Type of Event: Funding

Do you live in or have your business located in one of the following zip codes?

97034, 97035, 97219, 97223, 97224, 97239

Then you are eligible to apply for a special Individual Development Account enrollment session, sponsored by Metro’s Southwest Corridor Equitable Development Strategy (SWEDS)

The Mercy Corps NW IDA match savings program operates on a 5:1 match ratio. This means that every dollar an IDA Program participants saves, will be matched with $5 in grant money. The savings goal for all SWEDS participants is $600, matched with $3000 in grant money, for a total of $3600. Participants are expected to finish the program in 6 months.

Train

IDAs mean more than just money.  It also means training on how to improve your small business and planning your next phase of business growth, whether you are starting or expanding. During your time as a participant you will finish about 16-22 hours of business and financial education. If you choose to complete the educational requirement at Mercy Corps NW, it will take the form of:

• 2 Seminars: $25 each (Free seminar coupons are provided upon completing 1) your IDA application  and 2) Foundations Course Survey)
• 1 one-on-one Business Counseling Session: $25
• Either: A Business Foundations Workshop (level 1 or 2), a Write your Business Plan workshop, or an approved business workshop from another organization.

Plan

IDA Program participants complete a business plan, which is reviewed by IDA staff members and feedback is provided.  Don’t worry – we have templates available for you, and your training will help put some of the pieces together.

Buy

This is the fun part – after all requirements are met, we will work together to approve a purchase list of the assets you need to start or expand your business.

Want to learn more?

If you would like to know more about the IDA and other MCNW programs, we recommend that you attend a Mercy Corps Northwest Orientation session (located at our office at 43 SW Naito Parkway), where you can learn about the IDA program in greater detail and have a chance to ask any questions you might have.

We will also have a special orientation just for the SWEDS IDA at the Hillsdale Library  on 08/15/2018

Starting time of meeting: 12:00 pm (Please note: the parking garage for the library doesn’t open until 11:50)
Ending time of meeting: 2:00 pm

If you require any disability accommodations, please let us know.

Questions? Please contact Huda Al-Hamdani at halhamdani@mercycorpsnw.org or (503) 896-5448 for more information.