Qualifications for Applicants:
- Must qualify for EEIP through Reinventing Rural’s intake process. Reinventing Rural EEIP’s Create Your Account page: https://forms.reinventingrural.com/t/aR6zPWGjrnus
- Complete NEOEDD-offered business planning class or obtain business planning technical assistance or class in preferred language (or culture) through a culturally-specific service provider. If culturally/language-specific assistance is needed, discuss needs with NEOEDD staff. NEOEDD may be able to pay fees associated with this assistance.
- 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 them register their business prior to awarding any funds.
- Business must have had sales in the last 12 months.
- Businesses must be headquartered in Union or Wallowa counties, Oregon.
NEOEDD Application Process:
- Application timeframe will be May 1- 31, 2024
- Complete the application form below.
- Email following documents to [email protected] or deliver to Erin Donovan at our office in Enterprise (101 NE First Street, Suite 100).
- Provide an income statement for the past quarter or the past year if a seasonal business.
- Provide a business plan – at a minimum a completed business canvas/lean business plan.
- Provide a monthly cash flow projection from the time of application through the remainder of 2024.
- 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 May 24, 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:
- 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 June 13, 2024.