Recovery Project 5:

Build Back Brick-and-Mortar Businesses

Benefits to Community

  1. Stimulates Economic Recovery: Rebuilding commercial spaces supports small businesses, helping revitalize the local economy.

  2. Increases Business Opportunities: Offering flexible financing options enables businesses to rebuild and adapt, filling vacant commercial sites.

  3. Revitalizes Downtown Areas: Restoring commercial properties strengthens downtown areas in Phoenix and Talent, attracting new enterprises and community activity.

Project Status

The Regional Long-Term Recovery Plan is now complete, and the Jackson County Community Long Term Recovery Group (JCC LTRG) has convened partners and identified project leads. These leads are now beginning the critical work of implementing recovery initiatives to support our community's rebuilding and resilience efforts.

An Update on IVCanDO PIER Programs For Economic Recovery: A Status Report

Who is IVCanDO

Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (IVCanDO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with more than 25 years of experience leading Community and Economic Development projects. Based in Cave Junction, Oregon, IVCanDO operates seven program areas across Southern Oregon. Since 2000, IVCanDO has managed the IVCanDO Revolving Loan Fund, providing small businesses with accessible capital solutions.

PIER Program


Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization (PIER) funding is one part of the ReOregon Program, the state's government’s assistance program to support recovery from the 2020 fires. IVCanDO has been selected to distribute PIER funds to impacted businesses in Jackson County, Oregon.

IVCanDO will oversee two initiatives:

  • Microenterprise Grant Program: $450,000 awarded over two rounds

  • Expansion of Small Business Revolving Loan Fund: $500,000

Projects must meet one of the criteria below:

  • Address unmet economic recovery needs from the 2020 Labor Day Disasters

  • Support long-term economic resilience and growth

  • Focus on restoring and improving local businesses and economies

  • Engage in activities such as job creation, workforce development, and business support

  • Include projects that promote economic recovery and cater to vulnerable populations

  • Demonstrate clear benefits to the affected community​

Free technical assistance and business coaching will be provided through the SBDC, and applications will be available in English and Spanish.


The Microenterprise Grant Program and Loan Fund directly support fire recovery by:

  • Reducing financial barriers to rebuilding fire affected businesses 

  • Stabilizing small businesses critical to recovery in Phoenix and Talent

Current Project Metrics and Next Steps

  • Launch Microenterprise Grant Program: May 2025
    Launch Small Business Loan Program: July 2025

  • Grant application will remain open for 60 days

  • Conduct outreach through community presentations, social media, and partnerships with local Chambers and business alliances

  • Provide public access to applications, scoring rubrics, and technical assistance

Anticipated Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

  • Limited Awareness Among Eligible Businesses: Addressed through multi-channel outreach via partners and direct widespread marketing

  • Administrative Burden: Minimized through collaboration with OHCS technical assistance teams

  • Potential Delays from OHCS Approvals: Managed through proactive communication and coordination with OHCS staff. Also acts as a check and balance for applications. 


    Businesses and community members interested in program updates or next steps should sign up for notifications at ivcdo.org/pier, schedule a meeting with the SBDC PIER Advisor (Ruthie Painter at painterr@sou.edu or 541-552-8300), and begin gathering financial statements and supporting documents to prepare for the application process.

Detailed Progress Report