In December, Oregon DEQ published a Reuse, Repair and Product Lifespan Extension Strategic Plan, which is available for download on the DEQ website. Many of you provided input to help develop that plan, which was much appreciated. We are contacting you now to let you know about a new opportunity that is an outcome of this early work.

One of the specific strategies contained in the Strategic Plan is to provide financial support for workforce development in reuse and repair organizations. After researching potential mechanisms and uses of funds, the best option was found to be a micro-grant program (grants up to $10,000) to support workforce development in these small businesses and nonprofits. In 2017, this will be a pilot program to gauge the effectiveness of this type of grant.

The purpose of the workforce development micro-grants is twofold:

1. To keep products in service longer, therefore reducing environmental impacts of upstream production as well as reducing waste

2. To create new paid jobs to increase/grow the reuse and repair industries in Oregon

The intention is that this funding will be used to offset some of the one-time costs of training and hiring new employees, resulting in creation of long-term or permanent jobs in the reuse and repair industries.

Applicants need to demonstrate that the funding will be used to create a new paid position that will continue beyond the funding period, and will result in an increase in reuse or repair of products or materials.

This will be the first time DEQ has offered grants to small businesses, providing them with critical resources for capacity-building, and helping with market-based solutions to increasing reuse and repair.

Please visit the grants page to learn more and apply. If you have any questions, contact Simon Love, Reuse, Repair and Product Lifespan Extension Specialist at the Oregon DEQ at (503) 229-6434, or simon.love@state.or.us