2025 EEIP Grant Guidelines for Businesses who Received an EEIP Award in 2024

2025 EEIP Small Grant Guidelines

Business Status: Registered Businesses who received a previous EEIP grant from NEOEDD in 2024

The guidelines below is also available as PDF for download or printing – PDF Link

The purpose of NEOEDD’s Small Grant program is to encourage entrepreneurs to learn more about business planning and development and provide funding that will help reach goals. This grant is one of several resources and services offered through our Economic Equity Investment Program (EEIP). NEOEDD’s EEIP provides a network of support for Union and Wallowa County businesses at all stages, from startup to growth, including existing businesses facing a significant challenge. Visit our EEIP information page to learn more about what the program has to offer, https://neoedd.org/economic-equity-investment-program-funding-information/. See below for more information about NEOEDD’s EEIP Small Grant.

Qualifications for Applicants:

  1. Must qualify for EEIP through Reinventing Rural’s intake process. Contact Lisa Dawson, [email protected], to see if your EEIP status is still active.
  2. Participate in check-in meeting with NEOEDD staff prior to submission of an application,  including discussion of any updates to your business plan OR business canvas/lean business plan.
  3. Business must have current registration in Oregon if using a name other than the full name of the business owner as the business name.
  4. Businesses must have had sales in the last 12 months.
  5. Businesses must be headquartered in Union or Wallowa County, Oregon.
  6. Businesses must be able to spend grant award and provide receipts for all purchased items by May 31, 2025.
  7. Businesses who participated in the EEIP Matched Savings Program are not eligible to apply.

NEOEDD Application Process:

  • Complete the application form: https://neoedd.org/2025-eeip-small-grant/. Application timeframe will be from February 17, 2025 to March 16, 2025.
  • Submit the required documents listed below. You may upload documents at the end of the online application or deliver documents to Erin Donovan at our office in Enterprise (101 NE First Street, Suite 100). Examples and templates are listed for each document. You do not have to use the templates provided unless otherwise stated. If you have questions or technical issues with the online application please email Chantal Ivenso, [email protected] or call 541-426-3598.
  • NEOEDD staff members are available to answer questions about the application process.
  • Depending on staff availability, NEOEDD may review and assist with completion of applications prior March 14, 2025.

Eligible Uses of Funds:

  • Business assets (such as tools and equipment) 
  • Working Capital (inventory, supplies, rent, utilities, consultants, specialized training, etc.)
  • Marketing (website, advertising, social media, branding, graphic design, etc.)

Ineligible Uses of Funds:

  • Travel
  • Owner Salary
  • Any expenses of multi-level marketing business
  • Repayment of Debt

Maximum Grant Amount: $2,000

Total Funds Available for Grants (subject to change): $12,000

Reporting:

Grant Recipients will be required to sign a grant agreement. The agreement will include a requirement to respond to questions and provide documentation about the use of the grant funds or other information as requested by NEOEDD.

Processing Applications:

  1. NEOEDD staff will notify applicants by email if an application is incomplete or does not meet qualification criteria.  If incomplete, applicants will be given seven days to finalize their application or they will be disqualified.
  2. Qualified applicants who request funds for ineligible uses will be notified and given seven days to identify eligible uses of funding or they will be disqualified.
  3. Selection of grant recipients will be by lottery. All eligible applicants will be entered into a pool and a random selection of grant recipients will take place on March 31, 2025.

Project Submission Form: Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties

Please use this form to submit projects for potential inclusion in the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Once projects are included, you can use the CEDS to demonstrate that your project has been listed in a regional plan. Projects should have a positive impact on economic or community development.

To be included in the CEDS, projects must have a public or non-profit sponsor. Private projects should not be submitted and will not be included in the CEDS.

You may submit multiple projects by returning to this page. The space for providing answers will expand. 

The NEOEDD board will consider new project additions at their quarterly meetings.