Mission
MERIT is a non-profit organization located in Oregon that focuses on empowering low-income individuals, particularly women and minorities, to launch and grow small businesses through various forms of training and support, including financial education, business development, and access to capital.
Basic Information
Founded in
2007
EIN
41-2247717
Total Assets
$35.75 thousand
UN Sustainable Development Goals Supported
This organization contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. See the SDG page for more information.
At a Glance

Supporting Small Businesses Since 2009
MERIT has been dedicated to supporting small businesses and economic empowerment since 2009.

Loan Fund for Small Businesses
Supporting small businesses across Oregon through our dedicated loan fund.

Small Business Development Training
Offering comprehensive training programs to help individuals launch their business journey.
Our Programs
Small Business Development Course
A course designed to help individuals explore, launch, and grow small businesses.
Learn MoreIndividual Development Program (IDA)
A program that assists individuals in saving for important purchases and investments.
Learn MoreVolunteer Opportunities
Class Facilitator
Lead small business development training for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Testimonials
"I'm grateful that an organization like MERIT exists because they have empowered me and helped me feel comfortable and confident about launching my business."

Blanca Beltran
MERIT Training Graduate + IDA client
"As a rural micro business, I was able to access capital through the IDA, and rural loan program- something that I did not find anywhere else. I'm grateful to have an organization like MERIT."
Norma Amado
Owner of Green Inspiration Landscaping LLC, & MERIT Training Graduate
MIP Score (Beta)
The MIP Score is in beta! We'd love any feedback you may have.
The MIP Score and it's methodology is purely used as a way to visualize how a nonprofits public financial data compares against others. It doesn't reflect the unique circumstances and impact that a nonprofit has.The MIP Score should never be used to say one charity is better than another.
Overall Score
43
14
/100
Program Expense Ratio
63.14%
6
/20
Program Revenue Growth
-26.77%
2
/20
Leverage Ratio
1.636
2
/20
Working Capital Ratio
-0.08151
2
/20
Fundraising Efficiency
0
2
/20
Latest Filing Data: Form 990
Fiscal Year:2021
Source:Source: Self-reported by organization
Financial Details
Revenue
Category | Amount | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Contributions, Gifts, and Grants | 143K | 90.08% |
Program Services | 15.74K | 9.92% |
Investment Income | 0 | 0.00% |
Sales of Non-Inventory Assets | 0 | 0.00% |
Other Notable Sources | 0 | 0.00% |
Total Revenue | 158.7K | 100.00% |
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