Regional Port Reminding Local Business Owners That Funds are Still Available

After pivoting in April from being solely an economic development agency to focusing on helping distribute regional funds and grants to local businesses, the Chelan/Douglas Regional Port Authority is reminding local businesses that there are still opportunities for help available.

Economic and Business Development Director Ron Cridlebaugh said that, for example, the City of Entiat has a grant still open, with a handful of applications so far. A committee will be reviewing applications early next week.

"As far as the city of East Wenatchee, we have a lot of capacity left there. We're really looking for businesses to step up and apply." explained Cridlebaugh, "I think we still have room to help a lot of businesses in the city of East Wenatchee, especially if you could take both the CARES and Community Development block grant funding."

Commissioner Rory Turner said the Port now has 13 different sources of funds, including CARES Act money, Community Development block grant assistance, the Port's Rent Assistance program, and their Small Business Support Initiative.

"There's certainly more help there; it just seems like there is never enough money. Even though we've distributed $3 million, we're still trying to help businesses that didn't qualify one way or the other," said Turner.

Port officials also anticipate more help is on the way, as the State Department of Commerce has told them additional federal CARES funds are destined for the local business community.

Interested business owners and managers can log on to the Port's website, cdrpa.org, for more information or to fill out an application.