Entrepreneurial Resources

The entire Central Oregon region is alive with entrepreneurial energy, and Redmond businesses are an integral part of this growing community. Our local companies are building and delivering niche products and services into regional and national markets with unprecedented success. Innovators have access to both networks of support and the capital they need to transform ideas into reality.

Bend Venture Conference

The Bend Venture Conference, hosted by Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), is the largest angel conference in the Pacific Northwest. Each year attendees, prominent investors, and companies come together for a celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation. Investment, awards, and prizes open the opportunity for multiple winners. Categories of competition include Early Stage, Growth Stage, and a Social Impact Track.

PubTalk

Entrepreneurs gather monthly throughout Central Oregon to present and hear the business pitches and stories of their peers, with a unique opportunity for feedback and networking. Hosted by EDCO, PubTalk is one of the most popular business events in the region.

Opportunity Knocks (OK)

Opportunity Knocks (OK) helps leaders connect, learn and grow. OK members are entrepreneurs, business owners, CEOs, startup founders and key employees in their organizations. Members are matched with a trusted, local, facilitated team of peers who act as an informal Board of Advisors, sounding board and peer mentoring group. OK is not a networking group – conversations do not stay on the surface. Meetings are a confidential and safe place to share challenges, goals and successes. Growth means different things to different people and different businesses. OK Teams have the resources and capabilities to help propel business and professional growth for entrepreneurs and employees; whatever the growth goals or stage of business might be.

SCORE

A nonprofit association operating for over fifty years, SCORE is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at COCC

Management and technical assistance from COCC's Small Business Development Center, the SBDC offers a program for the business owner or aspiring entrepreneur. Participants can take a practical workshop or request no-cost, one-on-one business advising. The SBDC’s mission is to have a positive impact on the growth and sustainability of your Central Oregon business.

Chamber of Commerce and Other Business Resources