DAYTON—October 30th is the deadline for applications to the Port of Columbia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund. This is the third and likely the last round of grant funding available to businesses this year. Over $94,000 is still available to assist businesses with ten employees or less that were harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through their Economic Development contract with the State of Washington Department of Commerce, an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Dayton, and a grant from the Innovia Foundation, the Port of Columbia has facilitated two rounds of small business emergency grant funding totaling $321,744.01 so far in 2020.

• $154,138.00 in Governor’s Strategic Reserve Funds to 25 businesses in July

• $76,800 in City of Dayton CARES Act funds to 13 businesses in September

• $77,472.97 in State of Washington CARES Act funds to 9 businesses in September.

• $13,333.04 in Innovia grant funds to 2 start-up businesses.

“Concerns are being raised about how the upcoming cold and flu season, rising COVID-19 case numbers, and the typically-lean winter months may affect the economy here,” stated JennieDickinson, executive director of the Port of Columbia. “We want to make sure that any businesses in need of assistance get help now, so they are as prepared as possible for the

months ahead.”

A local committee made up of one representative each from the City of Dayton, Columbia County, Port of Columbia, Dayton Chamber of Commerce, the nonprofit sector, and the private sector reviews all applications.

Grant information and application forms can be found on the Port’s website at http://www.portofcolumbia.org/covid-19.