Hello friends,

This fall, economic development is all about catalyzing connections between people and innovative ideas. I'm excited to share Collaborative EDO’s October newsletter, which highlights numerous opportunities for you to get involved and stay connected.

Welcome: It’s football season! Business owners, elected officials, and community leaders recently came together to welcome new businesses looking to grow in Lane County AND cheer on the Ducks at the World Class Industries Tailgate! See below for the 2025 date.

Innovate: Interested in investing in local startup companies? Join us for an event designed for aspiring angel investors, where you'll learn about post-investment dynamics, the best deal structures, and the workings of venture capital.

Thrive: Collaborative EDO has teamed up with the UO Career Center, to help connect students with local employers and learn about exciting career opportunities. On October 18th, the focus is on the region's vibrant tech industry, followed by bioscience this winter.

In partnership,

Matt

THANK YOU to everyone who came out for the World Class Industries Tailgate, co-hosted by Collaborative EDO, Technology Association of Oregon and Oregon Bioscience Association.

Business owners, elected officials, and community leaders gathered to welcome new businesses eager to grow in Lane County, all while cheering on the Ducks! The event featured warm connections over savory BBQ, handcrafted s'mores, and celebratory toasts with locally brewed beer from our friends at Claim 52.

Were you there!? Check out the photo gallery and mark your calendars for next year’s tailgate scheduled for September 20, 2025 and cheer for your alma mater when the University of Oregon Ducks take on the Oregon State Beavers!

Bob Mighell, Entrepreneur in Residence, Lundquist College of Business

The Oregon Innovation Challenge (OIC) is more than just a 12-week program—it's a launchpad for the next generation of entrepreneurs at the University of Oregon. From January to April, students dive into their passions, turning raw ideas into viable ventures with the help of expert mentorship, hands-on workshops, and the chance to pitch for up to $10,000 in funding.

Since its inception in January 2023, the OIC has ignited the entrepreneurial spirit of over 400 students from more than 60 different majors. “We have students from Music and Dance, Computer Science, Product Design, Architecture, and many more,” says Entrepreneur-in-Residence Bob Mighell, “These students get to work in a collaborative environment to further their entrepreneurial ideas".

The impact of the OIC ripples far beyond the university. It’s a catalyst for innovation in the Eugene-Springfield area, injecting fresh energy and new ideas into the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. “We are expanding our involvement with local mentors and entrepreneurs who greatly enjoy working with our students,” Mighell adds. By partnering with organizations like Collaborative EDO, who host events such as PubTalks, the OIC connects students with community based entrepreneurs, offering them invaluable feedback and networking opportunities. This synergy between students and the community is shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region.

Collaborative EDO has teamed up with Bob Mighell to establish the Willamette Angels Group, a network of local angel investors dedicated to funding and mentoring early-stage startups in the Southern Willamette Valley, with a special focus on supporting University of Oregon-based ventures.

On October 18, local college students will have a unique opportunity to explore career possibilities right in their own backyard through the Career Tours: Technology Edition. This event is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by connecting students with local tech companies.

Keeping talent local is vital for the region’s economic growth and innovation. When students see the potential for exciting careers close to home, they are more likely to stay and contribute to the community's prosperity. By creating direct connections between students and businesses, the event fosters relationships that can lead to internships, mentorships, and future employment.



For students, it's a chance to see the vibrant opportunities in the local tech industry and begin building a professional network. For businesses, it's an opportunity to invest in the future workforce, ensuring the retention of skilled talent within the region. 

Would you like your business to be featured on an upcoming Career Tour? Contact Nicole to learn more!

Join the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) at Nexus Business Lounge for their October Entrepreneur Mixer from 5:00 – 6:30 pm on Thursday, October 3rd.

Meet ambitious founders and entrepreneurs with a broad range of expertise and skills who are open to building new relationships and strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem.

Stefano Iaboni of Smile Solution will be taking attendees through an original and interactive experience designed to inspire laughter and foster collaboration and connection.