Oregon tech startup champion looks to nurture more non-Portland companies

For entrepreneurs in the south Willamette Valley an organization, cleverly called RAIN, is aiming a spotlight on the resources available in communities south of Portland and gathering momentum for its own funding vehicle. The Oregon Regional Accelerator & Innovation Network ( RAIN) formally started in May and since then the board and its executive director … Read more

Eight companies start in business accelerator

Eight companies were in the inaugural class of the Eugene RAIN business accelerator that launched Monday. The accelerator is an intensive 12-week mentorship and business development program. The program is part of a broader state-backed economic development initiative called RAIN, which stands for Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network…

RAIN board gets expertise from all corners of business

The 10-member board overseeing RAIN, the Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network, in the south Willamette Valley pulls expertise from private industry, as well as from local government and universities. The majority of votes on the board will be held by the people with business experience. The so-called “ex-officio” directors, chosen because of their positions, include … Read more

Help for businesses takes new approach

RAIN, the Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network that aims to help businesses start, grow and create jobs in the southern Willamette Valley, is gaining traction and hopes soon to start tapping the $3.75 million the Oregon Legislature approved for the project nearly a year ago. Its executives and board are in place. It has filed … Read more

Accelerating Startups

The Apr/May issue of Open For Business magazine features the Regional Accelerator Innovation Network, or RAIN. RAIN calls for a mix of fully-equipped facilities, financing assistance and business consultation services to help emerging companies get established. Serving as anchors of the regional network, two accelerator facilities would be developed in Eugene and Corvallis near the … Read more