PIER Microenterprise Grants for Jackson County Small Businesses
Supporting Small Businesses in Jackson County Impacted by the 2020 Labor Day Fires
The Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization (PIER) program is a federally funded disaster recovery initiative supporting Oregon communities affected by the 2020 Labor Day Fires. IVCanDO is proud to partner with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to distribute PIER funds to eligible businesses in Jackson County, Oregon.
IVCanDO is managing two programs under the PIER award:
- Microenterprise Grant Program — $100,000 available in 2nd round
- Jackson County PIER Small Business Revolving Loan Fund — $450,000 Open and ongoing
About IVCanDO’s PIER Microenterprise Grant Program
What is PIER?
The Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization (PIER) Program is administered by OHCS with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It supports Oregon’s long-term wildfire recovery through infrastructure investments and economic revitalization in the eight counties most affected by the 2020 Labor Day fires.
IVCanDO’s Microenterprise Grant Program was selected by a regional committee to support recovery in Jackson County, specifically for small businesses impacted by the Almeda and South Obenchain Fires. This initiative emphasizes access, equity, and long-term resilience.
Although IVCanDO is based in Josephine County, we are honored to support recovery efforts throughout Southern Oregon.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible if your business:
- Has five or fewer employees
- Is located in Jackson County
- Was directly or indirectly impacted by the 2020 Labor Day Fires
- Has unmet recovery needs
- Is owned by or serves low- to moderate-income individuals
- Is responding to community needs created by the fires
What Can Grant Funds Be Used For?
Eligible uses include (but are not limited to):
- Working capital
- Construction on buildings essential to business operations
- Job creation or retention
- Addressing specific unmet recovery needs from the 2020 disaster
- Supporting vulnerable or fire-affected populations
Timeline:
Grant Program – Round 2: January 23, 2026 – March 31, 2026
How to Apply
Prepare First:
- ✅ Preview the Application
- ✅ Review the Scoring Criteria
- ✅ Gather Required Documents
Documents & Downloads
– Printable Application
– View Scoring Rubric
– Question-by-Question Guidance + Attachments List
– PIER Standard of Operations Document – Updated 7/10/2025
– LMI Household Certification
– LMI Jobs Form
Spanish Documents & Downloads
– Solicitud de subvención PIER en español
– Solicitud de Subvención para Microempresas – Rúbrica
– Organización de Desarrollo Comunitario del Valle de Illinois Programa de Subvenciones para Microempresas PIER
Need Help? Technical Assistance is Available
Language Services:
Email us at pier@ivcdo.org in your preferred language. We’ll schedule a meeting with an interpreter at no cost to you.
Application Support
Contact:
📧 SOU PIER Project: piersupport@sou.edu |541-552-8209
Internet & Printing Access:
Visit Jackson County Library Services.
Roslyn Donald, Business Librarian, is available to assist:
📧 rdonald@jcls.org | ☎️ 541-734-3992
🌐 www.jcls.org/business
General Questions:
Contact IVCanDO at pier@ivcdo.org or call 541-592-4440
Help Spread the Word!
Use our PARTNER TOOLKIT to share this opportunity with businesses that may qualify.
Together, we can ensure every eligible business has a chance to apply.
PIER – Grants
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.
PIER – Loans
No, absolutely not. Reporting to ICE is against Oregon law.
PIER FAQs
No, absolutely not. Reporting to ICE is against Oregon law.
Receive Updates!
Fill out this form to receive updates about PIER grant and loan opportunities in Jackson County, Oregon.