MEDFORD, Ore. (May. 24, 2026) — A state recovery program has committed nearly $1 million in grants and loans to help small businesses in Jackson County rebuild and expand after the devastating 2020 Almeda Fire, according to Oregon Housing and Community Services.
The agency announced that its ReOregon Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization, or PIER, program has provided funding to dozens of businesses impacted by the wildfire disaster, which destroyed thousands of homes and businesses across Southern Oregon.
Among the recipients is Carrillo Woods LLC, a Medford-based forestry and lawn care company founded by Arturo Carrillo after the Almeda Fire destroyed both his home and his plans to launch a business.
“We are truly grateful for programs like the PIER grant that support small businesses impacted by wildfires,” said Fabiola Carrillo, who works at her father’s company. “Carrillo Woods LLC is more than just a business for us. It’s something very personal that came out of loss, resilience, and a desire to give back to our community.”
The PIER program uses Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support long-term recovery efforts in the eight Oregon counties most affected by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line windstorms.
The funding is awarded to nonprofits, local governments, schools and other eligible organizations for projects addressing economic revitalization, planning and critical infrastructure needs tied to wildfire recovery.
One nonprofit administering funds locally is the Illinois Valley Community Development Organization, also known as IVCanDo. The organization has distributed 28 microgrants of up to $15,000 each and two small-business loans of up to $50,000 in Jackson County.
Businesses receiving assistance must demonstrate unmet financial needs connected to the Almeda Fire and either meet economic eligibility requirements or provide an urgent community service.
“IVCanDo is deeply grateful for the opportunity to help steward this important initiative in partnership with OHCS and community stakeholders,” said Autumn DeLorenzo, the organization’s business and economic development manager and PIER program administrator. “It has been both humbling and inspiring to witness the perseverance, creativity, and heart of the business owners who applied.”
DeLorenzo said the program has helped support efforts to rebuild stronger businesses and communities across Southern Oregon.
State officials said the program was designed to allow more local oversight in deciding how recovery money is distributed. Regional selection committees were empowered to recommend projects to OHCS based on local priorities and unmet needs.
Carrillo Woods plans to use the funding to expand its work in forestry and reforestation efforts aimed at reducing wildfire risks and restoring forest land damaged by fires. The company’s services include wildfire mitigation, defensible space work, brush clearing and land management.
“This opportunity has helped us rebuild not just a business, but a future,” Fabiola Carrillo said. “We are committed to continuing to grow, serve our community, and make a lasting impact in Southern Oregon.”
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