Clark County, City of Vancouver partner with Mercy Corps Northwest to help small businesses with grants and services

Mercy Corps Northwest will award grants of up to $10,000 to 150-300 small business owners in Clark County and Vancouver

Vancouver, Wash. – As small business owners continue to grapple with the economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercy Corps Northwest has partnered with Clark County and the City of Vancouver to distribute grants to entrepreneurs facing financial hardship through a new small business relief grant program.

Applications for grants between $2,500 to $10,000 will be accepted on Mercy Corps Northwest’s website starting Tuesday, Sept. 8. Eligible businesses are those with low to moderate-income that have five or fewer employees. The program encourages minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses to apply. Mercy Corps Northwest plans to distribute the grants before the end of October.

“Mercy Corps Northwest has a long history supporting underserved business owners. We’re excited for an opportunity to partner with them to efficiently distribute funds into the hands of community members who need extra help right now,” says Samantha Whitley, program coordinator with Clark County Community Services.

Funding for the grants was approved by the city and county councils and is provided through their Community Development Block Grant programs and the U.S. Treasury’s Coronavirus Relief Fund through the Washington State Department of Commerce.

“The City of Vancouver is pleased to partner with Clark County and Mercy Corps so that businesses can access a one-stop location at Mercy Corps for assistance,” says Teresa Brum, economic development manager for the City of Vancouver.

“With the help of the City of Vancouver and Clark County, we are able to provide a lifeline to struggling entrepreneurs,” says Edwin A. Rios, Mercy Corps Northwest’s Washington program manager. “These grants will enable business owners to pay themselves and their employees, provide for their families, and keep up with bills and other operational costs.”

In addition to grants, Mercy Corps Northwest will also give small businesses access to online business courses that cover topics ranging from marketing and adapting business practices during the pandemic to building credit and mentorship opportunities through MicroMentor.