Serving the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon and Washington, providing regional economic development and business assistance.Mid–Columbia Economic Development District

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Mid Columbia Economic Development District strives to promote the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat and Skamania Counties

MCEDD is organized as a government non-profit in Oregon as an ORS-190 and in Washington through RCW 39.34.010.

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    • Business Loans
      MCEDD provides loans to businesses and individuals. Our financing can help you start, grow and expand your business.
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      MCEDD offers a fund specifically to encourage the development of attainable housing in our three Oregon counties.
    • Oregon Investment Board
      The Investment Board provides financing in the National Scenic Area for small and growing businesses, nonprofits and economic development activities.
    • Mt Hood Economic Alliance
      A source of gap financing loans for businesses in Clackamas, Hood River and Wasco Counties.
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      Resources to help your business prosper. From training to relocation incentives, explore how your business may qualify.
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      Businesses are growing and expanding in the Gorge with support from our financing programs. See how we measure up in supporting local businesses!
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    • map of the MCEDD bi-state service areaAbout The Plan
      From vision to implementation, explore how and why the plan was developed.
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      Facts and figures on the regional economy. Data on where we are thriving and where we still have work to do.
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      MCEDD provides county economic development, grant writing services, infrastructure project administration and planning.
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      To support businesses create and retain jobs, MCEDD provides loans for the financing needs of businesses with favorable rates, terms and requirements.
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      MCEDD has been a leader in the development of industry clusters including arts, wine, high tech, renewable energy, healthcare, & more.
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      MCEDD prioritizes regional infrastructure project and supports development of strong communities to support growing businesses. From broadband to transportation to water/ wastewater projects, learn more about regional activities.
      • Cover of the Hood River Energy Plan
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        MCEDD supports a variety of special projects that align with the regional economic development strategy. Learn more about one of those projects: The Hood River Energy Plan.
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    Home   ::   Business Trainings

    Business Trainings

    Upcoming Events

    PPP/EIDL Training, hosted by the Small Business Development Center and regional Chambers of Commerce – January 19, 4:00-5:00 pm

    SBDC – Please join us for Updates and Info on the New PPP and EIDL
    We will be joined by regional bankers, a CPA, and other local professionals that will give you information on the new guidelines, eligibility requirements, funding amounts and more from the latest CARES Act. There will also be a brief update from public health officials and opportunity for you to ask questions to the panel about your particular circumstance.

    REGISTER HERE

    Mid-Columbia Lender’s Roundtable –  February 3, 2021, 1:00-2:30 pm

    In this session you will hear from a variety of local lenders who will discuss the current lending environment, how to approach accessing financing with their programs, and COVID-19 impacts on lending.

    REGISTER HERE


    Business Resiliency Training Sessions hosted by MCEDD and CGCC SBDC

    Sessions are open to all businesses and will be hosted online. There are 5 modules that will be repeated and a Lenders’ Round Table session. You are welcome to sign up for any or all sessions.

    REGISTER HERE 

    Digital Marketing Strategies 

    Learn ways to reach your audience by strengthening your online presence and online communications with SEO, email campaigns, social media, and PPC ads.

    • March 9, 2021 (9:00 am – 11:00 am) in partnership with The Dalles Area and Hood River County Chambers
    • March 16, 2021 (9:00 am – 11:00 am) in partnership with Sherman County and the Condon Chamber

    Taking Your Business Online

    Whether you sell a product or service, learn ways to overcome impacts of COVID-19 but taking your business online. This course will cover online tools to help you do business virtually such as Team Chat Apps, Video Conferencing, Password Managers, G Suite, Time Tracking, and more.

    • April 14, 2021 (9:00 am – 11:00 am) in partnership with Sherman County and the Condon Chamber

    Planning for Business Resiliency

    Effective business planning can be challenging. In this session, learn more about developing business continuity, financial, and succession plans to help your business become more resilient.

    • March 10, 2021 (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm)

    Sources of Capital: Stimulus and Beyond

    In this session we will learn about the most recent stimulus package, traditional and alternative capital options, financing strategies, how to create competitive funding requests, and more! 

    • January 12, 2021 (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm)
    • April 6, 2021 (9:00 am – 11:00 am)

    Cyber Security for Small Businesses

    Doing business online allows businesses to reach new markets and increase productivity, but cyber security should be part of your overall plan to doing business virtually to protect yourself, your customers and data. In this session we will cover the basics of protecting your computers, information, and company.

    • February 9, 2021 (9:00 am – 11:00 am) in partnership with The Dalles Area and Hood River County Chambers
    • February 16, 2021 (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm) in partnership with the Maupin Area Chamber
    • May 10, 2021 (9:00 am – 11:00 am) in partnership with Sherman County and the Condon Chamber

    Partner Events

    • GWATA and Washington State University have partnered with Microsoft, LinkedIn, and Github to provide free online training resources until January 2021. With UpSkill, you can access 100+ free online training courses along with learning pathways for ten in-demand careers. All you need is a LinkedIn account (also free) to get started. Learn more here.
    • The SBA Portland District Office is offering a series of three training sessions in January to give you information needed to help guide your pathway toward economic empowerment and business success. Learn more here.

    Past Events

    Reopening & PPE requirements for businesses
    • Business Adaptation Training (Oregon reopening guidelines by sector)
    • Oregon WorkShare training on reopening
    • Workplace outbreaks and face covering training (recorded July 2020; link to resources mentioned in the training)
    • How to appropriately use cloth masks (English, Spanish)
    • Face Covering Requirements in Oregon (link, June 2020, Hood River County Chamber of Commerce –YouTube channel with other business resources)
    • Creating a Safe Space for Customers and Employees: Conflict De-escalation Amid COVID-19 Restrictions (link, June 2020, HUB International)
    • Preventing Outbreaks of COVID-19 in High Intensity Workplaces (link, August 2020)
    Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
    • Changes, Updates, Q&A on Small Business Administration Loans (link, April 2020, Hood River County Chamber of Commerce)
    • Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act – Changes and Updates (link, June 2020, Hood River County Chamber of Commerce)
    • PPP – Tracking, Forgiveness and Taxes on Demand (link, June 2020, Washington SBDC)
    Business Development
    • Managing Your Business Through Crisis (link, April 2020, Hood River County Chamber of Commerce)
    • Leveraging Strategic Partnerships for Inclusion and Equity (link, July 2020, Travel Oregon)
    • Destination Marketing and COVID-19: Planning for Oregon’s Tourism Recovery (link, July 2020, Travel Oregon)
    • Oregon Leave Programs and the FFCRA (link, August 2020, Mid-Columbia Economic Resiliency Team)
    Other Training Resources
    • Small Business Development Center training (Oregon, Washington)
    • SCORE:
        • upcoming webinars
        • recorded webinars
        • library with free business templates, eguides, checklists, blogs, infographics, videos and other helpful resources
    • Employer Resources and Economic Recovery and Resiliency webinars (Washington)
    • Oregon Economic Development Association Info Sessions
    • Travel Oregon’s Virtual Training, Engagement and Assistance Industry Site and YouTube channel
    • U.S. Small Business Administration free courses
    • Outdoor Industry Association webinars
    • Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership Weekly Webinar Series
    • Impact Washington manufacturing resources

    MCEDD

    802 Chenowith Loop Rd,
    The Dalles, OR 97058
    Phone: (541) 296-2266

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