Background & Overview
The Northwest Native Chamber (NWNC), with the support of Business Oregon, is launching our Economic Equity Investment Program (EEIP). This program was designed to support a cohort of six Native American businesses throughout Oregon to identify and facilitate strategic high-value capital purchases. EEIP is intended to support ongoing or new capital acquisitions that will increase the scope and sustainability of Native-owned businesses while building intergenerational wealth. These high-value capital investments will be primarily used for down payment assistance, equipment purchase, land purchase, and more.
We will be awarding six Native-owned businesses in Oregon with up to $100k in capital support for these acquisitions. In addition to capital acquisition, all awardees will receive one-on-one technical assistance (TA) as a wraparound support, in areas such as business plan development, marketing, financial practices, and more. NWNC’s contracted professional service providers will support this cohort with credit and capital coaching, legal assistance, and real estate consulting.
Tiers
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Award
$25,000
$50,000
$100,000
Number of Awardees
2
2
2
Examples of Projects that DO Qualify
Examples of Projects that DO NOT Qualify
Examples of Projects that DO Qualify
Land purchase to operate business
Equipment purchase for business
Down payment assistance on retail or studio space to operate business
Infrastructure purchase for business
Examples of Projects that DO NOT Qualify
Program development (e.g. creating a workforce development training program)
Hiring/training of employees or contractors
Purchase marketing materials for the business (e.g. website)
Any personal purchases (e.g. personal vehicle, home, etc.)
Timeline
- January 8th: Application Opens
- January 16th 1pm-2pm PST: Application Webinar – Learn about EEIP and gain the knowledge
needed to submit a successful application! - February 4th: Application Closes
- March 8th: Award Notifications & Cohort Onboarding
- March-October: Capital Distribution and Technical Assistance
- November: Program Close Out