Mid-Columbia Economic Development District

08/26/2026

The Washington State Broadband Office has $300,000 available to support applications for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 3.

Tribes in Washington can use the funds to assist with application preparation, submission, and activities including budget creation, network sustainability plans, and more.

Applications are due Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Learn more: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/funding/tribal-application-assistance-grants-available-for-tribal-broadband-connectivity-program/

08/21/2026

🫵Sherman County, Oregon NEEDS YOU!🫵

There’s still time to throw your hat in the ring to be a part of the future of Sherman County through the Bigelow Ag Mitigation Fund Selection Committee!

See below for the simple steps needed for you to be considered.

Help Shape Investments in Sherman County’s Agricultural Future! 🌾

Sherman County and the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) are seeking volunteers to serve on the Biglow Ag Mitigation Fund Selection Committee.

The Biglow Ag Mitigation Fund was established to invest in projects that strengthen Sherman County’s agricultural economy and help offset potential impacts associated with the Biglow Solar project. The Selection Committee will review grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Sherman County Court.

We are looking to fill three volunteer positions:
🌾 One dryland farm producer in Sherman County
🏘️ One community member
🔥 One individual with expertise in wildfire as it relates to agricultural lands

This is an opportunity to bring your experience and perspective to decisions that will support Sherman County’s agricultural community.

Applications are open through August 24 and are available here: https://mcedd.org/committee-members-needed-to-help-shape-the-future-of-sherman-county-agriculture/

Questions? Contact Jill Catherine with MCEDD at [email protected] or 541-296-2266 ext. 1006.

08/21/2026

⏳Extended!⏳ You have until August 24th to apply. We are keeping the application window open through the weekend for our Loan Servicing Specialist role.

Check out the full description below and apply by Monday, August 24th!

Job openings with MCEDD and The Link Public Transit in The Dalles, Oregon. Volunteer opportunities with regional boards.

08/19/2026

🎉MCEDD is thrilled to celebrate the Grand Opening of microloan client Barefoot Botanicals Herb Shop & Plant Nursery!🎉

Join the celebration this Saturday, August 22nd from Noon - 7 PM at 1216 13th St in the Hood River Heights! https://www.bearfoot-botanicals.com/ 🌱🪴

If you or a business owner or entrepreneur you know is interested in MCEDD's lending programs, please visit mcedd.org/financing/business-loans/

08/19/2026

Help Shape Investments in Sherman County’s Agricultural Future! 🌾

Sherman County and the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) are seeking volunteers to serve on the Biglow Ag Mitigation Fund Selection Committee.

The Biglow Ag Mitigation Fund was established to invest in projects that strengthen Sherman County’s agricultural economy and help offset potential impacts associated with the Biglow Solar project. The Selection Committee will review grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Sherman County Court.

We are looking to fill three volunteer positions:
🌾 One dryland farm producer in Sherman County
🏘️ One community member
🔥 One individual with expertise in wildfire as it relates to agricultural lands

This is an opportunity to bring your experience and perspective to decisions that will support Sherman County’s agricultural community.

Applications are open through August 24 and are available here: https://mcedd.org/committee-members-needed-to-help-shape-the-future-of-sherman-county-agriculture/

Questions? Contact Jill Catherine with MCEDD at [email protected] or 541-296-2266 ext. 1006.

08/17/2026

Has your business experienced damage or economic losses due to wildfire and smoke conditions? Oregon Office of Emergency Management needs your input to document impacts to Oregon businesses and help determine whether affected areas may qualify for U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The survey is available in both English and Spanish (see comments.) Photo credit: Gritchelle Fallesgon, Aug 13, 2026, Travel Oregon
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dbfa37426a0e46cb9f312823b85f90f2?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Take%20the%20survey%20in%20English&utm_campaign=Aug13IndustryNewsletter

07/31/2026

We're hiring for a Loan Servicing Specialist! The role supports our Loan Fund Manager in successfully operating our small business lending programs. Spanish language fluency preferred. Apply by Aug 19. Details at

Job openings with MCEDD and The Link Public Transit in The Dalles, Oregon. Volunteer opportunities with regional boards.

07/21/2026

The first session of our regional Economic Development Strategy is this Thursday morning in Stevenson! We are excited to see so many of our partners there. Still need to register? Click the link below.

First Session: Economic and Demographic Data Thursday, July 23, 2026 8:30 networking, session 9am - 11:30am (Draft agenda here.) Hegewald Center, 710 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, WA Optional tour follows at WKO's lumber mill in Carson (11:45-12:45 estimate). Questions? Contact us at 541-296-2266....

07/17/2026

The Hood River County Energy Council, supported by MCEDD, invites everyone to this FREE bi-lingual informational event next Saturday!

July 25, 2026 at May Street Elementary School - 11 am to 2 pm
Come receive FREE: expert advice, energy-saving devices, food and childcare!

Reserve your family's spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hood-river-home-energy-efficiency-open-house-tickets-1992525659886?aff=oddtdtcreator

07/14/2026

🌏Unlock global growth for your business! 🌍
Join Business Oregon for a FREE Export Credit Conference to learn how export insurance can help you succeed in international markets.

July 21, 2026 1 pm - 3 pm
World Trade Center
121 SW Salmon St., Portland, OR

Hear from speakers from the Export-Import Bank, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Small Business Administration and Business Oregon. Build meaningful international connections to support business growth in global markets.

More info, Speaker lineup and Free registration: