Thinking about starting your own business?

MERIT can help! Our program is designed to help you get the training and technical assistance you need in order to start and sustain a successful microenterprise (a very small business).

What’s a microenterprise?

A microenterprise is a very small business with 5 or fewer employees and start-up financial needs of less than $35,000. Microenterprises are often started by people who have difficulty getting business training and credit through traditional means, such as those with low-income, minorities, immigrants, women, the disabled and welfare recipients.

What are some examples of microenterprises?

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

MERIT’s Programs and Services

MERIT offers 30 hours of business training to help you:

• Develop your business idea
• Learn the basic skills and tools for running a business
• Plan and write a business plan

One-on-one technical assistance and scholarships for advanced training are also available.

Trainings are held frequently in Marion and Polk Counties and are offered in both English and Spanish.

Attend a no cost, no obligation orientation to find out how MERIT can help you.  REGISTER here or call  503-399-5088.

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