses Grow and Thrive

Small businesses play an important role in Bend’s economy and community. The Small Business Assistance Grant Program provides funding to help local businesses strengthen operations, invest in employees, improve services, adapt to changing conditions, and explore new opportunities for growth. The program also supports projects that reduce environmental impacts and advance community climate goals.

Whether you are upgrading technology, training employees, improving customer experiences, planning for the future, or investing in energy-saving improvements, this grant program may be able to help.

Full Program Details

Funding Available

A total of $130,000 is available for Fall 2026 applications through the Small Business Assistance Grant Program and will be distributed among qualifying businesses in late 2026.

Funding has been allocated as follows:

  • $100,000 for economic development projects
  • $30,000 for climate and sustainability projects

Applications for this grant closed on September 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Future application periods and funding availability will be determined by Summer 2027.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if your business:

  • Is registered in Oregon
  • Has a current City of Bend business registration
  • Employs 50 or fewer people
  • Operates within the City of Bend
  • Proposes a project that benefits business operations in Bend and supports program goals

What Types of Projects Can Be Funded?

The program supports a variety of business improvement projects, including:

Business Growth and Customer Engagement

  • Website updates and improvements
  • Online sales tools
  • Marketing and outreach efforts
  • Customer service enhancements
  • Multilingual communication materials

Employee Development

  • Workforce training
  • Professional certifications
  • Leadership development
  • Tools that support employee retention and growth

Operations and Technology

  • Technology upgrades
  • Cybersecurity improvements
  • Financial system improvements
  • Business planning and consulting services
  • Human resources or compliance support

Business Resilience

  • Business continuity planning
  • Risk reduction projects
  • Supply chain improvements
  • Projects that help prepare for economic or environmental challenges

Planning and Innovation

  • Market research
  • Feasibility studies
  • Strategic planning
  • Product or service testing

Climate and Sustainability Projects

  • Energy efficiency improvements
  • Renewable energy planning
  • Waste reduction initiatives
  • Transportation improvements
  • Environmental tracking and reporting tools

What Can Grant Funds Be Used For?

Grant funds may be used for:

  • Professional services and consultants
  • Employee time dedicated to the project
  • Equipment, tools, and technology
  • Training and certifications
  • Marketing and communications
  • Translation services
  • Project supplies
  • Technical studies and assessments
  • Environmental planning and support services

Application Process

Be prepared to provide the following when you apply:

  • Business information and ownership details
  • A description of the proposed project
  • Expected outcomes and benefits
  • A project budget and funding request
  • Oregon business registration information
  • City of Bend business registration information
  • Quotes, estimates, or other supporting materials

  • Submit Application

    Complete the online application and submit required documents.

  • Staff Review

    City staff review applications for eligibility and completeness.

  • Advisory Review

    Eligible applications are reviewed by either the Bend Economic Development Advisory Board, or the Environment and Climate Committee.

  • Recommendation

    Staff develop funding recommendations.

  • Award Decision

    The City Manager makes final funding award decisions.

  • Grant Agreement

    Selected businesses sign a grant agreement and begin project implementation.

  • Reporting

    Grant recipients provide project updates every six months for two years.

How Applications Are Scored

Applications are evaluated and scored on several factors, including:

  • Business impact and community benefit
  • Readiness to complete the project
  • Project feasibility and budget
  • Alignment with program goals
  • Equity and accessibility considerations

Category

Points

Project Impact

42

Business Capacity and Readiness

12

Feasibility

12

Alignment with Program Goals

12

Equity and Accessibility

12

Total

100

Climate Project Applicants

Businesses applying for energy-related projects are encouraged to first explore incentives and funding opportunities available through utility and energy-efficiency programs. Applications should explain how those opportunities were considered before requesting grant funding.

Additional Free Programs from Energy Trust

Ready to Apply?

The application for the 2026 Small Business Assistance Grant program is now closed.

Check back in summer 2027 for more information about future opportunities.

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