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The Courage to Create, Lead and Transform Your Ideas Into Reality 

Entrepreneur: One who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise.

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GRO Greater: Lighting the Way for Your Success
 
Welcome to GRO Greater, a Columbia County initiative that's part of a national network of rural initiatives to help build economies and communities committed to strong entrepreneurial growth and "bottom up" economic development. GRO Greater was started in 2022 with funding from the Ford Family Foundation and is dedicated to shining a light on local entrepreneurs and innovation. Our mission is to illuminate the path to a vibrant local economy by empowering entrepreneurs with the support, connections, and resources they need to thrive. Whether through education, networking, or financial guidance, we're here to light your way at every stage of your business journey.
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Supporting Entrepreneurs & Innovation

BUSINESS START-UPS

Are you thinking about starting a business in Columbia County? If you’re in the early stages and feeling lost in the dark, we’re here to help you find your way.  With our access to tools, mentorship, and support, we’ll help turn your idea into a bright and successful venture.

Get Started
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Creating a Vibrant Ecosystem

GROWTH STAGE BUSINESSES

Your business is already shining in Columbia County, but you’re ready to grow even brighter. Whether you want to scale up, innovate, or tackle new challenges, we provide the resources and connections to help you stay ahead and keep your business glowing.

GRO With Us
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The Right Resources at the Right Time

BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM RESOURCES

Our network of partners is here to brighten your path with the answers and programs you need. From funding opportunities to expert advice, these connections are designed to help you overcome challenges and illuminate the way forward.

Find Your Resources

Apply for Our Technical Assistance Grant

This applies to you - yes you! This program offers a unique opportunity for local  business owners to receive specialized assistance in the form of a cost-share grant. Don’t miss out on this chance to get the help you need right now.

Know your Need. Identify a need you have for a specialized business service that will help you solve a problem and grow your business. Get a quote for services.

Apply for the cost-sharing Grant. This grant will pay half the cost up to $1250 for a qualified service or educational opportunity (more details below.) So if you have a need that’s less than $2500, we still pay half.

Book it, and get it done in 90 days!

Once we accept your application for cost-sharing you have 90 days to complete the service or course. We pay on completion. (Details on program mechanics below.)

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What qualifies for a cost-share grant?

BUSINESS SERVICES

Sometimes you need an expert to move forward. Using the cost-sharing program to connect you as a business owner with critical business services is exactly what this program is about.

You can apply for cost-sharing service fees for:

  • E-commerce / Web Development
  • Accounting / Bookkeeping
  • Marketing / Advertising

  • Legal Services for Business

Cost share is available to entrepreneurs working with the GRO Navigator.

FUNDS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION

Being a business owner means continually learning new skills. Take part in education opportunities with a cost-share grant.

This program will assist with payments for you to attend trainings and workshops with organizations like the Columbia County SBDC, Destination Bootcamp, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, or other similar education and training programs or classes. Class tuition and program costs are eligible for match funds and will be reimbursed to the entrepreneur after completion with proof of attendance.

Cost share is available to entrepreneurs working with the GRO Navigator.

How the Technical Assistance Cost-share Program Works

  • Entrepreneur (that’s you!) identifies resource partner that is qualified and has capacity to provide service. GROGreater may provide list of potential resource partners.

  • Entrepreneurs will request a written quote for services from potential provider.

  • Simple application completed by entrepreneur (application assistance from Navigator available).

  • Applications are screened by GRO Navigator Council, and they recommend the cost share award on a rolling basis. 

    Decisions are made within 2 weeks.

  • Entrepreneur is notified of award, schedules class or business service and reports back on type of assistance received within 90 days.

  • Col-Pac EDD will pay grant match portion directly to the service provider upon receipt of an invoice and completion of service.

  • Fund management and oversight: Col-Pac EDD holds funds, manages reporting, processes requests, and makes

    payment directly to TA provider.

  • GRO Navigator tracks referrals, follows up on benefit to entrepreneur and ecosystem, collects impact data and stories.

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GRO Navigator

Need help? Have questions? Get in touch with our GRO Navigator. We can help point you in the right direction.

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