BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Several grant programs will be made available in the Tri-County areas MESO, in partnership with these various municipalities, will be administering the grant application and the disbursement process.

A Perfect Match: City of Tigard Opportunity Fund

Get Connected - Federal program helps pay for internet

Amber Grant

Prosper Portland Resources

East Multnomah County Re-Beautification Grant: English and Spanish Application

NAMC 2025 Grant

MESO’s Community Capital team provides essential financing for small businesses in Oregon and SW Washington. With a focus on lending to under-served entrepreneurs, MESO’s policies, SBA and CDFI status provide tools to serve those who may be ineligible or uncomfortable with seeking or qualifying for traditional financing. Our teams ensure full-service support, including technical assistance, to the entrepreneur from pre-application throughout the life of the loan.

WE PROVIDE:

CREDIT 101:

•Provides education about basic credit knowledge and the importance of higher credit scores, with an offer to establish a $100-$200 credit builder loan.

SMALL DOLLAR LOAN:

•Streamlined loans that range from $250 to $2,500 support small business needs from inventory to equipment repairs.

GENERAL LENDING:

•Loans up to $500,000 to support growth and

continued operations of small businesses at any stage.

Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) are matched savings accounts that support entrepreneurs in building business assets. Paired with MESO's holistic services, IDAs provide a powerful tool to help business owners grow their enterprises and achieve their financial goals.

The MESO Business IDA program, part of the Oregon IDA Initiative & Washington State MISA pilot, leverages state and private resources to promote financial stability and wealth building for Oregonians, and now a select group of Washington clients, with lower incomes. 

Committed to equity, the program supports communities historically excluded from economic opportunities. Through matched savings, participants amplify their financial resources to achieve self-determined business and financial goals .

WE PROVIDE:

•5:1 Matching Funds: For every $1 saved in an IDA, MESO provides a $5 match in grant funds.

•Up to $12,000 in Match Funds: Participants can receive up to $12,000 by meeting program requirements and savings goals.

•Financial Education: Participants enhance their personal and business financial knowledge by taking MESO courses of their choice.

•Business Planning Support: Each participant develops a business plan and financial projections with guidance from a business advisor.

•Since 2005 the MESO IDA Program has provided $ 3.5 M in matching grant funds to over 500 small business owners.