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

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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Maupin’s Outdoor Store Opens in Summer 2022

July 21, 2022 – Maupin Outdoor Store, LLC brings the gear, equipment, and apparel that locals and visitors need to participate in the summer’s outdoor activities.  The second floor will be the studio of Living River Jewelry, where owner Holly Henderson will hand-craft sterling silver jewelry and offer silver-smithing classes.  This hybrid business will be the only one of its kind in the city of Maupin and will be a wonderful addition to its outdoor recreation economy. The Outdoor Store will offer: a diverse inventory of equipment, gear, tools, and apparel for those visiting to fish, raft, bike and camp. Online sales with options for local pickup or world-wide shipping. Extended hours and pick-up lockers for late arrivals.   Living River Jewelry will offer: Handmade silver, gold, and bronze jewelry with an outdoor theme. Occasional silversmithing workshops to bolster local art scene.   The business concept for the store has grown naturally out of Holly’s passion for customer service and her genuine love for helping people, traits that have been developed for over 20 years with Holly’s experience in retail and in jewelry manufacturing. MCEDD financing has assisted Henderson to realize her goals by funding the purchase of inventory, wages during the early months of the business, and working capital for the business.   [Continue Reading]

New, Flexible Small Business Lending Resources Now Available

March 10, 2022 – Entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and existing businesses now have access to additional flexible lending resources through the Oregon and Washington Investment Boards. $1.9 Million in new funds, awarded from USDA Rural Development, have increased the pool of funds available to support businesses within the boundaries of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area for post-pandemic recovery. The Oregon and Washington Investment Boards were created to provide economic development loans and grants in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  The funding criteria includes creation of jobs and supporting investments that strengthen and diversify the Columbia River Gorge economy. Prior to 2021,  these Boards have received and distributed some $8.1 million in funds to support the economy in the Mid-Columbia region. This additional $1.9 million, awarded by the USDA in 2021, is now available for small business loans anywhere within the boundaries of the National Scenic Area, including urban areas. Businesses within the National Scenic Area portions of Clark, Skamania and Klickitat Counties can apply to the WIB.  Businesses in the National Scenic Area portions of Multnomah, Hood River and Wasco Counties can apply to the OIB. “We are excited to have more money available for business lending in the region to fulfill the need in our communities.”                 – says Kevin Waters, Executive Director of Skamania County Economic Development Council     Loans can be used to contribute to the financing needed by a business to purchase or build new facilities, purchase equipment, or provide working capital. Almost any legal business including sole proprietorships, LLCs, Corporations, and partnerships can apply. Loans support start-ups, established businesses, and businesses from most sectors. Loans must be fully collateralized, and loan amounts range from $1,000 to $250,000. Staff are available to support the application process, making it easy and accessible.   The Washington Investment Board (WIB) funds are managed by the Skamania County Economic Development Council, and the Oregon Investment Board (OIB) funds are managed by Mid-Columbia Economic Development District.   For Washington loans, contact Kevin Waters (509) 427-5110 or kwaters@skamania-edc.org. For Oregon loans, contact Ami Beaver at 541-296-2266 x1004 or ami@mcedd.org.     [Continue Reading]

MCEDD

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

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