I know. You’re not sure it’s a good idea. Or it is a good idea and you’re not quite sure where to start. But that’s why we have things like the Idea-to-Business Lab.
Read MoreREMINDER: Idea-to-Business Lab 2023 applications are due today
Category: Oregon
Need help validating your startup idea?
Sometimes, the most difficult part of starting something is, well, starting something. So many of us have amazing ideas and concepts that never see the light of day because we simply don’t know where to begin — or how to get the support we need. That’s why TiE Oregon has the Idea-to-Business Lab.
Read MoreContinuing the conversation about the Portland startup community
Last week, I took the opportunity to sit down and share some thoughts — and concerns — about the Portland startup community that had been rattling around in my head. Even questioning, to some extent, whether it this iteration even behaves as a “community.” I’m always heartened when these sorts of posts (okay, rants) spark more conversation. And that’s exactly what’s occurring over on the Portland Startups Slack.
Read MorePortland’s Paige Hendrix Buckner named interim CEO of All Raise
Lots of leadership transitions, locally, as of late. This change in leadership involves a local person moving into a leadership position at a national organization: Paige Hendrix Buckner has been named the interim CEO of All Raise.
Read MoreBuy local: Zapproved acquired by Exterro
I’ve been around for practically all of Zapproved’s journey. Watching the company from the earliest stages. And seeing how founder Monica Enand has grown the company, supported the community, and found success. Now, the journey is coming to a successful conclusion. Exterro has acquired Zapproved.
Read MoreWTF is wrong with the Portland startup community?
I get one question, consistently. The same question that I get asked — time and time again — exponentially more than any other question. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone who was born and raised in Portland or if it’s someone who just moved here. It doesn’t matter if they are super well connected or don’t know anyone. It doesn’t matter if they’re employed at a major corporation or if they’re out starting their own thing. And it’s one of those questions that seems to confound practically every single person who has an interest in entrepreneurship or startups around here. And that question stuck on incessant repeat is this: How do I get connected with other people in the Portland startup community…?
Read MorePitchBlack is back, but this time, it’s in Beaverton
No single event on the West Coast does more to showcase — and support — Black entrepreneurs than PitchBlack. So it only stands to reason that the next version of the pitch competition will take place during Black History Month. What may come as a surprise, however, is where the Portland-born event is taking place, this time around.
Read MoreBold Reuse and Rapta selected as alternates for 2023 SXSW Pitch competition
It’s always nice to see local companies popping up in international competitions. And while no one from the area managed to make the main stage as of this writing, two local startups have been selected as alternates for the 2023 SXSW Pitch competition: Bold Reuse and Rapta.
Read MoreStephen Green to take the helm of Business for a Better Portland… temporarily
Things change fast around here. It seems like just six months ago we were talking about Karin Power taking over the interim executive director role at Business for a Better Portland. But now, Karin has been pulled back into service at the state level by Oregon’s new governor Tina Kotek. So that’s where Stephen Green comes in. For the next 90 days, at least.
Read MoreGetting that itch to pitch? Well if you’re on the Westside, you’re in luck
Thankful that Malia Spencer reminded me about the upcoming Westside Pitch competition for local startups. Which is still a ways off. But applications are due soon. Like the end of the month soon. Should you be interested? Are you eligible to even apply?
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