I know you’re busy. Building a company from scratch isn’t easy. And with so many things to do, it’s easy to lose track of stuff that’s not on the critical path for you. Which is why I’m taking the opportunity to remind you that applications for PIE, an early stage startup accelerator for product-based companies that has been working to support founders for more than 12 years, are due by March 14, 2022, at 11:59PM Pacific Time.
Read MoreTag: mentorship
Supermaker announces the first cohort of its new accelerator, the Entrepreneurial Dream Project
A few months ago, Portland’s Supermaker announced the launch of a new mentorship and grant funding accelerator program called the Entrepreneurial Dream Project, where they solicited applicants for the project. And nearly 1800 applicants responded.
Read MoreWorking on starting something new? Get community, connections, and mentorship for your new startup
When times get bad, like they are now, it can be an ironically positive time for startups. With folks getting laid off and out of work, with the economy tanking, starting your own thing can often be the most reasonable path forward. And given that Oregon offers unemployment benefits to folks who are starting new things, it’s more even likely that laid off folks around here would be pursuing that path.
Read MoreAccelerating entrepreneurship: Supermaker launches $100,000 grant fund and mentorship program
While this pandemic may be slowing startups down, it’s not stopping them. Supermaker recognizes this and they’re doing something to help those startups get back up to speed. By providing mentorship and funding to keep those companies going. Introducing the Entrepreneurial Dream Project.
Read MoreHaving to step up that Instagram account or Web presence? Get some photography mentorship to help
For many folks, this whole situation threw them into world where their online presence suddenly became their only presence. And that lifeline to community — and ultimately revenue — was immediately way way more important than it had been, even days earlier. So PIE thought it might be valuable to give you the chance to chat with a professional photographer to provide some mentorship and tips on how best to do that. In the most affordable and expedient fashion. That’s why they set up a Q&A with Aaron Hockley of Tech Photo Guy.
Read MoreBuilding an outdoor gear startup? You’ve got some work to do over the holidays
You know I love startups. And you know I love startups that help startups. But what you may not know is that I’m a huge fan of folks who are doing that work in a variety of industries—not just tech. That’s why I wanted to be sure that all of you outdoor gear types knew that the application for the Bend Outdoor Worx accelerator is due on December 29, 2017.
TechStars Seattle: Mentorship could be as close as a train ride for Portland startups
Now, this could be your chance to get that expert TechStars advice and the chance to pitch VCs to boot. How? Well, TechStars Seattle just opened applications for the class of 2010.
As you may have heard, TechStars—the mentor-heavy startup helper founded in Boulder, Colorado—recently opened up a Seattle branch. But what you may not have heard or realized is that they see it as very much a TechStars “Northwest.” As such, they’re interested in getting some Portland people up to Seattle to participate. And mentorship? That’s something any number of Portland types could use.
Now, this could be your chance to get that expert TechStars advice and the chance to pitch VCs to boot. How? Well, TechStars Seattle just opened applications for the class of 2010. Read More
Oregon technology startups and education: Being part of the solution
A few weeks back, I wrote a rant about the abysmal state of Oregon’s tech education in which I encouraged anyone in tech—but especially those folks at startups—to consider his/her potential role in helping to resolve the issues currently plaguing our educational system.
Talk, as they say, is cheap.
So how can we act?
Well, admittedly, this is an awfully big problem, but to wax—and perhaps unintentionally slaughter—more platitudes, the journey of 1000 miles begins with one step.
And, I’m proud to say that we, as a burgeoning collective, have already taken two:
- Oregon Tech & Education is an online discussion group designed to gather interested parties, encourage discussion, and facilitate action. If you are at all interested in helping, participating, or just watching what’s happening. I encourage you to join. Even if you just lurk. And I encourage you to invite the teachers and administrators in your life to join, as well.
- Silicon Florist internship/mentorship challenge is a call to all Silicon-Forest-based startups to consider offering a summer internship for high school or college students in your area. No one knows more about what you do than you. And teaching someone who knows nothing about what you do could be one of the most rewarding things you ever accomplish as an entrepreneur. If you’re interested—not even yet to the “willing to participate” phase, just interested—please throw your hat into the ring as one of the participating startups.
From time to time, I’ll keep you posted on these steps, and other steps that the resourceful folks of the Silicon Forest are taking to resolve this issue.
I’m looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish.