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Business Assistance Toolbox

Clackamas County Advantages Tool Box

Provides links to various tools in Clackamas County that will help in your decision making process.

Urban Renewal Districts

Clackamas County Rural Revolving Loan Program
Businesses located outside the Portland Metro urban growth boundary are eligible for loans up to $150,000. This money can be used on land, building acquisition, new construction, machinery and equipment. The requirements are one job for each $25,000.

Mt. Hood Economic Alliance Grants & Revolving Loan Fund
Regional and Rural Investment Funds (grants & loans) focusing on economic development. Priority will be given to projects that create or retain jobs, leverage outside capital investment for business development, demonstrate ongoing sustainability, support minority and women owned companies, and projects that achieve an average wage level at or above the county minimum average wage.

Brownfield Technical Assistance
Lead and disperse Brownfield assessment grants for qualifying Brownfield sites. Identify case studies and partnerships for land revitalization and help create a marketing plan for selected Brownfield sites.

Molalla, Estacada and Milwaukie/North Clackamas County Enterprise Zone Program
This three-five year tax abatement program provides a financial incentive for industrial business to expand their facilities, invest in machinery, and hire new employees.

Clackamas County Educational Advantages Tool Box

Clackamas Community College
CCC offers professional/technical certificates and degrees, college transfer degrees, literacy/basic skills programs, continuing education and business training. The college offers classes at many locations throughout Clackamas County, and operates the Oregon Advanced Technology Center in Wilsonville. The Customized Training and Development Services Department can help assess employee and management training needs and other customized training services.

Oregon Institute of Technology
OIT offers bachelor degree programs in computers, electronics and manufacturing engineering technology and industrial management. OIT also offers continuing education, professional development programs, workshops and short courses, and small business project assistance through senior research classes.

Sabin-Schellenberg Occupational Skills Center
Sabin-Schellenberg offers high school students professional and technical training in a variety of program areas. More than 250 businesses work with the center which provides advice on curriculum and providing work-based learning opportunities for students.

Clackamas BizCenter
The Business Development Center (BizCenter) at Clackamas Community College serves new and established businesses throughout the Clackamas County area, providing: Practical, affordable training, confidential business counseling, information and referral services and access to small business resources.

State of Oregon Advantages Tool Box

State of Oregon Cost Advantage:

  • No sales tax
  • No inventory tax
  • No worldwide unitary tax
  • No motor vehicle excise tax
  • No business and occupations tax
  • No direct levies on intangible properties (such as stocks, bonds and securities
  • Small Business Administration 504 Program
  • SBA loans are available for small businesses and may be used for the purchase of land, building acquisition, construction, machinery and equipment. The requirements are one job for each $35,000.

Small Business Administration 7(a) Program
SBA 7(a) loans are available for profit businesses and may be used for the purchase of land, building acquisition, construction, machinery and equipment. No job requirements

Microloan Program
Microloan funds are available for women, low-income, and minority entrepreneurs and business owners, and may be used for the purchase of machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, and working capital.

Oregon Business Development Fund
OBD funds are available for manufacturing, processing and tourism related businesses and may be used for the purchase of land, building acquisition, or construction, equipment, and working capital. The requirements are one job for every $150,000.

Workforce Training Fund
The WRTs (or their fiscal agents) have the ability to deliver grants to businesses for employer-based training (following state and local criteria).

Oregon Economic and Community Development Department
OECDD is part of our state government. This website has a lot of information on how to start a small business.