Economic Equity Investment Program is a grant from the Oregon Business Development Department, administered by the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce, that funds disadvantaged entrepreneurs and small businesses in Sherman, Gilliam, and Wheeler Counties facing economic equity risk factors.

The program addresses longstanding economic inequities through support in four areas: land and property ownership, entrepreneurship and business development, workforce development, and intergenerational wealth building. New businesses (with no sales in the last 12 months) may receive up to $2,000, while existing businesses may apply for up to $4,000. A total of $24,000 is available in the current round.

Eligible applicants must have experienced discrimination due to race, ethnicity, language proficiency, or citizenship status, or operate in a rural location. Businesses in Sherman, Gilliam, or Wheeler Counties are prioritized.

Economic Equity Investment Program (EEIP) – Oregon Frontier Chamber Sponsorship Opportunities Gilliam County Small Business Imagine Your Business Here Reinventing Rural Programs John Day River Farm Trail Sponsorship Opportunities Gilliam County Small Business Imagine Your Business Here Reinventing Rural Programs John Day River Farm Trail Economic Equity Investment Program (EEIP) The Economic Equity Investment Program (EEIP) – Small Grant for Businesses is part of Oregon’s commitment to fostering economic stability and equity.

Established through SB 1579 , the program was designed to address longstanding economic inequities by supporting disadvantaged individuals, families, businesses, and communities. With funding distributed to organizations across the state, EEIP focuses on four key areas : ownership of land and property, entrepreneurship and business development, workforce, and intergenerational wealth building.

The Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce (OFCC) has been awarded additional funding to distribute through the EEIP Small Grant Program. This grant aims to support entrepreneurs by providing financial resources to help businesses grow, encourage learning, and foster development. Whether you’re launching a new business or looking to expand, EEIP offers a valuable opportunity to invest in your future.

Total Grant Funds Available: $24,000 This program is open to businesses in Sherman, Gilliam, and Wheeler Counties and is part of a broader effort to build economic resilience in our rural communities. Who qualifies for EEI Programs? EEIP beneficiaries consist of individuals, families, businesses, and communities whose future is at risk because of any combination of two or more of the following economic equity risk factors.

Economic Risk Factors Include: Experience of discrimination because of race or ethnicity Experience of discrimination due to English language proficiency Experience of discrimination due to citizenship status Residence or operation in a rural location How to Apply for the EEIP Small Grant To apply for the EEIP Small Grant, businesses must first qualify for the Economic Equity Investment Program (EEIP).

Approval Process: Once approved, applicants will receive an email confirmation with further instructions. Step 2: Submit a Grant Application Eligible applicants may apply for funding based on their business status: New Business: Businesses with no sales in the last 12 months may apply for a maximum award of $2,000. Existing Business: Businesses with recorded sales in the last 12 months may apply for a maximum award of $4,000.

Eligibility Note: Businesses that have previously received an EEIP grant are not eligible to apply. Application Period: February 17 – March 31, 2025 Important Notice: The application must be completed in one session and cannot be saved to return to later.

Applicants are encouraged to review all guidelines in advance to ensure a smooth Business Location Requirement Businesses must be headquartered in Sherman, Gilliam, or Wheeler Counties, Oregon. Business Registration Requirement Businesses operating under a name other than the full legal name of the owner must be registered in Oregon.

If business registration is required but not yet completed, OFCC can assist in the registration process before awarding any funds. Grant Spending & Documentation Deadline: All awarded grant funds must be spent, and receipts for all purchases submitted, by May 31, 2025.

Grant funds may be used for: ✔ Business Assets (such as tools and equipment) ✔ Working Capital (inventory, supplies, consultants, specialized training, etc.) 🚫 Owner salary, rent, utilities 🚫 Expenses related to multi-level marketing businesses Application Processing & Award Selection Applicants will be notified by email if their application is incomplete or does not meet qualification criteria.

Incomplete applications must be completed within seven days or will be disqualified. Applicants requesting funds for ineligible uses will be notified and given seven days to update their request. Award Selection: Grants will be awarded through a lottery system.

All eligible applicants will be entered into a pool, and a random selection will take place on March 31, 2025. Grant Recipient Reporting Requirements Grant recipients must sign a grant agreement outlining fund usage guidelines. Recipients must provide documentation and responses regarding how funds were used when requested by OFCC.

OFCC staff is available to assist with the application process. EEIP@oregonfrontierchamber. com 311 S.

Main Street, Condon, OR 97823 chamber@oregonfrontierchamber. com Eastern Oregon Visitor Guide Tables & Chairs Reservation