Several programs exist to help get would-be business owners into business. But assistance specifically for minority-owned businesses, or businesses in underserved communities, can be spotty.
MESO, Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon, has been confined to the Portland metro area. But that changes with a new focus on Jackson County; MESO is entering a partnership with Umpqua Bank that will make a Medford-area office a reality.
Umpqua entered partnerships with three other organizations, including Kiva U.S.
Plans call for bilingual loan services and more. Reps from the various partners lay out the vision and the timetable.