Clackamas County awards $1 million in grants to support local tourism businesses

Partnership between Clackamas County Office of Economic Development and Office of Tourism expands access to grant funding for tourism businesses 

Clackamas County is investing $1 million in 18 tourism-related businesses across the county through two new grant programs designed to help local businesses grow, improve their operations and strengthen the experiences they offer visitors. 

The Clackamas County Office of Economic Development partnered with the county’s Office of Tourism to develop and administer the Tourism Small Business & Entrepreneur Acceleration Grant Program and the Tourism Business Technical and Professional Services Fund. The programs expand access to grant funding for tourism businesses, which have historically had fewer opportunities to access direct business grant support. 

“Investing in these 18 local businesses means supporting the everyday experiences that shape how visitors and residents alike view Clackamas County,” said Board Chair Craig Roberts. “This kind of support means stronger local economies and better experiences for the visitors and residents who depend on them.” 

The grants support a range of business needs, including capital investments, physical improvements, workforce development and technical and professional services. Awards range from more than $4,500 to $100,000, with projects taking place in communities throughout Clackamas County, spanning both incorporated cities and unincorporated areas. 

The 18 businesses receiving grants are: 

• Stone Circle Cider
• Stark Vineyard
• Tapiro Group
• Riverbend Orchard 
• Weldon Development
• eNRG Kayaking
• Motel 6 Canby
• Best Western Sandy Inn
• Truffle Connection 
• Best Western Lake Oswego
• SaunaGlo
• Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm 
• Promontory Marina
• The Black Wine Market 
• Clackamas River Outfitters 
• Chapel Theatre
• Glacier House 
• Bridge City Improv 

Together, these businesses represent the breadth of Clackamas County’s tourism economy, including outdoor recreation, agriculture, lodging, food and beverage, arts and entertainment. 

“These grants give local tourism businesses an opportunity to make investments that can strengthen their businesses and contribute to the local economy,” Roberts said.  “When local businesses grow, they create opportunities for employees, attract visitors and contribute to the communities where they operate.” 

The grants are funded through the Office of Tourism's portion of the Transient Room Tax and represent a new opportunity to directly support for-profit tourism businesses. The Office of Tourism has historically invested grant funds for projects that enhance recreation, cultural heritage and destination infrastructure through non-profits, public land managers, and local government partners. The partnership with the Office of Economic Development extends this one-time grant opportunity directly to local private tourism-related businesses. 

“This round of grants reflects the strength and diversity of our county’s tourism economy,” said Lizzie Keenan, executive director of the Clackamas County Office of Tourism. “From river guides and outfitters to arts organizations and hotels, these investments will help our local businesses improve upon and expand what they can offer visitors and deepen the experiences that keep people coming back to visit Clackamas County.” 

About Clackamas County Office of Economic Development 

The Clackamas County Office of Economic Development works to strengthen the county’s economy by supporting business retention and expansion, recruitment, workforce development and other initiatives that create opportunities for businesses and residents. 

About Clackamas County Office of Tourism 

The Clackamas County Office of Tourism, also known as Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory, promotes Clackamas County as a destination and works to strengthen tourism opportunities, local economies, recreation, cultural heritage and visitor experiences.