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Illinois Valley business hub seeks $75,000 from Josephine County; board directs staff to draft contract
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Summary
The county heard a pitch from Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (IVCANDo) for a Business Hub to support local entrepreneurs and requested $75,000 from Josephine County as local support; commissioners directed staff to draft a contract, seek a letter of intent and follow the county’s new evaluation process before final approval.
Executive Director Lindsay Jones asked Josephine County commissioners on April 28 to support a new Illinois Valley Business Hub with a $75,000 county contribution to leverage additional foundation funding and match grants.
Jones described the hub as a permanent economic development asset providing affordable office, coworking and training space and said the organization has a 31-year track record including revolving loan funds, small-business advising and COVID relief grants. "Support from Josephine County is especially important because it signals that local commitment and support that helps unlock additional resources," Jones said.
Jones said the project’s current budget is in the mid‑$200,000s and that the organization had secured a $500,000 grant from the Oregon Community Foundation and was pursuing additional foundations, contingent on demonstrating local support. She requested the county draft a contract and consider a letter of intent to enable other funders to move forward with matching grants.
Director Nelson and other commissioners discussed incorporating the request into the FY2027 economic development budget and using the county’s new scoring and contract processes to preserve accountability. Commissioner Martin and others asked for clear deliverables and reporting requirements; Jones said the organization is accustomed to reporting outcomes and provided sample metrics such as occupancy, jobs created/retained and participation in workshops.
The board gave direction to staff to draft a contract and a letter of intent under the county’s new process so the request can return for formal approval after documentation and scoring are completed.
