Forum Breakfast: The State of Portland's Start-Up Scene

Description

Business start-ups play an important role in driving economic growth, promoting innovation, creativity, and creating new opportunities for individuals and communities.

Over the past few decades, Portland was a hub for entrepreneurs and start-ups. The city’s deep talent pool, prime location, relative affordability, and access to natural resources made the Rose City an ideal location for launching and growing a business. As recently as 2020, Portland was ranked as one of the best places in the country to start a new business.

But that was then. Flash forward three tumultuous years and we have to ask ourselves: is Portland still a good market for start-ups?

Join the Portland Business Alliance for our final Forum Breakfast of the season, as we explore the state of start-ups in Portland. Our panel of experts will share perspectives on the current ecosystem, highlight emerging local businesses, and reflect on what it will take to better support all of Portland’s entrepreneurial start-ups.

Speakers:

Kristy Edwards, Co-founder and President, PrivacyCode

Steve Eichenlaub, Managing Director, Portland Seed Fund

Cara Turano, President and Executive Director, Oregon Entrepreneur Network

Ben Nahir, Venture Principal, Elevate Capital 

Mike White, Venture Catalyst and Advisor, Willamette Equity Advisors 

Moderated by Malia Spencer, Tech Reporter, Portland Business Journal