Do you have business experience and want to use your expertise to give back to your community? Volunteer with MERIT to keep local businesses thriving and have a direct impact on the fulfillment of another person’s dreams. The time commitment is as much or as little as you want.  Bilingual volunteers are especially appreciated! Even if you don't have business experience, please consider donating time to support a great organization and grow your local economy. For more information, complete this volunteer application and we will contact you. We appreciate that you want to help us serve our entrepreneurial community!

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

MERIT Volunteer Lawyer

MERIT Volunteer Journalist  

If the current opportunities do not interest you, MERIT is always looking for help in these areas.

• Business/Peer Mentors—provide emerging entrepreneurs with guidance and advice while they start and grow their businesses.
• Spanish Speaking Business Mentors — provide guidance and advice to emerging entrepreneurs who are more comfortable communicating in Spanish while they start and grow their businesses.
• Guest Speakers—share your experience as a business owner, or share your expertise on a relevant business topic in a classroom setting.
• Training Class Assistant—assist the class facilitator with organizing, preparing and running orientations and weekly classes.
• Not a business expert? We have a role for you too! MERIT is always in need of volunteers to help with administrative responsibilities.
• Website design — assist MERIT with adding features to our website.

For more information, call April Simmons at (503) 399-5088, or email at asimmo14@chemeketa.edu

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