Southport Lumber Company
Business Oregon provided a $1 million dollar loan to help leverage dollars for construction of the rail line that was the single most critical element for Southport Lumber Company to remain in the Coos Bay area.
Enterprise Zones
Oregon’s enterprise zones offer a unique resource to Oregon communities, and an excellent opportunity for businesses growing or relocating in Oregon. Enterprise zones exempt businesses from local property taxes on new plants and equipment for three to five years in a standard zone, and up to 15 years in a rural zone.
Sponsored by local governments (city, county, tribe or port), an enterprise zone typically serves as a focal point for local development efforts and incentives. There are currently 59 enterprise zones creating better opportunities for business investment across Oregon: 48 rural and 11 urban.
Standard Enterprise Zones
Standard enterprise zones are designed to encourage business investment through property tax relief, in specific areas of the state. In exchange for locating or expanding into an enterprise zone, eligible (generally non-retail) businesses receive total exemption from the property taxes normally assessed on new plants and equipment for at least three years (but up to five years). Learn more >>
Long-term Enterprise Zones
Available in most rural enterprise zones, the long-term zone program extends property tax abatement to 15 years, rather than the standard three to five years provided under the standard enterprise zone. Any type of business activity is eligible, but these incentives depend on local approval and varying levels of investment, job creation and employee compensation. For further information on these incentives, the current eligibility of certain counties and investment/employment minimums by zone, please contact a local zone manager. Learn more >>
Electronic Commerce Zones
Several of Oregon's 50-some enterprise zones have received special status to further encourage electronic commerce or "e-commerce," investments. Learn more >>
Sponsoring an Enterprise Zone
An Enterprise Zone is sponsored by a local government (city, county, tribe or port). Learn more about what is necessary to sponsor a new zone or to reapply for a designation. An application period for zone designations occurs as needed. Application periods will be announced on the following web page along with needed forms and samples. Learn more >>
Reservation Enterprise Zone
Federally-recognized tribes may designate an area as a "reservation enterprise zone." The tribal government is the zone "sponsor." Learn more >>
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The Oregon Advantage
Oregon Facts
Low Energy Costs
Oregon's energy costs are among the lowest industrial rates in the U.S. averaging fewer than 5 cents per kilowatt hour in some areas. This is about half of the industrial rates in California.
