Our Mission

Helping 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. We provide training and ongoing individual advising, and may even help people obtain aCapitalLink loan or start anIndividual Development Account (IDA) to build assets. Check out ourPrograms & Services to see what we can do for you and your business!

What’s a Microenterprise?

A microenterprise is a very small business with fewer than five employees and start-up capital needs of less than $35,000.

Typical Microenterprises Include

• Arts, Crafts, Jewelry and Gifts
• Automotive Repair
• Day Care Programs
  
• Clothing Design, Textiles, Sewing
  
• Computer Services, Word Processing, Website Design
  
• Construction, Landscaping
  
• Consulting
  
• Event Planning
  
• Specialty Foods
  
• Tax Preparation

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.

Site last updated: 10/1/08
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