Willamette Workforce Partnership is providing a wage reimbursement program to support small businesses in Marion County, Oregon. Eligible employers who hire first-time youth workers between June 14, 2024, and May 30, 2025, can receive $5 per hour in wage reimbursement. Businesses may qualify for reimbursement for up to four youth employees at a time, with a maximum reimbursement of $2,000 per worker and $6,000 per employer.
Application Process
To apply, businesses must submit the required documentation, including:
- A Youth Employment Certificate
- Proof of workers’ compensation insurance
- A completed Form W-9 (Rev. Oct 2018)
Incomplete applications or those that do not meet all requirements will not be considered. Funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The application takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete. Applicants may save their progress at any time by selecting the “Save and Continue” option in the top-right corner of the application.
For small business owners, this program presents a valuable opportunity to offset payroll costs while providing meaningful work experience to young employees. If you have questions about eligibility or need assistance with tax-related documentation, feel free to reach out.
To be eligible for the Youth Wage Grant program, applicant businesses must comply with the following:
- Be based in Marion County;
- Not employ more than 35 employees;
- Can provide a copy of a valid annual Youth Employment Certificate from the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI);
- Can provide a copy of current worker’s compensation insurance;
- Will employ a youth at least 14 years of age, but not older than 17, who is a resident of Marion County, Oregon;
- Will provide documentation showing the employed youth performed work between Friday, June 14, 2024, through Friday, May 30, 2025;
- Allow a representative of Willamette Workforce Partnership to visit your worksite to assure compliance with this grant;
- Guide youth workers to complete a Willamette Workforce Partnership employability skills self assessment form;
- Facilitate a youth worker post employment survey.
