---
title: 'Entrepreneurs’ Organization launches Portland Accelerator'
date: '2009-09-11T09:13:20-07:00'
type: post
word_count: 472
char_count: 3193
tokens: 614
categories:
  - '#featured'
  - accelerator
  - Entrepreneurs
  - Events
  - Oregon
  - Portland
  - Programs
  - Startups
  - Training
tags:
  - accelerator
  - Entrepreneur
  - Portland
---

# Entrepreneurs’ Organization launches Portland Accelerator

Seems like more and more folks are interested in helping Portland startups spin up. Now, a new program called [Portland Accelerator](http://pdxaccelerator.com/ "Portland Accelerator") is launching a new program in town. It’s designed to serve as a “catalyst that enables first-stage entrepreneurs to catapult their business to the next level.”

And to introduce the program to Portland, the Portland Accelerator folks will be holding a get together on September 15 at [Ruby Receptionists](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=734+NW+14th+Ave+Portland,+OR+97209&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=51.841773,114.169922&ie=UTF8&ll=45.528584,-122.685335&spn=0.009906,0.021715&t=h&z=16&iwloc=r3).

What’s the pitch? Well, they’ve put together this video to bring you up to speed.

[http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip\_id=4654972&server=vimeo.com&show\_title=1&show\_byline=1&show\_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1](http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4654972&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1)

The Portland Accelerator is locally sponsored [Synotac](http://www.synotac.com/ "Synotac"), a local Web design firm. But the program is run by a national organization, the [Entrepreneurs’ Organization](http://eoaccess.eonetwork.org/Portland/Pages/default.aspx "Entrepreneurs' Organization").

> The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) – for entrepreneurs only – is a dynamic, global network of more than 7,000 business owners in 38 countries. Founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs, EO is the catalyst that enables entrepreneurs to learn and grow from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life.

[According to media section of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization](http://accelerator.eonetwork.org/press_room/Pages/APushforThoseSettoMakeaLeap.aspx "A Push for Those Set to Make a Leap"), it’s also the group that helped people like Mark Cuban and Michael Dell get started.

The Portland chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization currently has 69 members who generate about $333 million in revenue and employ 1617 folks. No idea how many of these companies are tech or open source type.

And it looks like there are similar Accelerator programs for Charlotte, Detroit, MInneapolis, and New Orleans.

Sound interesting? Well, there are a couple of prerequisites. First, you have to be younger than 47. So I can just squeak in there. Second, you have to be the founder of a business with $250,000 to $1 million in revenue, gross. No, I mean “gross revenue” not that revenue is gross, silly.

Oh, and it will cost you $1200 to participate.

Which, according to the Portland Accelerator site, “grants you access to four quarterly learning events, eight small-group mentoring/peer-to-peer sessions, and numerous networking opportunities with your peers.”

For more information, you can swing by the [Portland Accelerator site](http://pdxaccelerator.com/ "Portland Accelerator"). Or you can [meet up with the Accelerator folks on September 15](http://pdxaccelerator.com/events/ "Portland Accelerator events").