JULY 2026 NEWS

Great ideas are taking shape across Benton, Lane, Lincoln, and Linn counties, and the Cascades West Innovation Hub is here to help entrepreneurs turn those ideas into momentum.

As one of 10 regional innovation hubs funded by Business Oregon, our mission is to strengthen the local innovation ecosystem, expand access to vital resources, and foster inclusive economic opportunity throughout the region.

Powered by Regional Accelerator & Innovation Network (RAIN) the Hub brings together the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County, Collaborative Economic Development Oregon and Latino Founders to connect innovation-driven and traded-sector businesses with the expertise and resources they need to start, grow, and scale.

That support can include:

• Business Mentorship and Coaching 
• Funding Strategy and Investor Connections 
• Access to Prototyping/Testing Facilities
• Intellectual Property (IP) Guidance
• Market Research and Strategy
• Legal/Accounting Referrals
• Networking Opportunities/Peer Support 
• Space/Incubation Program Access
• SBIR/STTR Navigation

In this month’s newsletter, you will find practical opportunities to put those connections to work, including flexible small business loan programs and federal funding webinars designed to help innovators better understand SBIR and STTR pathways.

You do not need to navigate entrepreneurship alone. Submit a Service Request, connect with Mary Phillips at mary@raincatalysts.org, or explore the EcoMap to discover resources across our region.

Keep reading. Your next connection, funding opportunity, or breakthrough may be just a few scrolls away!

FLEXIBLE FINANCING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES ACROSS THE CASCADES WEST REGION

Starting or growing a business often requires capital, but traditional financing is not always the right fit. Councils of Governments across the Cascades West region are helping fill that gap with loan programs designed to support small businesses, startups, and expanding companies.

Oregon Cascades West, Lane, and Mid-Willamette Valley Councils of Governments offer financing for businesses that may have difficulty securing a traditional bank loan. Funds can support a wide range of needs, including:

• Commercial property purchases, construction, or renovations
• Machinery and equipment
• Working capital
• Business acquisitions

In-house loan programs offer fixed-rate financing of up to $250,000. Eligible businesses may also access SBA 504 loans of up to $5.5 million for major property, equipment, and other fixed-asset purchases.

These programs are focused on helping traded-sector companies and Main Street businesses invest, expand, and create opportunities in their communities.

Having trouble finding the financing your business needs? Connect with the loan officer serving your area:

Statewide SBA 504 Loans

Unity Lending, CCD Business Development Corporation

Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties

Didi Aho, Loan Officer

Loans@ocwcog.org

Lane County

Sandra Easdale, Loan Program Manager

seasdale@lcog-or.gov

Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties

Jeff Hilderbrand, Loan Officer

jhilderbrand@mwvcog.org

The right financing may be closer than you think. Start the conversation and explore what is possible for your business!

EXPLORE FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATIVE SMALL BUSINESSES

Could federal funding help move your business or technology forward?

The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a webinar series focused on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These sessions are designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses better understand the programs, available funding opportunities, and how to get started.

Registered attendees will also receive access to recordings of previous sessions, making it easy to catch up and learn at your own pace.

Register for the SBIR and STTR webinar series.

Entrepreneurs in Lincoln, Lane, Linn, or Benton counties do not have to navigate these opportunities alone. The Cascades West Innovation Hub can help you explore available resources and determine your next steps.

Submit a Request for Services or contact Mary Phillips at mary@raincatalysts.org to connect with the Hub.

PITCH LATINO COMES TO PORTLAND:

A CELEBRATION OF LATINO ENTREPRENEURSIP

Latino Founders is bringing Pitch Latino to Portland on October 10, creating an opportunity for Latino entrepreneurs across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest to showcase their ideas, connect with community, and compete for unrestricted funding.

Pitch Latino is more than a pitch competition, it is a growing movement building visibility, resources, and support for Latino founders and innovative business leaders. Entrepreneurs are invited to take the stage and share their ideas, while community members can participate as audience voters and champions of local innovation.

For founders, supporters, and ecosystem partners throughout the Cascades West region, the Portland event offers an exciting opportunity to engage with a thriving network of Latino entrepreneurs and celebrate the ideas shaping our region’s future.

BUILDING A STRONG FINANCIAL FOUNDATION FOR STARTUP GROWTH

Strong financial systems are critical to building a scalable business. Join RAIN Catalysts and the Cascades West Innovation Hub on Wednesday, July 29 from 12–1 PM for Bookkeeping & Accounting: Three Critical Decisions, a FREE, virtual session designed specifically for innovation founders.

Poor bookkeeping can create challenges that extend far beyond tax season, from slowing down growth opportunities to complicating funding conversations and limiting visibility into cash flow. This session will help founders focus on the financial decisions that matter most right now, without getting lost in accounting theory.

Featuring insights from Adam Turco, CPA of Primetrics and Jackie Shaw of Brass Jacks, attendees will gain practical guidance to build a financial foundation that supports smarter decisions and long-term growth.

Register today and strengthen the financial backbone of your venture!

ART, OYSTERS & BREWS RETURNS TO CELEBRATE TOLEDO'S COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Mark your calendars for Art, Oysters & Brews, returning to Historic Main Street in Toledo, Oregon, on August 1–2. Hosted by the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County, this annual festival brings together the best of the region’s creativity, local flavors, and community connections.

From 12–5 PM on Saturday and Sunday, attendees can enjoy live music, local arts and crafts vendors, family-friendly activities, a petting zoo, and more. Visitors can also savor fresh local oysters prepared by Timbers Restaurant & Lounge, along with a selection of craft beers, wines, and other local offerings.

With free admission and activities for all ages, Art, Oysters & Brews is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant community and small-town charm that make Lincoln County special.

CELEBRATING EmpowerPitch 2026: SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF INNOVATORS

Collaborative EDO recently celebrated the conclusion of the 2026 EmpowerPitch cohort, a program designed to support women entrepreneurs with the coaching, mentorship, and resources needed to strengthen their ventures and accelerate their ideas.

As part of the Lane County innovation ecosystem, EmpowerPitch highlights the creativity and entrepreneurial talent emerging throughout our region. The 12-member cohort represented a diverse range of industries, including education technology, science communication, healthcare innovation, and more.

Participants spent the program refining their business models, developing their pitches, connecting with mentors, and building a stronger foundation for future growth. A few of this year’s cohort members include:

Jenifer Trivelli, Founder & CEO of WiseMind Educational Services, who is scaling evidence-informed tools to support youth resilience and mental wellness. After a career as a school counselor, Jenifer founded WiseMind to provide the resources she wished she had for students, educators, and families. Today, her work includes the Stress Reset App and workforce-readiness training designed to expand access to these critical tools.

Angelique Allen, Founder of Dreams of a Scientist, is inspiring curiosity and connection through creative science communication. A University of Oregon PhD student studying octopus brains and vision, Angelique shares stories of real scientists through community experiences, storytelling, and educational resources.

Dr. Catherine Ngaingne, Founder of CathyHelps (The Healthway Initiative), is advancing healthcare equity through a culturally responsive mHealth platform focused on reducing barriers to breast cancer education, navigation, and care for African immigrant and diaspora communities.

Kathy Rasmussen brought a strong foundation in operations, warehouse management, and design to her founder journey with Skufinity. A Lane County based entrepreneur and Co-Owner and Director of Operations at Prep Ninjas, Kathy has earned recognition for combining a clear vision with the determination to execute.

Congratulations to the entire 2026 EmpowerPitch cohort for their accomplishments and continued contributions to Lane County’s growing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem!

BUILD INVESTOR CONFIDENCE WITH

ANGEL OREGON

Ready to raise capital with greater clarity and confidence?

Registration is now open for the second 2026 cohorts of Oregon Entrepreneurs Network’s Angel Oregon programs, launching in September:

Angel Oregon Technology

Begins September 15

Angel Oregon Consumer Packaged Goods

Begins September 16

Angel Oregon Life & Bioscience

Begins September 17

Over five immersive weeks, participating founders will gain the knowledge, tools, feedback, and connections needed to prepare for a successful capital raise. The programs combine expert panels, hands-on learning, investor feedback, and pitch coaching to help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and communicate a compelling fundraising story.

Founders will develop and refine their pitch decks throughout the program, culminating in a dedicated practice week and a live Angel Oregon Pitch Day presented to investors, the OEN team, and fellow cohort participants.

For entrepreneurs preparing to raise capital, Angel Oregon offers an opportunity to learn directly from experienced founders, operators, and investors while building relationships that can support the next stage of growth.

Do not miss the opportunity to strengthen your strategy, sharpen your pitch, and change your company’s trajectory this September.

CLIMATE INNOVATION AT WORK: SHOWCASING THE FUTURE OF A RESILIENT ECONOMY

Join Design Portland during PNW Climate Week 2026 for an interactive showcase spotlighting in-flight projects at the intersection of climate and economic development. ​​The work is underway in Portland and across Oregon, and there's a lot more to do. Climate Innovation at Work is a chance to see and directly engage with leaders and this work.

​The program

• Check out the showcase of Featured Projects with direct engagement
• Hear a fire-side chat with leaders on public-private funding paths
• ​Browse science-fair style solutions with projects and the community
• ​Join a post-event happy hour nearby, hosted by Climate Curious.

​Networking happy hour

​After the program, stay for a happy hour from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Meet innovators, community leaders, and others working in climate innovation across the region.

​Event details

​Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026

Program Run Time: 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Happy hour: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Location: Register to access address

Admission: Free. Space is limited, so please RSVP early.

​Who should come

Innovators, community leaders, and supporters who want to come together to accelerate ideas already moving our region forward. 

Space is limited. RSVP today to be part of the conversation shaping a more resilient and innovative future.