Anna Gailey, BizHarney collaborative coordinator at High Desert Partnership, and Kelly Frank, the partnership’s food‑systems coordinator, gave the Harney County Court an update on a regional effort to support entrepreneurs, food security and local branding.

Gailey said the collaborative has refreshed a vision and mission rooted in seven ecosystem pillars — culture, capital, support, policy, market, people and infrastructure — and that partners now work across those pillars to help small businesses launch, scale and access new markets. "We have been able to provide over $2,000,000 in grant funding to support businesses," Gailey said during the presentation, noting funds came through programs such as TAP, ROI and EIP.

Frank described the food‑systems work and said the collaborative seeks to reduce reliance on imported food and improve resiliency during disasters. "We are really working on greater food security and less reliance on imported food, particularly during disasters," Frank said. She cited community programs including youth entrepreneurship classes, CoStarters training and local producers selling beef by the cut who are joining the 'Made in Harney' brand.

Presenters walked the court through practical supports they provide: no‑interest Kiva microloans (up to $15,000) and local market opportunities such as seed swaps and harvest festivals. They said partners helped create job‑relevant training pathways with local educational partners (TVCC/TBCC) and that startup survival after one year in CoStarters is strong.

Gailey and Frank also demonstrated a county branding effort (ThisIsHarney.com / 'Made in Harney') intended to connect local producers to consumers and tourism channels. They asked the court to consider continued engagement — either via a county representative at partner meetings or by supporting collaborative activities and occasional funding or in‑kind assistance for events and outreach.

Court members asked about larger business recruitment and about how regional partners such as GEODC and Biz Oregon complement the local effort; presenters said BizHarney focuses on entrepreneurs and small businesses while regional partners can assist with later‑stage, traded‑sector growth. The court and presenters agreed to continue conversations about a possible standing coordination meeting for economic development.