News

New Grant Supports Central Oregon’s Electric Vehicle Businesses

July 9th, 2012

The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development office in Oregon has awarded a $20,000 grant to Drive Oregon through the Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program to support a cluster of electric vehicle businesses in Central Oregon. The grant will help to create 10 jobs in two years. State director for the USDA RD, Vicki Walker stated in a press release  ”This is a great example of how USDA is helping rural businesses access new markets so they can grow and create jobs.”

Jeff Allen, Executive Director of Drive Oregon, noted, “Small rural businesses can be nimble, innovative, and well suited to produce the kind of specialized manufactured parts and components that electric vehicles need- or even complete vehicles. However, companies in rural areas also face unique challenges, and can find it particularly expensive and daunting to access larger markets.”

The grant money will pay for marketing expenses, including travel to conferences and trade shows as well as visits to prospective vehicle purchasers. Sisters-based Venus Motors Company is among the primary beneficiaries of the grant, which will also contribute to the growth of suppliers like BH Workman & Sons in Prineville and FiberFab in LaPine. Jay Bower of Venus Motors asserts, “As a small rural business, it can be expensive for us to travel to trade shows. At the same time, we know our customers want to be able to see and touch our products. This grant, and the assistance of USDA and Drive Oregon, will help us increase sales and create more jobs here in central Oregon.”