2025 EEIP Small Grant for Businesses

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 and apply today! Total Funds Available for Grants: $48,000. See guidelines below for maximum award amounts for each business status.

2-Step Application Process

1. You must qualify for the Economic Equity Investment Program (EEIP) to apply for this grant.

• To qualify for EEIP, visit Reinventing Rural’s EEIP Create Your Account page. You will receive an email once you have been approved for the program. Website: https://forms.reinventingrural.com/t/aR6zPWGjrnus

2. Apply for the EEIP Small Grant 

• Review the guidelines which best describes your business status:
  • New Business: No sales in the last 12 months. Max award is $2000. View Guidelines – https://neoedd.org/2025-eeip-grant-guidelines-new-businesses/
  • Existing Business, No Award: Had sales in the last 12 months. Max award is $4000. View Guidelines – https://neoedd.org/2025-eeip-grant-guidelines-12mos-sales/
  • Existing Business, Previously Awarded: Received an EEIP Small Grant award in 2024. Max award is $2000. View Guidelines – https://neoedd.org/2025-eeip-grant-guidelines-received-previous-award/
• Complete and submit the grant application and appropriate documents at the bottom of this page. Application timeframe is February 17 to March 16, 2025.
  • You will NOT be able to save the application and return to it. Be sure to read the guidelines, required documents and application questions before starting the application.
  • Here is a downloadable copy of the application for you to review – PDF Link (available Feb 17) . However, you must submit your application online.

General Qualifications (see guidelines above for additional information)

• Approved for Reinventing Rural’s EEIP 
• Participate in NEOEDD-offered business planning class (see below) or obtain business planning technical assistance or class from NEOEDD staff or Small Business Development Center staff (https://oregonsbdc.org/center/blue-mountain-sbdc/#ourTeam). If a language other than English is your preferred language, you may also obtain business planning or technical assistance) through a culturally-specific service provider; please contact NEOEDD staff to discuss your needs.
  
  • NEOEDD’s CO.STARTERS CORE – FREE, 10-week Business Class
    • La Grande, OR  –  February 24, 2025  –  Registration Link
    • Enterprise, OR –  February 25, 2025  –  Registration Link
• A business must be registered in Oregon if using a name other than the full name of the business owner as the business name. If registration is required, but the business is not registered, NEOEDD can help the business owner register their business prior to awarding any funds. 
  
• Businesses must be headquartered in Union or Wallowa County, Oregon.
• Businesses must be able to spend grant award and provide receipts for all purchased items by May 31, 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

Processing Applications and Selecting Awardees

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

Questions?

NEOEDD staff members are available to answer questions about and assist with the application process before March 14, 2025. Please call 541-426-3598 or email Chantal Ivenso, [email protected].