Business Oregon

Business Oregon is pleased to announce that the application portal for Round Two of the Child Care Infrastructure Program will be opening on March 26, 2025. The Child Care Infrastructure Program provides critical financial assistance for infrastructure activities that support child care facilities. $15 million will be distributed to awardees in this second round of funding. Business Oregon is working with the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care, other state agencies, and private and non-profit entities to implement this grant and loan program. More: https://lnkd.in/gQsgw4aC

This week, we are showcasing the 1859 Onward blog post titled, "Oregon’s Life and Bioscience Sector Continues to Grow." This article discusses high-level results in the Oregon Bioscience Association's 2025 Economic Impact Report about the life/bioscience sector in Oregon. This sector directly supported over 28,000 jobs in 2024. Read the blog, here: https://lnkd.in/gnHAbMK5

Business Oregon, in partnership with Oregon Business & Industry, contracted with the University of Oregon to conduct a study and analysis to get answers that can inform both state policy, and actions of economic developers at the local, regional, and state levels. The project sought to better understand the nature of expansion efforts by Oregon businesses. Business Oregon plans on using the insights gathered by the study to help guide future retention and recruitment strategies. More: https://lnkd.in/gq9rVwD9

Business Oregon Director Sophorn Cheang and DEI and Community Engagement Manager Morgan Spencer joined more than 300 attendees to celebrate Women’s History Month at "An Evening with Portland State University's Center for Women’s Leadership" where $71,461 was raised to invest in women and gender-expansive leaders. Women and gender-expansive community leaders from across the region shared their own stories of growth and what investing in the Center for Women’s Leadership (CWL) makes possible. The event was hosted at The LOFT at 8th Avenue in Portland and was broadcasted live. Learn more about the CWL, here: https://lnkd.in/gd8WNcyA

In celebration of Women's History Month, we recognize and celebrate Secret Aardvark Trading Co. (known for their immensely popular Habanero Hot Sauce) for their Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification with Business Oregon's COBID program! 🎉 22% of all businesses in Oregon are owned by women, but only 6.8% of those are WBE certified. The primary goal of COBID certification is to foster an environment where every small business in Oregon can compete fairly for state, county, and city government contracts regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability, or size. When firms owned by disadvantaged individuals participate in contracting, these historically underserved businesses advance, helping enhance and strengthen our local, regional, and state economy. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gYZ9n_fu

Looking for a summer job, an internship, or the opportunity that will launch your career? Connect with Business Oregon and hundreds of other businesses at Oregon State University's 2025 All-Industries Spring Career & Internship Fair on April 16 from 11AM-3PM in the CH2M Hill Alumni Center. This event brings hundreds of professionals together in one spot, giving you the chance to ask questions about fields and industries you’re interested in, build your professional network, and even apply for jobs and internships on the spot. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gYs7xsfC

Business Oregon and the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care are excited to announce that the second round of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund will be opening March 26, 2025, at 12:00 pm. This round will consist of $15 million in grant funding for infrastructure projects that further the wellbeing of children and families in Oregon. Applications for Round Two must be submitted by 4:59 pm on April 30, 2025. Updated grant materials will be available by March 21, 2025. More info: https://lnkd.in/g9F8nSrh

Business Oregon is seeking to contract for loan referral services for the Small Business Expansion Loan Fund, also known as the Oregon Royalty Fund loan program. Selected contractors will be responsible for identifying eligible prospective loan applicants and making referrals to Business Oregon. Business Oregon will accept proposals on an intermittent rolling basis for the next 5 years. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gMnJpsmf

We are here to help! Business Oregon has about 200 staff members located throughout Oregon. Whether you are starting a new business or trying to grow an existing one, we can assist. Check out the map below of our Regional Development Officers (RDO) statewide or click the link to our RDO webpage. Your local RDO will be able to offer advice and assistance that is specific to your needs. RDO webpage: https://lnkd.in/gDPCE5DQ

Become a sponsor for the Oregon Innovation Showcase and gain recognition as a leader in innovation in Oregon with a diverse audience of innovators! • Showcase Leadership: Gain recognition as a champion of innovation in Oregon and beyond. • Boost Visibility: Showcase your company, technology, or services to a diverse and engaged audience. • Forge Connections: Build relationships with out-of-state investors, local entrepreneurs, and innovative start-ups. • Drive Impact: Support Oregon’s reputation as a hub for scalable, deep tech innovation while fostering economic growth. Be part of this unique opportunity to support game-changing innovation and connect with the brightest minds shaping the future. Secure your sponsorship today: https://lnkd.in/gS9bRkUn