Jump Start is one of many programs available through the Pendleton Development Commission to support the vitality of downtown Pendleton. The program offers benefits including low-interest loans for business and property owners located within the area of historical significance in downtown Pendleton. That is the area from the 1500 block of SW Court/Dorion to the 1100 Block of SE Court/Dorion Avenues and between SE 6th to SW 6th from the Umatilla River to the railroad tracks.

Call 541-966-0233 or download the Jump Start application form (PDF).

To be considered at the next monthly meeting of the Grant Review Committee, a grant application is due the last Monday of the prior month.

New, of course, is new. Maybe you’ve never been in business before and you’re just starting a business or maybe you’re bringing an existing business from another community. These are considered new businesses.

Expanding businesses satisfy one of these qualifications:

• Has been officially licensed and operating for at least one year.
• Is opening an additional location in downtown Pendleton.
• Is increasing square footage used for a business purpose in downtown Pendleton.

• Maximum loan amounts are determined by a number of factors, including square footage of occupied space and credit application.
• The maximum loan amount for a business owner is $40,000, and the maximum amount for a property owner is $60,000.
• A business owner who also owns the building occupied by the business can get up to $100,000.

The Jump Start committee meets one time per month. Once a completed application packet is submitted, a decision will be communicated within 30 days and loan proceeds will be available within 3 weeks from the time the decision is made.