Path to Success Challenge & NCFS Grant Challenge by Pendleton Urban Renewal

Grant Overview

Donor: Pendleton Development Commission and Nixyaawii Community Financial Services

About: The Path to Success Challenge & NCFS Grant Challenge is an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their retail or food and beverage businesses in downtown Pendleton. This initiative, supported by the Pendleton Development Commission and Nixyaawii Community Financial Services (NCFS), aims to revitalize the downtown area by encouraging new business ventures. Four winners will receive $20,000 each towards the cost of starting or expanding their businesses, while NCFS is sponsoring a $2,500 grant challenge specifically for Native entrepreneurs.

To qualify for the Path to Success Challenge, applicants must locate their business in downtown Pendleton and have at least $10,000 to invest. All winners are required to attend a local business plan class. The types of eligible businesses include retailers selling clothing, shoes, gifts, books, home furnishings, kitchenware, and more, as well as food and beverage businesses such as restaurants, delis, and dessert bars.

For the NCFS Native Entrepreneur Grant, applicants must have $500 to invest in their business. Eligible businesses include the same types of retail and food and beverage establishments, with the addition of food carts.

The application process involves submitting a detailed business plan, which will be presented to a selection committee. Winners will be announced, and the grants will be awarded as forgivable loans to support the purchase of business equipment, furnishings, and inventory.

Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your business idea to life in downtown Pendleton. If you need help applying, crafting a business plan, or need additional support, consider reaching out to Grantaura for expert assistance in grant research, application submission, and more.

Focus: Retail, Restaurant, Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Downtown Revitalization, Native Entrepreneurship, Community Development

Region: Pendleton, Oregon, United States

Eligibility:
-Applicants must locate their retail or restaurant business in downtown Pendleton.
-Applicants must have at least $10,000 to invest in their business for the Path to Success Challenge.
-All winners must attend a local business plan class.
-Eligible businesses include retailers selling clothing, shoes, gifts, books, home furnishings, kitchenware, and more, as well as food and beverage businesses such as restaurants, delis, and dessert bars. Food carts are not eligible for the Path to Success Challenge but are eligible for the NCFS Native Entrepreneur Grant.
-Applicants must have $500 to invest in their business for the NCFS Native Entrepreneur Grant.
-Eligible businesses for the NCFS Native Entrepreneur Grant include the same types of retail and food and beverage establishments, with the addition of food carts.
-Applicants must submit a detailed business plan that will be presented to a selection committee.
-Winners will be announced and the grants will be awarded as forgivable loans to support the purchase of business equipment, furnishings, and inventory.

Benefits:
-Four winners will receive $20,000 each towards the cost of starting or expanding their businesses.
-NCFS is sponsoring a $2,500 grant challenge specifically for Native entrepreneurs.
-Grants will be awarded as forgivable loans to support the purchase of business equipment, furnishings, and inventory.

Deadline: March 10, 2025

Terms:
-Pendleton Development Commission: The government agency dedicated to providing financial assistance for new and expanded retail, historic building renovations, and new construction in the City of Pendleton.
-Nixyaawii Community Financial Services (NCFS): A financial service provider sponsoring a $2,500 grant challenge for Native entrepreneurs.
-Forgivable Loan: A loan that does not need to be repaid if certain conditions are met.
-Business Plan Class: A mandatory class for all winners to help them develop a comprehensive business plan.