The U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management and its partners hope to improve forest health and lessen wildfire danger in the Applegate Valley, pictured, as part of the ongoing Upper Applegate Watershed Restoration Project.

The Jackson County Library Foundation is getting a $20,000 grant from the Oregon Community Foundation this week as part of its Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant Program.

This funding will support the creation of a Rural Entrepreneur in Residence (REIR) program in partnership with A Greater Applegate, according to a release from the library foundation. Funding for the entrepreneur program was specifically contributed through the Jerome S. and Barbara Bischoff Library sub fund of the OCF.

The REIR program is designed to enhance the dynamic business ecosystem of the Applegate Valley by formalizing peer-to-peer mentoring and offering new resources for local entrepreneurs. It will sponsor two “entrepreneurs in residence,” each for a four-month term.

The program provides up to 10 hours of one-on-one mentoring per month, a monthly essential business skills class and a signature event featuring a local industry leader.

“The Applegate Valley has a growing and innovative business community rooted in agriculture, tourism, outdoor activities, and food production. However, challenges like land use constraints, regulatory requirements, and climate change make it difficult for small business owners to thrive,” said Ginny Auer, executive director of the Jackson County Library Foundation.

“The REIR program will showcase local expertise while fostering mentoring and networking opportunities that directly address these challenges.”

This initiative builds upon a successful partnership between Jackson County Library Services (JCLS) and A Greater Applegate. Over the past two years, the organizations have collaborated on programs like biannual business resource fairs and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for rural markets.

For more information about the Rural Entrepreneur in Residence program, send an email, rdonald@jcls.org.

For more info on other initiatives supported by the Jackson County Library Foundation, visit online, JCLF.org or call 541-774-6572.