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). We offer business services in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties with trainings several times per year in Salem, Independence and McMinnville.

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 Business Training and Services

MERIT offers business training to help you:

• Eliminate some of the risk and anxiety of starting a business!
• Develop your business idea
• Give you many of the essential skills and tools for running a business
• Give you the security of knowing an expert has reviewed your business plan
• Know that you are making the right decision and have the resources to follow through
• Join a supportive community of entrepreneurs

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

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

Attend a no cost, no obligation information session 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.

Este entrada también está disponible en: Spanish