Mercy Corps Northwest
2017 IDA Application
Instructions
We are happy that you are interested in joining the MCNW IDA program! Attached you will find a paper application. While you can apply using this application, we strongly encourage you to apply online at:
https://www.mercycorpsnw.org/business/ida/
NOTE ABOUT THE ONLINE APPLICATION: The online application must be filled out in one sitting. So, we recommend that you fill out the paper copy first and use it as a reference for filling out the online application. If you want to write your responses to the business plan questions and personal information question in advance on your computer and then copy and paste them into the online application, it will save you time.
IMPORTANT:
1) We will only consider the first 75 applications received in each enrollment session and the online application will close once 75 complete applications have been received. Any applications received by mail after that time will be returned to the applicant. If you aren’t able to have your application considered in this round, never fear! We will have another application period coming up in just a few months. Here is the schedule:
1. June, 2017: Application Period
2. September, 2017: Application Period
3. December, 2017: Application Period
4. March, 2017: Application Period
2) Unlike previous years, we will not be enrolling on a “first come, first served” basis. Rather, we will be considering a number of factors, with an emphasis on serving clients that come from historically undercapitalized populations and those for whom realizing their entrepreneurial goals may not be possible without the IDA program.
Checklist: With your filled out application you also must submit the following:
o Copy of Oregon ID (or utility bill/lease agreement)
o Last year’s tax return (If you did not do your taxes, include a statement explaining why)
o One or more of the following forms of proof of earned income for last 2 months:
§ pay stubs showing gross income
§ letter of employment--if you do not receive pay stubs or are working “under the table”--that includes the following information:
§ your name
§ hours worked over the last two months/pay rate
§ Signature of employer
§ A 2-month profit and loss statement if you have income from self-employment. A profit and loss sheet should show all of your business expenses, which are then subtracted from your gross sales to show your profit. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should allow us to understand how much you are bringing home from your self-employment.
o An explanation of any special circumstances to be considered (no more than half a page, please)
o $50 processing fee
IDA applications will not be considered unless the application is fully filled out (including short essay questions) and ALL required documents and processing fee are submitted. If you are filling out the application online, you should scan the documents in advance and have them ready to upload to your application. If you do not have access to a scanner, you can mail in or bring in the supporting documents. However, your application will not be considered complete until they are received.
Because the federal government terminated Assets for Independence, the grant program that we depended upon to support our IDA program, we are now asking for a$50 processing feefor each application to help support our operations. Applications without the processing fee will not be considered complete. One third of the fees received will be used to fund a pilot Emergency Fund for IDA participants, from which they can borrow at no interest to cover small ($200-$300) emergency expenses without having to resort to payday lenders or other expensive sources of informal financing.
Contact information:
Email: Olga Johnson
Fax: (503) 896-5071
Mail/Drop Off:
Mercy Corps Northwest IDA
Attn: Olga Johnson
43 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97204