Medford, OR (3/24/25) — Jackson County Library Services is recruiting two contractors for the Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program, which is intended to empower rural entrepreneurs in the Applegate Valley.
In partnership with A Greater Applegate (AGA), the program is designed to enhance the business ecosystem of the Applegate Valley by formalizing peer-to-peer mentoring and offering new resources for local entrepreneurs. The program will sponsor two EIRs for 4-month terms. They will provide up to 10 hours of one-on-one mentoring per month, one monthly class on essential business skills, and a signature event featuring a local industry leader.
Candidates must be experienced business owners interested in giving back to the community and helping the Applegate economy grow. The EIR can choose a term in either Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 and offer 1-1 mentoring to a 6- to 12-person cohort of business owners who want to start or grow a business. In collaboration with library staff, the EIR will offer workshops on topics relevant to starting or growing a small business and will also assist with planning an event on a business topic relevant to Applegate businesses.
There will be a small stipend available for each EIR term, as it is a short-term contract position.
Requirements include at least two years in business with experience in a rural environment, devoting 15-20 hours per month to EIR duties, committing to keeping regular office hours for cohort support twice a month, and an interest in developing the Applegate economy.
If you’re interested, please apply here:
Applegate Rural Entrepreneur in Residence – Jackson County Library District
Interested Applegate Valley entrepreneurs are encouraged to contact JCLS or AGA for more information. The grant is made possible through the generosity of the Jerome S. and Barbara Bischoff Library Subfund of the Oregon Community Foundation. For more information about the EIR program, contact Roslyn Donald, Business Librarian, at rdonald@jcls.org.