Frequently Asked Questions

No, absolutely not. Reporting to ICE is against Oregon law.

Round 2 of the Microenterprise Grant Program will award $100,000 with grants up to $15,000 each.

All applications submitted before March 31 will be reviewed for accuracy and completeness. The applications will then be reviewed by a committee and scored based on our rubric to determine who receives grant awards.

Examples of eligible economic revitalization and recovery/rebuilding activities include but are not limited to:

• Working Capital for:

  • Inventory

  • Operating Costs, Utility bills, Insurance, Licenses and Permits

  • Staffing/Salaries/Benefits

  • Moveable Equipment

  • Mortgage/rent payments

  • General business supplies

  • Expansion of services

  • Marketing Costs

  • Business related travel/transportation

• Construction projects on buildings essential to business operations on either private/residential property

• Job creation/retention

• Address unmet economic recovery needs from the 2020 Labor Day Disasters

• Demonstrate clear benefits to the fire-affected community or vulnerable populations

Insurance requirements:

• Businesses located within a 100-year floodplain and awarded funds for mortgage assistance, inventory or equipment expenses must maintain building or contents flood insurance for the life of the loan or grant agreement. This tool can help you determine if your business is in a floodplain.

To qualify for the PIER Grant, your business must be considered a microenterprise, which means you have five or fewer employees total — including yourself as the owner. This includes: Full-time and part-time employees Anyone who receives a paycheck or W-2 from your business You, the business owner (if actively involved) It does not include: Independent contractors (1099 workers) Volunteers Unpaid family members If you’re not sure whether your business qualifies, we’re happy to help you figure it out. Email us at pier@ivcdo.org or call 541-592-4440.

The PIER (Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization) Grant Program is a community-informed funding opportunity designed to support small and micro-businesses in Jackson County that were impacted by the 2020 wildfires. Backed by local partnerships and strategic planning, PIER helps businesses recover, rebuild, and grow — with real dollars and real support.

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) administers the Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization (PIER) program with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help communities recover from the 2020 Labor Day Disasters. The PIER program provides financial support to the eight most affected counties, addressing unmet recovery needs, helping to rebuild infrastructure, and supporting economic revitalization efforts.

The Microenterprise Grant Program and Jackson County PIER Revolving Loan Fund projects were recommended by the regional selection committee and were launched by IVCanDO to support microenterprises and small businesses impacted by the 2020 Labor Day fires in Jackson County. These programs prioritize access, equity, and long-term success for businesses. It’s more than funding — it’s a community-led investment in the people and places that make Southern Oregon thrive.

No, absolutely not. Reporting to ICE is against Oregon law.

No, absolutely not. Reporting to ICE is against Oregon law.

No, absolutely not. Reporting to ICE is against Oregon law.