COVID-19 Resources for Business

Eugene’s Table is here to support our community during the COVID-19 outbreak. We are already coordinating with numerous agencies to advocate and catalyze projects.

On this page we are capturing the most relevant resources related to COVID-19.

Do not hesitate to reach out to Eugene’s Table if you want to discuss collaborations to support our food business community or how our local food manufacturing community may be of service at this time.

All general questions and requests related to COVID-19 can be addressed to Lane County at lcbusconcerns@lanecountyor.gov and they will be routed to the appropriate staff. For non-emergency health related questions, please contact the Lane County Public Health’s call center at 541-682-1380.

Loans and Business Support

Lane County SHINE: Publicly funded free strategic consulting to help businesses avoid downsizing or layoffs.

SBA Disaster Loans:  U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved Oregon for low-interest disaster loans. Federal disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters. If you have not received funding, experts are advising that you REAPPLY!

Lenders Offering Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans: All businesses can apply for forgivable loans to cover payroll and other space costs. If you do not already bank with one of these lenders, consider applying with multiple entities on this list. Only offered by SBA lenders.

Application and Instructions for PPP Forgiveness: The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

Layoff Aversion Reimbursement Funds: Federal funds for layoff aversion activities are designed to prevent, or minimize the duration of, unemployment resulting from layoffs.  Up to $5000 is available for supply/equipment reimbursement for businesses with less than 20 employees. The funds are managed by Lane Workforce Partnership.

Community LendingWorks:  Lane County, the City of Springfield, the City of Eugene and Community Lending Works have come together to create a Small Business Emergency Loan Fund (SBELF) to help our local businesses weather this storm. Funds are limited at this time and will be evaluated ongoing. NOTE: The Emergency Loan Fund is currently unavailable due to high demand. Future funds may be available, so feel free to submit an application and you will be placed on the waiting list.

Oregon Employment Department: Information on Business Layoffs, Closures, and Unemployment Insurance Benefits related to COVID-19 including modified unemployment insurance benefits.

Workshare Oregon: Work Share provides an alternative for employers and workers who may be facing the prospect of a lay off situation. With Work Share, instead of reducing staff, an employer reduces the hours of work for a group of workers. Partial Unemployment Insurance benefits are then paid to supplement workers' reduced wages. 

Other Resource Listings

Many organizations are stepping up to provide support and information access right now. We highly suggest utilizing these groups to stay up to date:

Reopening Guidance for Employees and Employers: Recommendations for both parties, including how to navigate unemployment insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, potential implications on Payroll Protection Program loans, and more.

Back to Business Guide: Produced by Eugene and Springfield Chambers of Commerce in collaboration with the City of Eugene, City of Springfield, Lane County, Travel Lane County. Regularly updated.

USDA Corona Virus Resources: The latest resources and information on USDA actions, and coordination with federal partners, in response to COVID-19.

Lane County Business Information: Lane County has activated a business continuity branch within its emergency operations center to address the impacts of COVID-19 outbreak. The page contains information about lending programs, insurance options, and employment issues.

Business Oregon: Resources for Oregon businesses looking for assistance in the event of local, regional, or statewide economic impacts due to identified disasters.

Eugene Chamber of Commerce: Substantial list of resources including financing support options from local banks and up to date news sources.

Support Our Community

FOOD For Lane County: Our region’s food bank is ramping up services to help those in need. Reach out with questions about how to receive support if you or community members are in need. Or volunteer time to support the work.

Lane County Farmers Market: The City of Eugene officially recognizes the market as a grocery store and with the support of the City and the State of Oregon, our local farmers market will continue to provide an essential access point to fresh, locally grown food.

Order Takeout: Eugene Weekly has compiled a list of local restaurants and distilleries, as well as other endeavors that have takeout or delivery operations going at this time. Submit new additions to the list here.

Volunteer: The Register Guard has compiled a list of local organizations that have increased needs right now.