Contact:
Mercy Bordeaux
Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (IVCanDO)
Phone: 541-592-4440
Email: outreach@ivcdo.org
Website: www.ivcdo.org/pier
$350,000 in Grant Funding Available for Small Businesses Affected by the 2020 Labor Day Wildfires in Jackson County
Grants of up to $15,000 now available to support wildfire survivors’ businesses in recovery
[Jackson County, OR] — [June 10, 2025] — The Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (IVCanDO) is pleased to announce the launch of the new Microenterprise Grant Program aimed at helping small businesses and microenterprises in Jackson County that were affected by the devastating 2020 Labor Day wildfires, and for those businesses addressing communities that were affected by the 2020 Labor Day fires. This program is part of the broader Oregon recovery effort, funded through the Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Revitalization (PIER) Program of Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).
IVCanDO will distribute $350,000 in grants to local businesses, with up to $15,000 available to businesses with 5 or fewer employees (including the owner). The grants will support business rebuilding efforts, provide assistance for recovery-related expenses, and help stimulate job growth and capital improvement.
What’s Available?
- PIER Microenterprise Grants: Businesses with 5 or fewer employees can apply for grants of up to $15,000 to cover rebuilding costs, equipment, payroll, and other vital needs.
- Coming Soon! Summer 2025 Jackson County PIER Revolving Loan Fund: A low-interest loan program will be available for businesses that need additional support for recovery and expansion.
Who Is Encouraged To Apply?
This program is open to:
- Small businesses in Jackson County, Oregon, impacted directly or indirectly by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires
- Microbusinesses with 5 or fewer employees (including the owner)
- Jackson County business entrepreneurs, particularly those located in the areas directly affected by the wildfires
Why It Matters
The Labor Day 2020 wildfires caused widespread devastation across Oregon, with nearly 1.2 million acres burned and thousands of businesses and homes lost. In Jackson County, small businesses have struggled to recover in the aftermath. This funding aims to provide crucial financial assistance to the businesses that form the backbone of local economies.
“We know that many small businesses are still reeling from the aftermath of the 2020 fires,” said Lindsey B. Jones, Executive Director of IVCanDO. “This grant program is here to provide the support and resources our business owners need to rebuild, grow, and continue contributing to the economic health of Jackson County.”
How to Apply
Applications for the PIER Microenterprise Grant Program are now open. Interested businesses can learn more about eligibility, application guidelines, and available funds by visiting the IVCanDO website at:
🌐 www.ivcdo.org/pier
📞 For more information or assistance with applications, call: 541-592-4440
📧 Or email: pier@ivcdo.org
¿Necesita ayuda en otro idioma?
Envíe un correo a pier@ivcdo.org para recibir asistencia lingüística gratuita con su solicitud.
About IVCanDO
The Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (IVCanDO) The Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (IVCanDO) is a nonprofit committed to fostering economic opportunity and strengthening small businesses across Southern Oregon.