Calling All Oregon Metro Tech Innovators: Your Launchpad to Success

Oregon's Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties reputation as a hub for innovation is no secret. From groundbreaking software to cutting-edge hardware, the spirit of invention thrives here.

But for tech founders just starting out, navigating the landscape of resources can feel like a challenge in itself. That's where the Portland Metro Region Innovation Hub steps in – your dedicated partner in turning your tech vision into a thriving reality.

We understand that as a tech founder, you have unique needs. You're likely thinking about securing funding, finding the right mentors, connecting with fellow innovators, and accessing specialized support to bring your product to market. The good news is that Oregon's Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties boasts a robust ecosystem designed to fuel your journey.

Let's explore some key resources available to you, and how the Portland Metro Region Innovation Hub can help you tap into them effectively.

Fueling Oregon Metro Tech Innovators: Funding Opportunities

Securing capital is often a top priority for tech startups. Oregon's Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties offers a range of funding avenues:

Angel Investors & Venture Capital

Connect Oregon Metro tech innovators with local investment groups like Elevate Capital, which focuses on underserved entrepreneurs, and Oregon Venture Fund, which invests in ambitious local teams. Portland Seed Fund also supports early-stage companies. Organizations like Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) often host events connecting founders with potential investors.

Grants

Explore grant opportunities through Business Oregon, which offers various programs to support business growth and innovation. OHSU Innovates also lists grant and funding opportunities relevant to health tech and life sciences.

Bootstrapping

Oregon's Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties resourceful spirit aligns well with bootstrapping. Groups like Bootstrap Startup offer a community for founders building their businesses with their own resources.

Guidance from the Experts: Mentorship & Advisory Support

Metro Region Innovation Hub Startup Cafe

Navigating the complexities of the tech world is easier with experienced guidance:

1. Portland Metro Hub Mentor Program: Our Hub Navigators can connect you with industry-specific mentors who can provide valuable insights and support for your tech venture

   
   

2. SCORE Portland: Offers free, confidential mentorship from experienced business professionals across various industries, including technology

   
   

3. Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN): Provides mentorship programs to help entrepreneurs at all stages

   
   

4. Technology Association of Oregon (TAO): Connects founders with experienced leaders in the tech industry through their Founders Investing in Founders program

   
   

5. PSU Center for Entrepreneurship: Offers mentorship services and programs for student and community entrepreneurs

   
   

6. OHSU Innovates' Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program: Provides one-on-one mentoring with seasoned business executives for OHSU inventors and entrepreneurs

Accelerating Your Growth: Incubators & Accelerators

Oregon's Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties incubator and accelerator scene is vibrant and caters to various tech sectors:

Portland State Business Accelerator (PSBA): Supports local startups from early stage through growth, connecting them with PSU resources

Oregon Technology Business Center (OTBC): A Beaverton-based incubator helping tech, biotech, and cleantech startups

Oregon Story Board: Focuses on the digital storytelling industry

Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator: Supports cleantech startups in the Pacific Northwest

StarveUps: Oregon's first startup accelerator

Connecting with the Community: Networking Opportunities

PDX Startup Week Networking Event

Building relationships within the tech ecosystem is crucial:

Calagator: A community-driven calendar listing tech events and meetups in Oregon's Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties

PDX Startups: A platform connecting and supporting Oregon's Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties startup ecosystem

Startup Cafe at the Hub: Our regular event offering workshops, networking, and mentorship opportunities for founders

Portland Tech Meetups: Find various tech-focused meetup groups in the city

Silicon Florist: A local blog and newsletter covering Oregon's Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties tech and startup scene

Laying the Legal & Business Foundation

Getting the fundamentals right is essential for long-term success:

Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC): Provides transactional legal services to small and emerging businesses in Oregon

SCORE Portland: Offers workshops and guidance on various business aspects, including legal and financial basics

Oregon Secretary of State: Provides information on business registration and legal requirements in Oregon

University Resources

Local universities are also valuable resources for tech founders:

• Portland State University (PSU): Through its Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Accelerator, PSU offers various programs, mentorship, and connections

• OHSU Innovates: Provides resources and support for healthcare and life science-focused startups

• University of Portland Franz Center: Supports students in developing entrepreneurship and innovation skills

Your Central Point of Connection: The Metro Region Innovation Hub

Navigating this extensive list of resources might still feel overwhelming. That's where the Portland Metro Region Innovation Metro Hub truly shines.

Our experienced Hub Navigators are here to provide you with one-on-one informational sessions. We'll listen to your specific needs as a tech founder and connect you with the most relevant resources and services in Oregon's Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.

Whether you need help finding funding, identifying a mentor in your specific tech domain, or understanding which accelerator program is the best fit for your stage, we're here to guide you.

Ready to take your Oregon's tech startup to the next level?

Don't navigate the startup journey alone. Schedule a meeting with a Hub Navigator today and let us connect you to the resources and support you need to thrive in Oregon's Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties dynamic tech ecosystem.

Visit www.portlandmetrohub.org to get started. We're excited to be a part of your success story!