City Of Vancouver And Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber Launch Grant Program For Fourth Plain Businesses (Photo) - 04/30/26
Vancouver, Wash.—The City of Vancouver, in partnership with the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber, has launched a new Small Business Resiliency Grant Program to support businesses in the Fourth Plain corridor facing significant financial challenges. Applications are due Monday, June 15.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods,” said Anne McEnerny-Ogle, mayor, City of Vancouver. “When they’re under pressure, our entire community feels it. This program is a direct response that helps stabilize local businesses, protect jobs and support recovery from the economic impacts tied to recent ICE activity in Vancouver.”
With $300,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, the program will provide grants of up to $10,000 to eligible small businesses. The funding reflects priorities identified through the City’s Fourth Plain for All community engagement process. The initiative is part of the City’s ongoing response to economic disruptions and its commitment to support communities impacted by recent immigration enforcement activity, as outlined in City Council’s Jan. 20 declaration. Without support, these disruptions can lead to permanent closures, job losses, vacant storefronts and reduced access to neighborhood services.
The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber will administer the program, building on its longstanding track record of supporting small, immigrant- and minority-owned businesses in southwest Washington.
“Small businesses in the program area are dealing with several challenges at once, including higher costs, staffing challenges, lower customer spending, and sudden drops in income. For many, even short-term losses can lead to doors closing,” said Nicole Leon, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce executive director. “We have trusted relationships in this community and understand the barriers many business owners face when accessing traditional support. Our role is to ensure these resources reach business owners quickly and in ways that work for them.”
Resiliency Grants program details
Grants may be used for essential business expenses, including rent, payroll, utilities, marketing, and other operating costs. The goal is to help businesses remain open and retain employees during periods of revenue loss.
Eligible businesses must:
- Be located within the Fourth Plain investment area—address verification checker.
- Have fewer than 25 employees.
- Operate full time.
- Hold a valid City of Vancouver business license.
- Demonstrate at least a 40% loss in recent revenue.
Full eligibility requirements and application details.
Supporting a critical business corridor
The Fourth Plain corridor is home to a high concentration of microenterprises (businesses with 10 or fewer employees), including many immigrant- and BIPOC-owned businesses that rely heavily on local customers and consistent foot traffic.
By stabilizing small businesses, the program aims to:
- Preserve local jobs.
- Reduce commercial vacancies.
- Maintain access to neighborhood goods and services.
- Support surrounding businesses through sustained foot traffic.
Fourth Plain for All
Funding for the grant program was made available as part of the City’s larger Fourth Plain for All community investment strategy, a plan to invest more than $25 million in central Vancouver neighborhoods near Fourth Plain Boulevard thanks to federal funds received through ARPA. The plan outlines investments in housing, community building, public health, parks and public spaces, transportation, and economic development.
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