Across Lane County, something exciting is happening. We are seeing new energy: startup founders moving here to launch their next venture, employers investing locally to grow, and professionals relocating with their families to build something meaningful. This moment is more than growth. It is a welcome opportunity.

This month’s newsletter offers a glimpse of how that momentum is taking shape. A major investment is helping unlock one of the most strategically located industrial sites in the region. A unique talent program that supports new community members, as they settle in and contribute to our economy. And in early August we will gather entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners who are driving innovation across Lane County to celebrate the inaugural cohort of EmpowerPitch, as graduates from the program take the stage and share their ventures for the first time.

Collaborative EDO is proud to help lead the charge in this welcome. Whether we are helping prepare sites for new employers or helping new families plant roots here, our mission to accelerate inclusive economic prosperity in Lane County remains the goal.

Lets build a stronger, more connected regional economy together, one that creates lasting opportunity for everyone who calls this community home.

In Partnership,

Matt

Relocating for work can be exciting, but it can also be complicated, especially for dual-career families. That’s where the Collaborative EDO Oregon Talent Concierge (OTC) program comes in.

OTC is a free service offered by Collaborative EDO to help relocating spouses and partners, known as Trailing Talent, find meaningful employment and community connections in their new home. Once an employer completes the brief online intake form, OTC matches the trailing partner with a local industry sector leader who follows up within 48 hours.

The support is hands-on: introductions to local employers, job boards, networking events, and even coffee meetings are all part of the package. Trailing Talent can also request neighborhood tours and will receive a one-month follow-up to ensure continued support.

Participating employers gain early access to skilled professionals who bring fresh expertise and perspectives to the region. As part of the “pay it forward” model, employers are encouraged to offer informational interviews to OTC candidates, building a stronger, more connected local talent pool.

Explore the program or refer a new hire today: CollaborativeEDO.org/OTC

Just Moved? We’ve Got You Covered

Check out our new Relocation Resource Page, an all-in-one hub for newcomers to Lane County. Whether you’re looking for schools, neighborhoods, or networking opportunities, this page has everything to make the transition smoother.

Let’s make every welcome count!

Lane County has seen growing energy around entrepreneurship in recent years, with an increasing number of early-stage ventures, women-led startups, and small businesses launching across diverse sectors.

Witness the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at the August PubTalk Entrepreneur Mixer; an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration. The event will take place on Thursday, August 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Claim 52 Brewing in Eugene.

A highlight of this month’s mixer will be the EmpowerPitch showcase, featuring select graduates from the first-ever EmpowerPitch cohort. This program was launched by Collaborative EDO to close the gender gap in early-stage capital access and equip women founders with the tools and confidence to grow investor-ready companies. Several graduates will deliver five-minute pitches during the event, offering a first look at some of the region’s most promising new ventures.

Attendees will enjoy vibrant networking, access to a curated crowd of ecosystem leaders, food for purchase from Seasoned NWB, and a full cash bar hosted by Claim 52 Brewing.

A major step forward for Lane County’s economic growth: Collaborative EDO has helped secure a $500,000 award from Business Oregon to accelerate site readiness at the Westgate Industrial Park in Eugene.

This investment will fund critical upgrades like engineering, permitting, and environmental assessments, to help transform the 80-acre site at 50 N. Danebo Ave. into a prime location for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing employers. With 130,000+ square feet of industrial space, a Union Pacific rail spur, and access to both the Beltline and I-5, Westgate is a strategic gem.

“This is one of the most strategically located industrial properties in the entire Willamette Valley,” says Tim Campbell, Principal Broker at Campbell Commercial Real Estate. 

With state support, the region is better positioned than ever to attract high-wage employers and new investment.

Westgate is expected to support up to 1,000 full-time jobs at full buildout and is already equipped with 10MW of available power, fiber internet, natural gas, water, sewer, and Enterprise Zone benefits. It’s part of a broader effort by Collaborative EDO to create market-ready sites and grow Lane County’s job base.

This is the second major site readiness win for Collaborative EDO and partners in the region, following a $2M award in 2024 for a 107-acre site in Coburg. Both projects are part of Oregon’s SILL program and reflect a powerful collaboration between state and local partners to bring future-ready industries home.



Learn more: collaborativeedo.org

For more information on these signature programs from Lane SBDC click below!