What is EEIP?
The Economic Equity Investment Program (EEIP), funded by Business Oregon, provides a network of support for businesses at all stages, from startup to growth, including existing businesses facing a significant challenge. Through NEOEDD, businesses in Union and Wallowa counties can access free classes, technical assistance and counseling, and apply for small grants and matched savings accounts funded by EEIP. Entrepreneurs who meet any combination of two or more of the following economic equity risk factors are eligible for the program.
Economic Risk Factors
- Residence or operation in a rural location – provide proof of business or entrepreneur’s location in Union or Wallowa counties
- Socioeconomic status – provide proof of household income that is less than what listed in the chart below
- Experience of discrimination because of race or ethnicity – self-attest during the application process
- Experience of discrimination due to English language proficiency – self-attest during the application process that a language other than English is spoken within your home
- Experience of discrimination due to citizenship status – self-attest during the application process that you identify as one of the following: Non-U.S. citizens, undocumented persons, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, refugees, asylees, immigrants, VAWA petitioners, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) holders, individuals covered under the Compact for Free Association (COFA) and persons with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), etc.
In order to participate in this program individuals must qualify for EEIP through Reinventing Rural’s intake process.
The first step is to create your account through: https://forms.reinventingrural.com/t/aR6zPWGjrnus. The second step is to check your email and follow the directions to provide the requested information and/or documentation through the portal.
NEOEDD is offering both a grant program and a matched savings program with EEIP funding. Completion of an NEOEDD-offered business planning class is one way to meet a program requirement.