Business Partners
Oregon is rapidly becoming the place to do business. Recognized for having a skilled workforce, low energy costs, competitive tax structure, and creative incentives the following organizations will assist you in business development and recognizing all the benefits associated with The Oregon Advantage.
The City of The Dalles, Oregon, is situated in the north-central part of the state on the Columbia River, the nation’s second largest river. It is the county seat and the largest community in Wasco County.
The primary mission of the Urban Renewal Agency is the enhancement of public and private properties increasing the likelihood of investment in the City by any party. In most cases the Urban Renewal monies will be used as matching monies along with grants and private monies enhancing property of the City. The administration of this functionality is also expensed in this fund covering all aspects of money management and planning.
Columbia Gorge Technology Alliance
Support, connect and develop the technology community of the Columbia River Gorge region covering the counties of Hood River, Wasco and Sherman in Oregon and Skamania and Klickitat in Washington.
Mid Columbia Economic Development District
To promote the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry within the five-county district.
The Port of The Dalles will be a critical contributor to economic development in the region by continuing its successful public partnerships and private sector facilitation. In addition to industrial land development, the Port will explore new, fiscally responsible, employment-generating strategies that increase the wealth and well-being of the Port District.
Small Business Development Center
Small Business is big business here in the Columbia Gorge. We are available to help you achieve your goals in operating a successful business. Whatever your needs may be, we will provide assistance that is relevant and responsive.
The Dalles Main Street Program
One of the guiding principles of Main Street is forging a true public-private partnership focused on downtown revitalization. That is exactly what they achieved in The Dalles.
Business Turnaround
Local economic and business assistance organizations have developed a specialized package to help address the problems that face many small business owners in today’s economy. We are available to help business owners before they are faced with crucial financial and business decisions.
Site & Building Assistance
The Dalles offers several site and building assistance programs which are beneficial to business development including relocation, construction, and reuse of historic buildings.
- City of The Dalles Urban Renewal
- Oregon Economic and Community Development Department
- State’s Historic Preservation Offices
Certain projects invite a partnership between a number of agencies and programs that will best benefit the business development. To discuss the possibility of joint programs, please contact the planning department at either the city or county.
Local Assistance
The Dalles Urban Renewal Agency
Property Rehabilitation Grant and Loan Programs
The Columbia Gateway/Downtown Urban Renewal Plan and Report allows for a variety of projects and activities including Property Rehabilitation Grant and Loan Programs. The program consists of the Historic Design and Restoration Program and the Redevelopment of Unused and Underused Property and Civic Improvements Program as funds are available.
Historic Design and Restoration Program
The Urban Renewal Agency will provide design services and loan interest rate subsidies to assist in the financing for the restoration and renovation of historic building and buildings located in the Historic Districts in the Urban Renewal Area.
The Agency will provide a one-time grant of up to $3000 for professional architectural and engineering design services for restoration meeting historically compatible requirements and other city regulations. The grants are intended to assist the applicant in obtaining preliminary designs and cost estimates prior to starting a projects. It is expected that additional design work and detailed specifications will be required and included as part of the projects that is funded by the loan and/or other funds.
The Agency will subsidize interest rates on loans to pay for the restoration work according to the approved designs. The Agency will buy down the interest rate that the bank charges up to 12 points below the bank’s standard rate for such loans. The effective rate for the borrower will be 0% in most cases.
Redevelopment of Unused and Underused Property and Civic Improvements Program
To encourage redevelopment of unused and underused land and buildings and other civic improvements, the Agency will provide interest rate subsidies and grants for business, civic, residential, cultural , and tourist-related property within the Urban Renewal District to be developed, redeveloped, improved, rehabilitated and/or conserved. Grants shall be made to public, nonprofit, and civic organizations and on uses that serve a public purpose.
The agency will subsidize interest rates on loans to pay for the restoration work according to the approved designs. The Agency will buy down the interest rate that the bank charges up to 12 points below the bank’s standard rate for such loans. The effective rate for the borrower will be 0% in most cases.