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.

Menu
  • About
    • About MCEDD
    • Our Area
    • Board of Directors
    • Policies
    • Meetings
    • Media
    • Employment, Volunteer & Contract Opportunities
    • Contact Us
    • Close
  • Financing
    • Business Loans
      MCEDD provides loans to businesses and individuals. Our financing can help you start, grow and expand your business.
    • Housing Loans
      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.
    • Incentives
      Resources to help your business prosper. From training to relocation incentives, explore how your business may qualify.
    • Success Stories
      Businesses are growing and expanding in the Gorge with support from our financing programs. See how we measure up in supporting local businesses!
    • Close
  • Strategy
    • 2022-27 CEDS
      Every five years the region develops the comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) as a guide to understanding the regional economy and crafting goals, strategies and actions to create jobs, raise income levels, diversify the economy, and improve the quality of life.
    • Data Resources
      Facts and figures on the regional economy. Data on where we are thriving and where we still have work to do.
    • Priorities
      In addition to initiatives and action plans, we also prioritize regionally significant infrastructure projects. See regional priorities and the status of development.
    • Get Involved
      Get involved in plan updates, future development or action plan teams.
    • Close
  • Industry Development
    • Services for Governments
      MCEDD provides county economic development, grant writing services, infrastructure project administration and planning.
    • Business Services
      To support businesses create and retain jobs, MCEDD provides loans for the financing needs of businesses with favorable rates, terms and requirements.
    • Industry Sectors
      MCEDD has been a leader in the development of industry clusters including arts, wine, high tech, renewable energy, healthcare, & more.
    • Infrastructure
      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
      • Special Projects
        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.
      Close
    • Preparedness
      • Economic Resiliency GuidesEconomic Resiliency Guides
      • Covid 19 ResourcesCOVID-19 Resources
      • Business TrainingBusiness Trainings
      • Business Resliency ProfilesBusiness Resiliency Profiles
      • Close
    • Transportation
      • The LINK Public Transit
      • Go By GOrge Pass
      • Gorge Translink Alliance
      • Gorge Regional Transit Strategy
      • Connect Mid-Columbia
      • Public Transportation Options
      • Wasco County Transit Development Plan
      • Close
    • Contact
      • Staff
      • Stay Informed
      • Close
    Home   ::   Business Financing   ::   Microloan Lending Supports Sole Proprietor Landscape Construction Company

    Microloan Lending Supports Sole Proprietor Landscape Construction Company

    May 16, 2023

    Sergio Almader is a one-man equipment owner/operator doing various construction projects with his Toro Dingo and its various attachments, trencher, rototiller, bucket, augur, mini backhoe, grader and forks.  The Toro Dingo is a smaller version of a Bobcat, only 42 inches wide, which opens up many opportunities for equipment use in constricted areas in a project that would otherwise require hand digging. Sergio has over 30 years of experience in landscape construction, with many years spent running his own Landscaping business.  Sergio later became a salesman for with the Toro Company and sold Dingos to contractors.

    After moving to the Hood River area and working with a local home builder, he realized there was a huge lack of available labor in the local construction industry. Homeowners were having difficulty finding contractors for projects because the contractors were either too busy with larger projects or didn’t have the labor to take on additional projects. He decided to start his own trenching business in 2021 and purchased a used Toro Dingo with its 10 attachments with a used truck and a custom trailer to haul everything and started doing side jobs.

    Sergio Almader digging hole with the Toro Dingo in Cherry orchardSergio Almader works with both homeowners and contractors digging trenches for gas or water lines, holes for fence posts and pole barns, tree removals, digging out leech fields and moving large quantities of soil or sand.

    DBA the Dingo Dude, Sergio’s business has been successful with only word-of-mouth and  social media advertising. MCEDD’s microlending program has given Sergio the ability to refinance and consolidate the credit card debt incurred from the purchase of the business’ equipment, allowing him to save on interest and pay off the debt more quickly.

    Website: www.dingo-dude.com

    Facebook page: @DingoDude

    Phone: 541-340-4884

     

    Filed Under: Business Financing

    MCEDD

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

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    Stay Up To Date On Our Latest News and Events




    • Privacy Policy
    • Site Map
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Contact Us

    Copyright © 2023 · Mid Columbia Economic Development District

    Copyright © 2023 · Minimum Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in