The NSCEDC has long sought to identify an economic development model that focuses on local small businesses and entrepreneurs to enhance our efforts in promoting a stronger, sustainable local economy. These valuable assets have not been a focus of current assistance programs, and are often overlooked by traditional economic development models. 

Through our research, and with guidance from the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department, we discovered a highly effective model that has achieved success in Baker County, Oregon. Known as Enterprise Facilitation™, this model provides intensive one-on-one business coaching, following a methodology developed by the Sirolli Institute. In seven years of operation in Baker County, the program reports 74 startup businesses, with 88% still in operation. Traditional models typically have a success rate of 20%.

Relative to traditional business assistance models, the Enterprise Facilitation model yields a substantially higher percentage of success achieved at a significantly lower cost per job. This model is easily replicable, serving as a blueprint to increase local economic sustainability for the North Santiam area. This model enhances, but does not duplicate, other existing efforts.

Known as GROW North Santiam, this local Enterprise Facilitation program is gaining momentum thanks to the involvement of dedicated community members and the generous financial donations from supporters who see the value in investing in the local economy.