Innovate
The pulse of innovation drives the heartbeat of Greater Eugene
In the rich tapestry of our region’s history lies a legacy of creativity and entrepreneurship that stretches back over a century. From household names like Nike and Kingsford to tech leaders like Palo Alto Software and Sentinel One, Greater Eugene boasts a proud culture of innovation and a vibrant ecosystem where startups and small businesses thrive
Our community offers robust support and resources for entrepreneurs, providing a foundation for success and fueling the fires of innovation.With a perfect blend of established industries and cutting-edge technologies, Greater Eugene offers stability and ample growth opportunities for founders. But we’re not resting on our laurels – far from it. Thanks to multi-billion dollar investments in sectors like bioscience and semiconductors, we’re propelling our economy into the future.
Here, you’ll find the right mix of business-friendly policies, a highly educated workforce, and a network of support services including coworking spaces, startup accelerators, and invaluable industry connections. Entrepreneurship is written in our community’s DNA. After all, we’ve reinvented ourselves from timber to tourism to the diversified economy we are today. And through it all, we’ve maintained a commitment to work-life balance, ensuring that success isn’t just measured in profits, but also in the quality of life we enjoy.
Join us in Greater Eugene, where opportunity meets creativity, and dreams take flight.
Launch
Contemplating the launch of a new venture? Or perhaps you’ve already embarked on the startup journey and are eager to elevate your enterprise to new heights? Prepare to be pleasantly impressed by the array of programs at your disposal within our region, poised to propel your aspirations forward.
Driven by experienced entrepreneurs and local ecosystem builders, RAIN partners with communities to connect entrepreneurs to resources while activating and monitoring components of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Since 2014, RAIN has traversed 52 communities across Oregon, Washington, and even ventured into Pakistan. With a community-informed, investigative, and inclusive approach, they provide a laundry list of free programs and services.
Lane Small Business Development Center (Lane SBDC)
Empowering businesses throughout Oregon, Lane SBDC is an integral part of the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network. They provide personalized advising, training, online courses, and an extensive array of resources tailored to every stage of business growth.
University of Oregon Entrepreneur Programs
Explore a world of entrepreneurial opportunities with the University of Oregon’s innovative programs, including Launch Oregon, Oregon Innovation Challenge, Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, and Oregon Bioscience Incubator.
Oregon State University Advantage Accelerator
Oregon State University’s Advantage Accelerator is a comprehensive startup process that guides innovators through market exploration, product development, and customer acquisition. The program is available to faculty, students, and community members.
Engage
Running a business demands hard work, creativity, and perseverance. Support from experienced founders in the community is invaluable—they understand the journey and know the resources available. While founders are the heart of the ecosystem, champions from all corners of the community play a vital role. Strong public sector support further aids the journey. Together, our community has crafted an ideal environment for founders and small business owners to thrive through networking and collaboration.
Join the ranks of Oregon’s trailblazing entrepreneurs with StarveUps, the state’s pioneering startup accelerator and sole scalerator. Founded and fueled by founders, for founders, StarveUps offers a unique peer-to-peer mentoring model that has propelled numerous startups to success. Members benefit from invaluable mentorship, resources, and networks as they chart their entrepreneurial journeys through the three stages of startup growth—Survive, Strive, and Thrive.
Discover a wealth of educational and networking opportunities with Onward Eugene, the economic development arm of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. From lively startup coffee meetups to engaging Business on Tap events, Onward Eugene provides a platform for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow. Participate in workshops, seminars, and pitch competitions designed to sharpen your skills and expand your network within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Technology Association of Oregon (TAO)
TAO is a diverse and dynamic community of tech innovators offering a variety of learning and networking events throughout the year. A program of particular interest to entrepreneurs is Founders Investing in Founders, a dedicated community resource group supporting local tech startups and growth-stage companies.Tap into the collective wisdom and expertise of fellow founders as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of the tech industry.
Fund
In the past decade, our region has cultivated a robust network of early-stage investment organizations. Seed funding accessibility thrives through collaborative efforts, with shared due diligence and co-investment among several prominent funds, including Elevate Capital, Rogue Capital, Seven Peaks, Cascade Seed Fund, and Oregon Venture Partners. Moreover, UO’s Launch Oregon amalgamates “first money,” talent, mentoring, and comprehensive support services to empower startups associated with the university. Collectively, these organizations are elevating visibility and facilitating access to later-stage venture funds all along the West Coast. This surge in support renders funding for startups based in Eugene/Springfield more feasible than ever before.
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