Our Clients

The business people we serve in Oregon and Washington are working hard toward their dream. They have the potential for success.  But they lack the assets or bank credit needed to build their businesses.  We serve these needs…and more, helping them help themselves to a better life.

The majority of MCNW clients live at, or slightly above, the federal poverty line and below 80% of Medium Family Income (MFI). Rarely do our clients’  incomes exceed 200% of the prevailing U.S. government poverty rate.  Most are at or below 50% of MFI.

The economic development outcomes we seek for all of our clients are

  • improved income
  • increased assets and net worth
  • community integration

Our clients are your neighbors—small businesses that make any neighborhood or town work. They operate dry cleaners, food carts and laundromats. Some run their own stores while others offer products and services online.  Many sell at locations like farmers markets, collectives and crafts fairs.  They all aspire to be successful in their businesses.

The success of our many and varied small businesses helps boost the local economy for all of us. 

Today MCNW clients include

  • 64 % women
  • 38 % from Hispanic, African-American, Asian, immigrant/refugee and other minority communities


Since our beginning in1998, Mercy Corps Northwest has made 184 loans totaling $1.9 million to low-income small business people.  Since starting in 2001, the matched savings IDA program has benefited over 700 savers.

To support MCNW clients