A $500-thousand grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce will help entrepreneurs and startup companies in Eugene. The initiative is aimed at helping the economy bounce back from the pandemic.
The non-profit Onward Eugene partnered with the Eugene area Chamber of Commerce and the University of Oregon to apply for the grant. Onward Eugene Managing Director Matt Sayre said there are parts of the economy that have been altered by the coronavirus pandemic. And that means a different approach to economic development.
“And we recognize that the economy that existed before the pandemic wasn’t necessarily working well for everyone,” Sayre said. “And there’s an opportunity in front of us to be intentional about lifting more people up and bridging the opportunity gap.”
The funds will help expand existing programs including the ID8 Pre-Accelerator, which is scheduled to begin next month and EUG Launchpad, which starts in June. Sayre said the programs offer mentors and support for start-up small businesses.
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