Small Business Stabilization Program

The Small Business Stabilization Program Grants were established by the City of Hillsboro in direct response to the economic challenges faced by local small businesses due to increased federal immigration enforcement activities. This municipal initiative emerged following significant community feedback, highlighting the adverse economic impacts on customer traffic and business stability. In alignment with these concerns, the Hillsboro City Council allocated $200,000 from the city's General Fund to support the local small business ecosystem, prioritizing businesses affected by reductions in customer base or market uncertainty linked to immigration-related enforcement. The primary objective of the program is to stabilize and retain small businesses within Hillsboro by providing financial support aimed at mitigating the loss of revenue and maintaining employment levels. Grants of up to $10,000 are available per business, with total funding capped at $200,000. The funds are designed to cover critical operational expenses such as payroll retention, rent, utilities, inventory procurement, and professional services that enhance the viability of businesses during economic disruptions. Eligibility for this program is narrowly tailored. Businesses must operate within Hillsboro and hold a current Hillsboro Business License. They must have at least two employees, which may include family members, and must not be sole proprietorships. Additionally, eligible businesses must have reported gross revenues of $2.25 million or less in both 2023 and 2024. They are also required to be in compliance with all local, state, and federal tax obligations and have no outstanding regulatory violations with the City of Hillsboro. Industries specifically targeted for eligibility include restaurants, mobile food services, food markets, bakeries, grocery stores, retail stores, hair and nail salons, and commercial businesses. Applicants must submit a grant proposal that includes three years of financial statements to demonstrate a year-over-year revenue decline by 2025. A use-of-funds plan must also be submitted, outlining how the grant will be applied toward business stabilization. Furthermore, applicants are required to provide a brief narrative (within 1,500 characters) on how federal immigration policies have impacted their business operations. Successful applicants will be required to complete a program evaluation within 12 months of receiving the grant. The evaluation and award process is competitive. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and scored across three weighted criteria: the degree of financial impact, duration of business operation in Hillsboro, and the strength and feasibility of the proposed stabilization plan. Preference will be given to businesses with a longer operational history in Hillsboro. The grant cycle follows a defined timeline. Applications open on Monday, February 9 at 10:00 a.m. and close on Friday, February 27 at 5:00 p.m. Notifications of awards will be issued by Wednesday, March 11, with funds distributed by Friday, March 20. The application process is supported by local partner organizations providing free assistance, including Adelante Mujeres, Centro Cultural, and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. While this current grant cycle is fixed, the program has potential for future iterations to support other business types, such as sole proprietors, who are currently ineligible.