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Ron Spisso Lighthouse Fund

For Small Business Success

Businesses: Apply for grants here
Donate! make a difference for local entrepreneurs, and honor ron's legacy, here

Grant Program Rules & Application Criteria

Oregon Coast Community College  |  Small Business Development Center

About the Fund

The Ron Spisso Lighthouse Fund for Small Business Success was established through the Oregon Coast Community College Foundation and the OCCC Small Business Development Center to honor the legacy of Ron Spisso, who served as Small Business Management Coordinator at the SBDC for more than 25 years. Ron passed away in 2023, but his steady presence, practical wisdom, and gift for helping entrepreneurs move forward—often through a well-timed “deli story”—continue to inspire this community.

The Lighthouse Fund provides small, timely financial assistance to local entrepreneurs facing one-time expenses that can serve as meaningful barriers to business growth. Just as Ron helped so many take their next step, this Fund is designed to help local business owners do the same.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Lighthouse Fund grant, applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

    • Be the owner or operator of a business located in Lincoln County, Oregon, with at least one year of operation
    • Operate a business with five (5) or fewer employees (including the owner; can include sole proprietors).
    • Have met individually with an SBDC advisor for a no-cost business advising session, OR have attended an SBDC-sponsored workshop, within the twelve (12) months prior to the application deadline.
    • Not have received a Lighthouse Fund award within the past two (2) years. Previous recipients are welcome to apply again after this period has elapsed.

Award Details

Award Amounts
Individual grants are awarded up to a maximum of $500. The total amount available per award cycle is approximately $1,500, supporting multiple awards per cycle. Award amounts will be determined by the review committee based on application merit, demonstrated need, and available funds.

Award Cycles
The Lighthouse Fund issues awards three times per year, aligned with OCCC’s academic calendar.

    • Winter Term (first application period, Winter ’27) — applications due Jan. 10, 2027
    • Spring Term — applications due May 10, 2027
    • Fall Term (beginning Fall ’27) — applications due Sept. 10, 2027

Exact award dates for each cycle will be announced by the SBDC.

Eligible Uses of Funds

The Lighthouse Fund is intended to help growing businesses meet small but impactful expenses necessary to expand their operations. Eligible uses include, but are not limited to:

    • Professional certifications, licensing fees, or permit costs
    • Business-related training courses or professional development programs
    • Professional association dues directly tied to business development
    • Equipment purchases essential to business growth (see equipment guidelines below)
    • Equipment Purchases
      In cases where a specific piece of equipment represents a critical, one-time barrier to business expansion, the Fund may be used toward equipment costs, subject to the following conditions:
      • The grant award may not exceed $500 toward any single equipment purchase.
      • The applicant must contribute a minimum of 25% of the total equipment cost from their own resources. A greater percentage of applicant match may reflect positively in the review committee’s evaluation.
      • The applicant must clearly describe, in their application, how the equipment will directly contribute to business growth or expansion.

Ineligible Uses

The following are NOT eligible uses of Lighthouse Fund awards:

    • General operating expenses (rent, utilities, payroll, inventory)
    • Repayment of existing debt
    • Personal expenses unrelated to business operations
    • Expenses already incurred prior to the award date

Payment Policy

Awards are generally disbursed as checks made payable directly to the vendor, licensing agency, training provider, or other relevant third party—not to the applicant—to ensure that funds are applied to the stated purpose. Applicants should be prepared to provide vendor contact information and, where applicable, an invoice or cost estimate at the time of application.

In limited circumstances where direct vendor payment is not feasible, the Fund administrator may approve an alternative disbursement arrangement. Such exceptions require advance written approval and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Post-Award Requirement

Successful grant recipients are required to meet with an SBDC business advisor within three (3) months of receiving their award. This meeting is intended to support the applicant’s continued growth and to help ensure that the funded expense is achieving its intended purpose. Your SBDC advisor will also help determine the overall economic impact of the award. Failure to complete this meeting may affect eligibility for future Lighthouse Fund awards.

Review Committee & Decision Process

Applications are reviewed by a standing committee that includes representation from the OCCC SBDC staff, OCCC Foundation leadership, business community members, and former SBDC leadership. A quorum of four (4) committee members is required to conduct a valid review. In the event of a tie vote, the decision will be made by the SBDC team. All committee decisions are final.

The committee evaluates applications based on:

    • Alignment with fund purpose: Does the requested expense represent a specific, one-time barrier to growth?
    • Demonstrated need: Is the expense meaningful relative to the applicant’s resources?
    • Business viability: Does the applicant demonstrate a realistic path to growth?
    • SBDC engagement: Has the applicant engaged with SBDC services as required?
    • Completeness: Is the application thorough, clear, and fully submitted?

Application Requirements

A complete application includes the following:

    • Applicant’s full name, business name, business address, and contact information
    • Brief description of the business (type of business, years in operation, number of employees)
    • Description of the specific expense for which funding is requested, including the total cost and the amount requested from the Lighthouse Fund
    • For equipment purchases: total cost, amount of applicant’s own match, and description of how the equipment will support business growth
    • Explanation of how this expense will help the business expand or reach the next stage of growth
    • Vendor name and contact information, and an invoice or cost estimate if available
    • Confirmation of SBDC advising session or workshop attendance within the past 12 months (date and advisor/event name)
    • Applicant signature and date, confirming that all information is accurate and complete

Incomplete applications may be discarded or held for the following cycle at the committee’s discretion.

How to Apply

Online applications are available here. For questions or to schedule a no-cost advising session with an SBDC advisor, contact the SBDC.

“He brought out people’s strengths, and his impact continues to ripple through our community.”
— Rob Thompson, Thompson’s Sanitary Service, Newport (Donor, Ron Spisso Lighthouse Fund)