Tigard Commercial Assistance & Relief for Economic Stability

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For the latest information, visit the City's Economic Development webpage - https://www.tigard-or.gov/business-development/economic-development

Application window is currently closed

To date, over $3.4 million in financial aid has been awarded.


Tigard CARES - Recovery Ready Grant Program 

City Council allocated an initial $100,000 in American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support Tigard businesses. Recovery Ready Grants are intended to help businesses in critical need of funding who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Given the immediate availability of ARPA funds, the City, in coordination with Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO), is collecting grant applications, reviewing eligibility, and making awards as soon as April 4, 2022. Please review the information below before you start your online application.

Award Amounts

Grant awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are granted based on documented negative COVID-19 impacts and business need.


Business Eligibility

Small businesses grants must be used to respond to negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency. According to federal rules, grants cannot be used to cover negative impacts from longer-term economic trends unrelated to the pandemic. A business owner must be able to relate their grant request to a negative impact from COVID-19. Examples of negative COVID-19 impacts include:

  • Expense incurred for COVID-19 mitigation measures (like PPE) or cost associated with adopting safer COVID-19 operating practices.
  • Increased operating costs due to COVID-19.
  • Retention of employees during State-mandated COVID-19 closures.
  • Decreased revenue due to State-mandated COVID-19 closures.


Federal guidelines identify the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality sectors as suffering disproportional negative COVID-19 Impacts. Business in these sectors will be prioritized for grant funding. Firms in business sectors with commensurate negative impact will also be considered. As required by ARPA rules, the City of Tigard will publicly report financial assistance provided to businesses and the related negative economic impacts.


Funding Priorities

As in previous rounds of grant making, the City of Tigard may not have sufficient funds to make grant awards to every applicant. The City will use this application process to assess business needs, and determine whether more grant funding should be made available for business support grants. The following information will help determine funding priorities:


  • Business where the owner is the primary earner for their household.
  • Businesses size.
  • Percentage of revenue lost during COVID-19.
  • Percentage of operating cost increase due to COVID-19.
  • Increase of debt to finance business operations during COVID-19.
  • Decrease of personal savings to finance business operations during COVID-19.
  • Businesses located in a Qualified Census Tract.
  • Travel, Tourism & Hospitality sector businesses.


Timing

  • Week of March 28th - first round of grant applications will be reviewed. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date.
  • Week of April 4th - Awardees will be notified, and grant awards will start being distributed by our partner MESO.


Depending on assessed need, the City may increase funding for a second round of grant awards to businesses that have not already received funding.

If you have questions about the application or need assistance completing a form, please email tigard0322@mesopdx.org.

Application window is currently closed

To date, over $3.4 million in financial aid has been awarded.


Tigard CARES - Recovery Ready Grant Program 

City Council allocated an initial $100,000 in American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support Tigard businesses. Recovery Ready Grants are intended to help businesses in critical need of funding who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Given the immediate availability of ARPA funds, the City, in coordination with Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO), is collecting grant applications, reviewing eligibility, and making awards as soon as April 4, 2022. Please review the information below before you start your online application.

Award Amounts

Grant awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are granted based on documented negative COVID-19 impacts and business need.


Business Eligibility

Small businesses grants must be used to respond to negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency. According to federal rules, grants cannot be used to cover negative impacts from longer-term economic trends unrelated to the pandemic. A business owner must be able to relate their grant request to a negative impact from COVID-19. Examples of negative COVID-19 impacts include:

  • Expense incurred for COVID-19 mitigation measures (like PPE) or cost associated with adopting safer COVID-19 operating practices.
  • Increased operating costs due to COVID-19.
  • Retention of employees during State-mandated COVID-19 closures.
  • Decreased revenue due to State-mandated COVID-19 closures.


Federal guidelines identify the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality sectors as suffering disproportional negative COVID-19 Impacts. Business in these sectors will be prioritized for grant funding. Firms in business sectors with commensurate negative impact will also be considered. As required by ARPA rules, the City of Tigard will publicly report financial assistance provided to businesses and the related negative economic impacts.


Funding Priorities

As in previous rounds of grant making, the City of Tigard may not have sufficient funds to make grant awards to every applicant. The City will use this application process to assess business needs, and determine whether more grant funding should be made available for business support grants. The following information will help determine funding priorities:


  • Business where the owner is the primary earner for their household.
  • Businesses size.
  • Percentage of revenue lost during COVID-19.
  • Percentage of operating cost increase due to COVID-19.
  • Increase of debt to finance business operations during COVID-19.
  • Decrease of personal savings to finance business operations during COVID-19.
  • Businesses located in a Qualified Census Tract.
  • Travel, Tourism & Hospitality sector businesses.


Timing

  • Week of March 28th - first round of grant applications will be reviewed. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date.
  • Week of April 4th - Awardees will be notified, and grant awards will start being distributed by our partner MESO.


Depending on assessed need, the City may increase funding for a second round of grant awards to businesses that have not already received funding.

If you have questions about the application or need assistance completing a form, please email tigard0322@mesopdx.org.

Grant Recipients Stories

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  • Share The House on Facebook Share The House on Twitter Share The House on Linkedin Email The House link

    The House

    almost 6 years ago


    With over 14 years of fitness industry experience under his belt, owner Mike Van Tassel started The House to offer a workout space “with no mirrors, no judgement, and full of hard-working individuals determined to get things done.” Since opening his doors in Tigard in 2016, Mike has created a popular small group fitness studio built on a foundation of family and community. “We give individuals a place to gain strength, knowledge, and empowerment through proper education and coaching,” says Mike. “We seek to empower you to be able to come into a place as you are, where you are... Continue reading


    With over 14 years of fitness industry experience under his belt, owner Mike Van Tassel started The House to offer a workout space “with no mirrors, no judgement, and full of hard-working individuals determined to get things done.” Since opening his doors in Tigard in 2016, Mike has created a popular small group fitness studio built on a foundation of family and community. “We give individuals a place to gain strength, knowledge, and empowerment through proper education and coaching,” says Mike. “We seek to empower you to be able to come into a place as you are, where you are, and be accepted by all those around you.”

    The COVID-19 crisis may have forced The House to close its doors, but it didn’t crush its community-minded spirit. Weights and equipment have been loaned to clients all around town enabling trainers to continue training clients online and offer home workout programs at a reduced rate (more information can be found here). “We are a gym but we are also a family,” says Mike. “Everyone who walks through our doors is welcomed with open arms and supported every step of the way by our team and our community. Through this pandemic, we see that is the case now more than ever. Even in a scary time, strength prevails.”

    With the state-mandated business closure causing a massive financial hit, The House was awarded a $1,500 grant through Tigard CARES to assist with payroll, rent and overhead expenses. Moving forward, Mike is planning for the eventual reopening of his business, including new sanitary practices and ways to follow social distancing practices to keep members and trainers safe, in addition to an expanded online platform to offer The House in everyone’s home. “The House will see this through and we will come out stronger on the other side,” says Mike. “Being a first-time small business owner, I've learned so much in these past four years and I'm honored to own my business in the city of Tigard.”

    To learn more about The House, visit www.thehousepdx.com.

  • Share Tiger Auto Detail on Facebook Share Tiger Auto Detail on Twitter Share Tiger Auto Detail on Linkedin Email Tiger Auto Detail link

    Tiger Auto Detail

    almost 6 years ago


    Thomas Campbell (pictured) has always kept his vehicles spotless and loves the sense of pride that comes with driving around in a sparkling car. Thomas opened Tiger Auto Detail to provide this same sense of pride to the Tigard community, offering full-service interior and exterior cleaning and conditioning services at his shop in downtown Tigard. Going on three years in business, Thomas enjoys meeting the variety of people that come through his doors and learning more about why they are getting their vehicle detailed. “It’s interesting to see the types of vehicles that come in, Thomas says. “Dirty, not... Continue reading


    Thomas Campbell (pictured) has always kept his vehicles spotless and loves the sense of pride that comes with driving around in a sparkling car. Thomas opened Tiger Auto Detail to provide this same sense of pride to the Tigard community, offering full-service interior and exterior cleaning and conditioning services at his shop in downtown Tigard. Going on three years in business, Thomas enjoys meeting the variety of people that come through his doors and learning more about why they are getting their vehicle detailed. “It’s interesting to see the types of vehicles that come in, Thomas says. “Dirty, not so dirty, family vehicles, work vehicles, people selling their car or people giving a vehicle to their kid as a gift.”

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Thomas has altered his services to ensure customers feel safe getting their vehicles serviced, including extra disinfecting during the cleaning process. Thomas has also begun selling merchandise with the signature Tiger Auto Detail logo to supplement income during the downturn. Nevertheless, business has slowed considerably, and Tiger Auto Detail was awarded a $1,500 Tigard CARES grant to help pay immediate operating expenditures. “The grant gave me the hope to keep fighting,” says Thomas. “I’m going to keep fighting to grow my business. While I’ve been in Tigard I’ve seen how the community supports small business – it’s great to be a part of this community family!”

    To learn more about Tiger Auto Detail, visit www.facebook.com/thomastigerautodetail.

  • Share Clarity Direct NW on Facebook Share Clarity Direct NW on Twitter Share Clarity Direct NW on Linkedin Email Clarity Direct NW link

    Clarity Direct NW

    almost 6 years ago


    Elizabeth Sloan started Clarity Direct NW because she felt a strong draw to help people with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental fog. Having previously dealt with some of these issues herself, Elizabeth learned about effective treatment methods and invested in the training and equipment to become a practitioner. Elizabeth opened Clarity Direct NW in the 2018 and has been using alternative therapies such as neurofeedback and EFT tapping to help her clients ever since. “I love to see how people really change their lives when they become free of ongoing anxiety, stress, PTSD or depression,” says Elizabeth.

    ... Continue reading


    Elizabeth Sloan started Clarity Direct NW because she felt a strong draw to help people with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental fog. Having previously dealt with some of these issues herself, Elizabeth learned about effective treatment methods and invested in the training and equipment to become a practitioner. Elizabeth opened Clarity Direct NW in the 2018 and has been using alternative therapies such as neurofeedback and EFT tapping to help her clients ever since. “I love to see how people really change their lives when they become free of ongoing anxiety, stress, PTSD or depression,” says Elizabeth.

    With the COVID-19 crisis increasing stress and anxiety for many, Elizabeth’s work is now more important than ever. Because Clarity Direct NW involves face-to-face interaction, her business has been radically altered in the wake of the pandemic. Unable to see clients in person, Elizabeth has pivoted her focus to supporting her clients’ emotional well-being remotely, offering free consultations and hour-long sessions via Zoom to reduce anxiety and stress using effective remote modalities. Elizabeth has seen good results with these sessions so far. “I’m getting about the same measurable reductions in anxiety and other issues that I see in-person at the clinic,” Elizabeth says. “I even have a client in Indiana who is getting great benefit from this work. I wouldn't have been able to do this work remotely using my previous approach but now I can serve local and distant clients. It took a pandemic to get me to take action and make this change.”

    With a decline in business due to COVID-19, Clarity Direct NW was awarded a $1,500 grant through Tigard CARES to enable Elizabeth to continue serving clients remotely. “I chose to open my business in Tigard because it's where I live, and it's a really lovely community,” says Elizabeth. “When I first went to visit Meridian Acupuncture and Wellness (the clinic my business is located in), I fell in love with the place and the lovely people who work there. I have always been pleased with my decision to have my practice right where it is, among kind, talented healers who are dedicated to the well-being of their patients.”

    To learn more about Clarity Direct NW, visit www.groundedalignment.com.

  • Share Buster & Lilly’s Doggie Daycare and Boarding on Facebook Share Buster & Lilly’s Doggie Daycare and Boarding on Twitter Share Buster & Lilly’s Doggie Daycare and Boarding on Linkedin Email Buster & Lilly’s Doggie Daycare and Boarding link

    Buster & Lilly’s Doggie Daycare and Boarding

    almost 6 years ago

    Like many dog owners, Brian Tennison (pictured) dreamed of a job where he could be with his dogs all the time. When the company he was employed with for more than 16 years closed its Portland office in 2010, Brian seized the opportunity to bring his dream to life by opening Buster & Lilly’s Doggie Daycare and Boarding. “It was certainly frightening to leave the corporate world and step outside of my comfort zone, but it has most certainly paid off,” Brian says.

    Named after Brian’s first two dogs (both of whom are featured prominently in the company logo)... Continue reading

    Like many dog owners, Brian Tennison (pictured) dreamed of a job where he could be with his dogs all the time. When the company he was employed with for more than 16 years closed its Portland office in 2010, Brian seized the opportunity to bring his dream to life by opening Buster & Lilly’s Doggie Daycare and Boarding. “It was certainly frightening to leave the corporate world and step outside of my comfort zone, but it has most certainly paid off,” Brian says.

    Named after Brian’s first two dogs (both of whom are featured prominently in the company logo), Buster & Lilly’s has been a second home for Tigard’s four-legged friends for nearly 10 years. “Lilly was my first dog ever,” says Brian. “I was afraid of dogs before I got her and surely would not be where I am today if not for her.” Brian’s love for Pugs has led to a role as president of Pacific Pug Rescue and also informs his doggie daycare approach. Buster & Lilly’s accepts all breeds, but they do not accept all dogs. Staff performs a temperament evaluation of each dog that comes through the door to ensure a safe, non-aggressive environment and their facility features two play areas to accommodate different sizes and dispositions.

    The effects of COVID-19 were felt at Buster & Lilly’s shortly after cases started rising in the Tigard area. By mid-March, daily attendance had dropped to half of what it usually is, and business dropped to a quarter of normal following the statewide stay-at-home order. “Where we normally have a dozen dogs spending the night with us during spring break, we had none,” Brian says. The slowdown in business also forced Brian to lay off eight of his nine employees and sharply cut business hours.

    A “Spring Flash Sale” on pre-paid service packages provided an injection of revenue that, combined with the $1,500 grant awarded through Tigard CARES, will enable Buster & Lilly’s to pay its May rent and help pay the salary for their remaining employee. “We feel very fortunate to have been chosen to receive a grant from Tigard CARES,” Brian says. Brian plans to bring back a full-time employee in early May and hopes to transition Buster & Lilly’s back to regular business hours soon.

    To learn more about Buster & Lilly’s Doggie Daycare and Boarding, visit www.busterandlilly.net.

  • Share Mugen Noodle Bar on Facebook Share Mugen Noodle Bar on Twitter Share Mugen Noodle Bar on Linkedin Email Mugen Noodle Bar link

    Mugen Noodle Bar

    almost 6 years ago

    Mugen is the Japanese word for both infinity and dreams/fantasy. In May 2019, co-owners Michael Phillips and Panuwat “Tay” Prosertyitin followed their dreams and opened Mugen Noodle Bar to bring authentic ramen cuisine to Tigard. As the driving force behind the restaurant, Tay and his family developed the unique recipes that comprise Mugen Noodle Bar’s menu. Tay enjoys interacting with customers, talking about the food and hearing their thoughts about his recipes. While most ramen restaurants serve a Tonkotsu or pork broth, Mugen stands apart by serving a Tori paitan broth (Japanese for chicken broth) that gives their ramen a... Continue reading

    Mugen is the Japanese word for both infinity and dreams/fantasy. In May 2019, co-owners Michael Phillips and Panuwat “Tay” Prosertyitin followed their dreams and opened Mugen Noodle Bar to bring authentic ramen cuisine to Tigard. As the driving force behind the restaurant, Tay and his family developed the unique recipes that comprise Mugen Noodle Bar’s menu. Tay enjoys interacting with customers, talking about the food and hearing their thoughts about his recipes. While most ramen restaurants serve a Tonkotsu or pork broth, Mugen stands apart by serving a Tori paitan broth (Japanese for chicken broth) that gives their ramen a richer, creamier flavor. Mugen’s small space has a lively atmosphere, designed to mimic the feel of an authentic Japanese ramen restaurant and accentuated by a anime-style mural depicting local landmarks.

    Forced to shut their doors due to COVID-19, Mugen Noodle Bar is unable to provide the dining experience their bar space is designed to provide. The owners’ biggest concern throughout the pandemic has been their employees. “We really want to keep operating because of our employees,” Michael says. “Even though we would save money by closing down until everything opens back up, we want our employees to be able to afford to live.” Mugen has quickly transitioned to take-out and delivery service. In a show of community support, they are also offering free kids meals to help local youth who are no longer able to eat free school meals, and plan to begin serving 15 free entrees every Wednesday for people who have recently lost their jobs.

    With sales down roughly 70 percent, Mugen Noodle Bar was awarded a small grant through Tigard CARES to help with payroll and operating expenses. “We really appreciate the City of Tigard assisting small businesses,” says Michael. “We just opened in May 2019 and hope to be open for as long as we can.”

    To learn more about Mugen Noodle Bar, visit www.mugennoodlebar.com.

  • Share Souper Natural on Facebook Share Souper Natural on Twitter Share Souper Natural on Linkedin Email Souper Natural link

    Souper Natural

    almost 6 years ago


    Souper Natural is the brainchild of Heidi Liebowitz (pictured). A trained chef with over 25 years’ experience in the food industry, Heidi opened Souper Natural in 2004 so she could be her own boss. At first Heidi started off small, selling three of her signature soup creations at the Beaverton Farmer’s Market. Through hard work and hustle, Heidi expanded Souper Natural into a wholesale business, opening a commercial production space in Tigard in 2008. Souper Natural now sells a signature line of over 45 soups and five pasta sauces, crafted using local ingredients to support farmers and growers. Heidi’s products... Continue reading


    Souper Natural is the brainchild of Heidi Liebowitz (pictured). A trained chef with over 25 years’ experience in the food industry, Heidi opened Souper Natural in 2004 so she could be her own boss. At first Heidi started off small, selling three of her signature soup creations at the Beaverton Farmer’s Market. Through hard work and hustle, Heidi expanded Souper Natural into a wholesale business, opening a commercial production space in Tigard in 2008. Souper Natural now sells a signature line of over 45 soups and five pasta sauces, crafted using local ingredients to support farmers and growers. Heidi’s products are sold at farmer’s markets and local stores like New Seasons and Market of Choice.

    As a food distributor, Heidi’s business has come to a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heidi and her wife, Gina, have stepped up the company’s social media marketing efforts to let customers know they are still open for no contact pickup at their distribution facility. In addition to a “buy five soups or sauces get one free special,” Souper Natural has expanded their offerings to heat-and-serve meals such as lasagna and turkey meatballs with their marinara sauce.

    With severely reduced income, Souper Natural was awarded a small grant through Tigard CARES to help cover rent, utilities and raw product ingredients. “People have been very supportive and encouraging and because of them and the grant, we are keeping our head above water,” says Heidi. “The Grant came at a really good time and we are so grateful for the money. The City of Tigard has always been very supportive of Souper Natural and we appreciate that as well. We love the community feeling!”

    To learn more about Souper Natural, visit www.soupernatural.net.

  • Share I will remember... on Facebook Share I will remember... on Twitter Share I will remember... on Linkedin Email I will remember... link

    I will remember...

    by Henry Vaughan, almost 6 years ago

    I am proud to say that "The City of Tigard rose to the challenge of this crisis". When all other avenues seemed bogged down, I got a personal call and they offered much needed assistance. Within days I had proof that this was the message from the city... "we have got your back". We have been in business here for almost 20 years. I have never had to go through the obstacle course of red tape I had to with the Unemployment agency, The Small Business Association and the "Stimulus" package. I cannot even get a status on those applications... Continue reading

    I am proud to say that "The City of Tigard rose to the challenge of this crisis". When all other avenues seemed bogged down, I got a personal call and they offered much needed assistance. Within days I had proof that this was the message from the city... "we have got your back". We have been in business here for almost 20 years. I have never had to go through the obstacle course of red tape I had to with the Unemployment agency, The Small Business Association and the "Stimulus" package. I cannot even get a status on those applications, no help received and those avenues where followed in March when Oregon mandated the dental industry to shut down until June 15th. Our business is directly tied to that industry and our income went to $0 overnight. We will survive this and will remember who helped when we needed it the most. Thank you to the City of Tigard.


    Hank Vaughan

    Vaughan Computer Networking


  • Share New Shoes Shoe Repair on Facebook Share New Shoes Shoe Repair on Twitter Share New Shoes Shoe Repair on Linkedin Email New Shoes Shoe Repair link

    New Shoes Shoe Repair

    almost 6 years ago

    Photo Credit: Pamplin Media

    A downtown Tigard staple, New Shoes Shoe Repair has been operating on Main Street since 1991. With over 40 years of industry experience, owner Donny Myers (pictured) is an expert in shoe/boot/leather goods repair and Pedorthic shoe modifications.

    Donny’s experience in the shoe trade could easily fill a book. His journey began with a six-year apprenticeship learning the shoe repair trade from over four generations of old-world Italian and Czechoslovakian master craftsmen, widely regarded as some of the best in the world. Following his training, Donny opened his first shoe repair business in 1979 in Astoria... Continue reading

    Photo Credit: Pamplin Media

    A downtown Tigard staple, New Shoes Shoe Repair has been operating on Main Street since 1991. With over 40 years of industry experience, owner Donny Myers (pictured) is an expert in shoe/boot/leather goods repair and Pedorthic shoe modifications.

    Donny’s experience in the shoe trade could easily fill a book. His journey began with a six-year apprenticeship learning the shoe repair trade from over four generations of old-world Italian and Czechoslovakian master craftsmen, widely regarded as some of the best in the world. Following his training, Donny opened his first shoe repair business in 1979 in Astoria at the age of 24. Moving to Tigard with his family six years later, Donny partnered with 17 local dry cleaners to pioneer a “pickup and repair” system for customers to drop off their shoes and laundry at the same location. Before opening on Main Street, Donny made bi-weekly trips on public transit to shuttle shoe repair orders back and forth from Tigard to his shop in Astoria, where his equipment was still housed. Further innovations in shoe repair include a mail order shoe repair service, that allows New Shoes to attract clients from around the country.

    Donny’s shoe repair expertise has earned him 18 awards at the international Shoe Service Institute of America competition, including retailer of the year and recently taking third place in the shoe repair world championships. Ever community-minded, Donny also teaches the restoration trade to local youth and helps spearhead Shoes for the Shoeless, a local program which provides footwear for those in need.

    Since the state-mandated shutdown took effect, New Shoes Shoe Repair has greatly reduced hours and Donny has taken steps to enhance sanitization procedures for existing orders. Even with these measures in place, social distancing mandate has greatly reduced business. With severely reduced demand and curtailed cashflow due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Shoes Shoe Repair was awarded a $1,500 Tigard CARES grant to help cover lease and utility payments and daily operating expenses. “I’m grateful for the City of Tigard’s support during this tough time,” Donny says. To learn more about New Shoes Shoe Repair, visit www.newshoes.com

  • Share Good Cake Bakery on Facebook Share Good Cake Bakery on Twitter Share Good Cake Bakery on Linkedin Email Good Cake Bakery link

    Good Cake Bakery

    almost 6 years ago

    Good Cake Bakery is the result of more than 30 years of combined baking experience by co-owners Jay Burton and Edgar Contreras (pictured). Edgar comes from a long line of bakers. His father and grandfather were both bakers and he got his start at a young age in his grandfather’s panadería/pastelería in his home state of Michoacán, Mexico. Jay began her baking career 13 years ago at the now-closed La Montana Market in Aloha, initially filling in when their head baker unexpectedly quit. Through hard work and hours spent teaching herself the ins and outs of baking, Jay became... Continue reading

    Good Cake Bakery is the result of more than 30 years of combined baking experience by co-owners Jay Burton and Edgar Contreras (pictured). Edgar comes from a long line of bakers. His father and grandfather were both bakers and he got his start at a young age in his grandfather’s panadería/pastelería in his home state of Michoacán, Mexico. Jay began her baking career 13 years ago at the now-closed La Montana Market in Aloha, initially filling in when their head baker unexpectedly quit. Through hard work and hours spent teaching herself the ins and outs of baking, Jay became the market’s lead cake baker.

    With plenty of experience under their belts, Jay and Edgar decided to break out and start a bakery/panadería of their own. Opening in downtown Tigard in May 2018, Good Cake offers both traditional Mexican bread and pastries alongside a menu of Edgar and Jay’s unique desert creations. In addition to providing tasty treats to the community, Jay and Edgar are also helping train the next generation of bakers by hiring Tigard high school students as interns. This connection to the community plays a big part in why Jay and Edgar have been happy doing business in Tigard so far.

    Forced to close due to COVID-19, Good Cake Bakery has transitioned to delivery service. With greatly reduced income, Good Cake was awarded a $1,500 grant to assist with operating expenses. “When we were looking for a location for our new bakery, we initially decided to open in Tigard in order to fill a niche in the local marketplace,” says Jay. “What we quickly found is that there is a real sense of pride and community in Tigard. We love how eager people here are to shop local and support local businesses!”

    To learn more about Good Cake Bakery, visit https://good-cake-bakery.business.site.

  • Share Empyre Barbers on Facebook Share Empyre Barbers on Twitter Share Empyre Barbers on Linkedin Email Empyre Barbers link

    Empyre Barbers

    almost 6 years ago


    With an old school aesthetic and convivial atmosphere, Empyre Barbers has become a popular local destination for high-quality haircuts, beard trims and shaves since opening in January 2019. Lively conversation and attention to detail has earned Empyre a loyal customer base. “Tigard has really embraced us and made us feel like we are a community,” says owners Matthew and Lydia Hickox (pictured).

    This community-oriented approach separates Empyre from other barbershops. Empyre supports Tigard youth by giving back-to-school haircuts to low-income families and sponsoring local youth sports programs, including Tigard High School sports and the Mitchell Robinson Junior NBA Basketball Camp... Continue reading


    With an old school aesthetic and convivial atmosphere, Empyre Barbers has become a popular local destination for high-quality haircuts, beard trims and shaves since opening in January 2019. Lively conversation and attention to detail has earned Empyre a loyal customer base. “Tigard has really embraced us and made us feel like we are a community,” says owners Matthew and Lydia Hickox (pictured).

    This community-oriented approach separates Empyre from other barbershops. Empyre supports Tigard youth by giving back-to-school haircuts to low-income families and sponsoring local youth sports programs, including Tigard High School sports and the Mitchell Robinson Junior NBA Basketball Camp. Matthew and Lydia Hickox are also strong believers in giving back to less fortunate members of the community, providing haircuts at Project Homeless Connect events for the local homeless population and working with Bridges to Change to offer job interview haircuts to individuals in recovery from chemical dependency. “Our relationship with the community is very important to us,” says Matthew and Lydia.

    Forced to close their doors due the state-mandated shutdown, Empyre Barbers was awarded a small grant through Tigard CARES that will help them continue to be a staple in the Tigard community. “We want to thank City of Tigard for reaching out and staying consistent in helping us with the support needed to get through this COVID- 19 pandemic together,” says Matthew and Lydia. “Since opening our doors, the community of Tigard has been so welcoming and supportive in our business. We are very honored to have our business in Tigard.” To learn more about Empyre Barbers, visit www.empyrebarbers.com.