Learn about the Individual Development Account (IDA) Program

Entrepreneur Karina Potestio of Luna used an IDA Matching Grant to invest in business assets.

Karina Potestio of Luna expanded her small business by
purchasing a sewing machine through the MCNW grant
matching program.  - Photo: Bruce MacGregor for MercyCorps

Our IDA program can help your business grow by matching your savings with a small business grant.


Once you have established your IDA savings account and have saved $1,334, Mercy Corps Northwest will match this with $4,000. You then have the total of $5,334 to expand your small business.

Program Requirements

  1. Attend an Orientation about MCNW programs
  2. Complete and submit an IDA application
  3. Meet with IDA staff to get enrolled
  4. Save monthly in your IDA account. You choose the savings period: 6 to 24 months.
  5. Complete the Business Foundations Course
  6. Attend 1 Seminar
  7. Attend 2 Business Counseling Events
  8. Complete your business plan!
  9. Come in for an IDA disbursal meeting to start purchasing your business assets

Program Costs

  1. Application Fee: None
  2. Business Foundations Course: $150 (Scholarships up to $75 are available for individuals living on a low income.)
  3. Seminar: $20 (Free seminar coupon given with course completion)
  4. 2 Business Plan Counseling Events: $20 each (Free seminar coupon given with counseling completion)
    5. Total Program Cost: $200


STEP TWO: See if you qualify for a matched savings grant through the Mercy Corps Northwest IDA program.