CANYON CITY – Businesses in Grant, Harney and Malheur counties could qualify for new loans, thanks to a stimulus grant to the Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corp. (GEODC).

The new funds are earmarked for communities of 5,000 or fewer population.

The money comes from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, through the USDA’s Rural Business Enterprise Grants Program. The grant to GEODC was one of 145 projects selected nationwide.

The money is targeted at two initiatives:

? To provide a loan fund for dislocated workers who want to start their own businesses.

? To provide loans to existing business owners to create new jobs and provide new employment.

For information and applications, call the GEODC in Canyon City, 541-575-2786, or visit www.MyEagleNews.com for a link to the website.