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Startup Incubators In Oregon - 2024

Explore our comprehensive List Of Startup Incubators In Oregon to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey with the best resources and support.

Lisa Shmulyan
Founder 101
February 15, 2024

Oregon is a great place for startups with its strong support system. It has many incubation programs for different industries like cleantech, biosciences, and tech. These programs help new businesses grow by providing mentoring, money, and networking opportunities. Knowing about the startup resources Oregon can really help a new business succeed.

Portland is a big deal with 16 incubators and other support networks12. Bend is also important, having the most support organizations in Oregon with five2. The duration of these programs can be short or long, fitting the needs of startups perfectly3. These programs cover many fields including digital storytelling and sustainable solutions1.

There are different kinds of support in these incubators. For example, at OHSU, entrepreneurs can get one-on-one help. The IDEA Fund can give up to $15,000 in seed money3. Other groups like OTRADI and SCORE Portland offer guidance, funding, and classes to help startups grow3. Oregon's efforts show its dedication to helping new businesses and building a strong community.

Key Takeaways

  • Portland is a prominent hub with 16 incubators, accelerators, and angel networks12.
  • Bend leads with the highest number of dedicated organizations supporting entrepreneurs2.
  • Program durations range from 6 weeks to 2 years, addressing varied startup needs3.
  • Funding options include up to $15,000 in seed funding and grant matching support through different programs3.
  • Organizations like OTRADI and SCORE Portland provide valuable mentoring and educational resources for startups3.

Bend Outdoor Worx

Bend Outdoor Worx was created to help grow companies in the outdoor industry. It's a unique accelerator that knows the needs of Oregon's outdoor businesses. This place has programs made just for them, using Oregon's love for the outdoors.

Overview

Bend Outdoor Worx is known as a key player for outdoor industry startups in Oregon. It gives them what they need to succeed. Thanks to this, Bend has earned a spot among Oregon's top incubators4.

Program Details

This program offers key sessions and workshops. They cover important stuff for outdoor startups, like getting venture capital. It aims to make them ready for investors and connects them to important resources. Bend is known for its many high-tech startups, being 16th in the nation5.

Industries Supported

The program supports a range of industries in the outdoor sector. From gear and apparel to health and wellness, and even environmental sustainability. Bend is celebrated for its business-friendly environment, named "Best Small Place for Business and Careers" by Forbes in 2016. It was also on "25 Best Towns" by Outside Magazine in 20175.

Bright Light Ventures

Bright Light Ventures Oregon helps green startups grow. They focus on sustainable solutions to today's environmental issues. Their goal is to create a better future with eco-friendly innovations.

Focus Areas

Bright Light Ventures supports startups working on sustainable energy, waste reduction, and green products. They align with Oregon's sustainability goals. This helps these new companies lead in the green economy.

Program Highlights

Bright Light Ventures Oregon's program helps green businesses. They offer:

  • Access to experts and mentors in sustainability.
  • Workshops and training for green business models.
  • Chances to get funding from big firms like Advantage Capital, which invested over $3.8 billion in companies6.
  • Use of high-tech labs and offices, unlike BioSquare in Boston with 2.5 million square feet of space7.
  • Being part of a big ecosystem, similar to Y Combinator's network of 4,129 startups8.

For startups in the green sector, Bright Light Ventures is a key supporter. They offer money, mentorship, and more. All to help sustainable startups succeed.

Exploring funding options in Oregon shows how startups find money. Programs like this offer needed capital. For more on financing, check here6.

Cascadia Cleantech Accelerator

The Cascadia Cleantech Accelerator creates an exciting space for new cleantech companies. Its 15-week virtual program aims to boost these businesses. It does this by providing in-depth mentorship, a detailed curriculum, and connections to investors9.

Mentorship Opportunities

Startups at the Cascadia Cleantech Accelerator get advice from industry leaders. This part of the program, the Cascadia Cleantech mentorship, matches companies with experts. These experts help them tackle common startup problems. Through this help, entrepreneurs learn to cope with the cleantech sector's challenges9.

Curriculum and Duration

The green tech business curriculum Oregon is designed especially for cleantech startups. Over 15 weeks, it covers essential business skills. Topics include market analysis, creating a product, and planning finances. This setup helps startups to grow in a sustainable way9.

ONAMI

ONAMI stands for Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, a key player in supporting science startups. It is a top-notch nonprofit focused on turning research into real businesses. With science-based business acceleration, they help new companies grow by giving them funds and advice from experts10.

ONAMI helps startups by connecting them with vital resources and money. They work with University of Oregon's programs, like Duck Tank and New Venture Championship. These programs, along with others, help new businesses get off the ground10. They also team up with outside funders like Cascade Seed Fund to offer even more financial help10.

Another big project for ONAMI is teaching about NSF I-Corps Method, which focuses on teaching how to sell science ideas. This helps scientists find people who might want to buy their ideas or products11. Through this, ONAMI makes sure good ideas don't just stay in the lab but get to the market by accelerating science-based businesses.

ONAMI's approach is to make sure smart ideas turn into successful businesses. The Translation Opportunity Fund helps researchers start their own companies from their ideas11. This matches ONAMI's goal to use nonprofit support for science startups, pushing for more growth and new tech in Oregon.

Oregon Technology Business Center

Founded in 2005, the Oregon Technology Business Center (OTBC) is a top incubator in Beaverton. It offers key support to startups. The OTBC is a crucial part of Oregon's entrepreneurial community. It helps tech entrepreneurs grow and reach the market.

Support Initiatives

The OTBC gives tech entrepreneur assistance OR through different programs. These are aimed at reducing startup risks and encouraging steady business development. They pair each startup with a business development partner. This ensures startups have the backing they need to become profitable.

Some well-known companies at the OTBC include A-dec, makers of dental chairs, and Absci, a biomanufacturing leader. Also, there is Aclima, focusing on air quality solutions with cutting-edge sensors12.

Industry Focus

The OTBC mainly supports tech businesses but also looks at other areas. These areas include marketing, fintech, healthtech, cloud computing, and e-learning12. They also cover IoT, developer tools, and mobile technology12. Act-On, offering automated growth marketing, is an example of the incubator's varied industry aid12.

This backing is crucial for small businesses and startups. It helps them unlock their full potential. The OTBC's efforts match Oregon's rich resources for new companies and technological advancements. For more about Oregon's startup resources, check out the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Salem12.

Portland State Business Accelerator

Since 2004, the Portland State Business Accelerator has been key to the growth of tech, bioscience, and green startups. It is well-known for its effective support programs. These programs have dramatically helped biotech startups and the green tech sector in Portland.

Target Industries

This accelerator puts its focus on tech, bioscience, and green tech industries. It offers special support and resources to boost innovation and growth. This support is designed to meet the specific needs of these industries, aiding startups to succeed in a tough market. Business Oregon incubators and accelerators collaborate with groups like Oregon State University, Oregon Technology Business Center, and Portland Seed Fund to strengthen these efforts13.

Program Benefits

Startups at this accelerator get many benefits, including over 200 business guides13. They can also meet over 70 volunteers and join more than 50 workshops every year13. Plus, the accelerator’s vast network opens doors to outside funding, crucial for biotech startups in the area14.

The accelerator fosters a cooperative atmosphere critical for success in green tech. Its comprehensive support means startups do more than just survive—they flourish. Startups gain invaluable resources and knowledge, setting a solid groundwork for future achievements.

For more info on Oregon's accelerators and incubators, please visit this link13.

RAIN Eugene

The RAIN Eugene accelerator plays a big role in supporting the Eugene-Springfield startup area. It helps turn new business ideas into reality by providing a lot of support, advice, and the chance to get investment RAIN Eugene15.

RAIN Eugene is crucial for helping the local economy grow, supporting over 300 rural entrepreneurs. It makes starting a business easier in over 20 rural and small cities across five counties15. The team behind RAIN connects people with a wide network of experts and backers.

The program is all about working together. RAIN Eugene helps the local startup scene by bringing together schools, communities, and investors. For example, in 2012, research at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University brought in nearly $400 million. This effort helped start more than 45 new companies and created almost 600 jobs16.

RAIN Eugene also guides new companies in getting money and growing their teams. It helped raise $300,000 for investments and supported businesses like Meant Manufacturing, which grew quickly15. This makes RAIN Eugene a key part of growing Eugene's economy and its region.

Conclusion

Looking at all the startup incubators in Oregon shows a world full of chances for new businesses in many fields. Oregon offers support, advice, and tools needed for startups to grow and do well. It's especially important for businesses wanting to make it big in the U.S. You can learn more by checking out this landscape analysis17.

Oregon is known for being a place where new ideas and businesses can bloom. Take the Signature Research Centers (SRCs), for example. They used $100 million from the state to bring in over $1 billion from the federal government and private groups. This helps turn new technology ideas into real products in Oregon17. Also, companies like Intel Corporation and Precision Castparts show Oregon's strong role in technology and industry18.

To sum up, Oregon gives startups everything they need to succeed, with help from accelerators, incubators, and state programs. The SRCs alone get about $2.15 million each to keep this support system strong. Plus, organizations like VertueLab and OTRADI play a big part in keeping the startup scene alive and well17. Together, they make Oregon a great place for new businesses to grow, creating a lively scene for innovation.

FAQ

What is the role of Bend Outdoor Worx in supporting startups?

Bend Outdoor Worx helps companies in the outdoor field grow. They offer programs just right for businesses tied to outdoor activities in Oregon. This approach makes the most of the area's love for outdoor fun and business opportunities.

Which sectors does Bright Light Ventures focus on?

Bright Light Ventures backs up green solutions and innovations. Their goal is to grow businesses that care about the environment. They support ideas that match Oregon's focus on being eco-friendly.

What does the Cascadia Cleantech Accelerator program include?

The Cascadia Cleantech Accelerator runs a 12-week program. It includes expert mentorship, a strong curriculum for startups, and links to funding. This helps cleantech startups grow from an early stage.

How does ONAMI support science-based startups?

ONAMI boosts startups based on scientific discoveries. It gives key resources and advice. This help turns scientific breakthroughs into products and services that are ready for the market.

What types of industries does the Oregon Technology Business Center cater to?

The Oregon Technology Business Center supports a variety of entrepreneurs. They focus on technology, consumer goods, food, and travel industries. Their goal is to help these companies grow big and capture the market.

Which sectors does the Portland State Business Accelerator target?

The Portland State Business Accelerator focuses on tech, bioscience, and green startups. They offer full support to help startups during their growth, guiding them towards success.

What is the main focus of the RAIN Eugene accelerator?

RAIN Eugene dedicates itself to startups in the Eugene-Springfield area. It's all about speeding up business growth and betting on local entrepreneurs. They provide the resources and coaching startups need to succeed.

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