EEIP Small Grant

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!

Qualifications for Applicants:

1. Must qualify for EEIP through Reinventing Rural’s intake process. Reinventing Rural EEIP’s Create Your Account page: https://forms.reinventingrural.com/t/aR6zPWGjrnus
2. Complete NEOEDD-offered business planning class or obtain business planning technical assistance or class from NEOEDD staff or Small Business Development Center staff.  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.
   
3. 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.
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 by November 30, 2024 and provide invoices or receipts for purchased items that costs over $500.

NEOEDD Application Process:

• Application timeframe will be May 1 – July 31, 2024
• Complete the application form below.
• Email the following documents to [email protected] or deliver to Erin Donovan at our office in Enterprise (101 NE First Street, Suite 100). Follow the links to download examples and templates of the required documents. You do not have to use the templates provided unless otherwise stated. Please contact us if you have questions.
  • Provide an income statement for the past quarter or the past year if a seasonal business.
    • Income Statement Example
    • Income Statement Template (PDF)
    • Income Statement Template (Excel)
  • Provide a business plan OR business canvas/lean business plan.
    • Business Plan Template (Word)
    • Example Business Canvas
    • Business Canvas Template (PDF)
  • Provide a monthly cash flow projection from the time of application through the remainder of 2024.
    • Cash Flow Template (Word)
    • Cash Flow Template (Excel)
  • List of items to be purchased and their cost. You must use the template below.
    • Itemized Grant Request Example
    • Itemized Grant Request Template (PDF)
    • Itemized Grant Request Template (Excel)
• 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 to July 31, 2024.

Eligible Uses of Funds:

• Business assets (such as tools and equipment) 
• Working Capital (inventory, supplies, rent, utilities, consultants, 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

Minimum Grant Amount: $500

Maximum Grant Amount: $2,000

Total Funds Available for Grants: $26,000

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 August 15, 2024.