Our Mission

MERIT helps underserved people increase income and build assets through self-employment.

What We Do

Using a nationally recognized training curriculum, we help entrepreneurs in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties develop their business ideas, learn the basics of running a business, and write a business plan.

MERIT supports the “underserved”-low-income, minorities, immigrants, women, the disabled, welfare recipients, the unemployed, and anyone else who has difficulty getting small business training or credit through traditional means.  In keeping with our mission, 90% of our clients are low income, 60% are women, 15% percent are minorities and 20% have a disability. We provide training and on-going individual advising, and may even help people obtain a CapitalLink loan or start an Individual Development Account (IDA) to build assets.

Impact

Since its inception five years ago, MERIT has served over 500 people and has helped 256 people start their businesses.  In fiscal year 2008, 27 MERIT clients started businesses.On average, forty-five percent of our clients start their business within two years of completing the training.

Starting a microenterprise is a proven method to move people out of poverty. Self-employment is one way to earn extra income to supplement low wages. It often provides the flexibility needed to balance home and work responsibilities. For many low-income people, self-employment offers the chance to use talents, realize suppressed dreams, and find fulfillment.

501(c)(3) Status

MERIT  became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2009. Our funding comes from grants from Yamhill County and the Cities of Dallas, Independence, Monmouth, and Salem, and from private donations from individuals.

The MERIT Program is a part of the Chemeketa Small Business Development Center.

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