Technical Assistance for Underrepresented Businesses Program

The Oregon Business Development Department, also known as Business Oregon, has announced the 2025–2027 Technical Assistance for Underrepresented Businesses Program. This program aims to provide culturally competent technical assistance to small businesses across Oregon that are underrepresented and underserved. Selected technical assistance providers will deliver services from the award date until June 30, 2027, with an emphasis on targeted outreach to ensure equitable access. Applicants must ensure compliance with statutory and constitutional non-discrimination requirements and align with program goals as outlined by Business Oregon. Funding for this program is anticipated at $4,500,000 for the 2025–2027 biennium, pending final legislative authorization. The program is structured as a competitive grant process, with awards generally ranging from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $350,000 for single applicants, though larger amounts may be awarded for multi-organization partnerships when justified. Eligible costs include staff salaries (up to $85/hour), consultants and contractors (up to 45% of total budget), materials and travel (up to 5%), outreach (up to $5,000), staff professional development (up to $5,000), and technology purchases (up to $5,000). Indirect costs are allowed up to 15% of direct costs. Direct grants to businesses are not an eligible expense. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, Chambers of Commerce with 501(c)(6) status, Tribal Governments, and Economic Development Districts. Applicants must be registered to do business in Oregon, have been operating for at least two years prior to July 22, 2025, and provide services focused on small businesses with 50 or fewer employees, including those in the trade sector. Partnerships with other organizations are allowed, but ineligible entities such as local governments or for-profit corporations may only participate as project partners, not lead applicants. Applications must include a completed application form (Attachment A), narrative responses to questions in Section 2.8, a project goals form (Attachment B), a detailed budget (Attachment C), key personnel bios, and three letters of support. The narrative will be evaluated on project summary, organizational overview, demonstrated need, project description and outcomes, implementation plan, and budget narrative, totaling 100 points. Applications must be submitted via email to mark.brady@biz.oregon.gov by 11:59:59 PM PDT on September 4, 2025, in a single PDF not exceeding 15 MB. Applicants can attend optional virtual information sessions on August 13, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM PDT, and August 26, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM PDT. Questions regarding the RFGA must be submitted by August 28, 2025. Awards are expected to be announced in mid-October 2025. Business Oregon reserves the right to adjust award amounts, negotiate modifications, and make final funding decisions regardless of application scores, with a goal of distributing at least 30% of funds to rural-serving applicants. Mark Brady, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Manager, serves as the program contact. He can be reached at mark.brady@biz.oregon.gov or 503-689-5638. Additional information and updates, including Q&A documents, will be posted on the program website. All applications are subject to the Oregon Public Records Law.