Website: https://www.meritpnw.org/

Contact: Lizet Arreola, 503-584-7314, lizet@meritpnw.org (English and Spanish)

Communities served: Residents of Marion, Yamhill, and Polk counties, espeically those living in rural areas.

Eligibility criteria: See “Am I Eligible?” for general eligibility requirements. Individuals are limited to two IDAs in their lifetime within the CASA network.

Application process: The first step is to take MERIT’s business and financial education classes. At the end of the MERIT small business training, participants can be added to the wait list. When funds are available, we call individuals on the wait list to see if they are eligible. There is a $25 application fee.

Average number of IDAs opened each year, in the 3 most recent years: 5 or fewer

Maximum match per asset: $15,000 (depending on funds)

Other services provided: Small business loans, specialized workshops for small businesses