PORTLAND, Ore. — For many small businesses, getting off the ground is huge challenge. But once you have the goods and the revenue starts coming in, how do you take the next step?
Built Oregon, an organization dedicated to supporting the state's consumer product industries, has just launched the "first not for profit consumer product accelerator in Oregon."
Support covered by Built Oregon includes the following:
- Finance and Operations
- Branding
- Sales Channels and Retail Partnerships
- Marketing and Sales
- Manufacturing and Production
- Fundraising
- If Applicable: Food Safety and Regulations
- Sustainability
- Direct to Consumer Strategies
- Supply Chain
- Human Resources and Talent Recruitment/Management
- How to Create a Responsible Company
"And what does ‘not for profit’ accelerator mean? It means there are no equity or strings attached to the participation in the program, it’s totally free," said Alex Palmer with SOREDI in a recent article.
The program lasts 16 weeks, starting in May of this year. Built Oregon is looking for companies that are ideally bringing in between $125 thousand and $1 million in revenue.
"Have an awesome product you think is compelling enough for us to take on? Go ahead and fill out the application," Palmer said.
CLICK HERE to apply for the Built Accelerator program and for more information.
Eligible companies will be selling a consumer product — like a food or beverage, apparel, health and beauty supplies, home accessories, or pet products.
"Our belief is that if you are selling a product to a consumer, you are a consumer product," Palmer added.
Participants in the Built Accelerator will be expected to participate in weekly check-ins with the accelerator leads, attend weekly educational sessions, be committed to meeting with mentors on a regular basis, participate in monthly cohort family dinners, and participate in the Built Festival during the Fall of 2019.
Day 26 #WomensHistoryMonth Christy Goldsby, Founder/CEO of @honeymamas Launched in 2012, her unique bars made mostly of live organic ingredients & amazing flavors have found their way from the @PortlandFarmMkt to retail shelves around the country. #SheFliesWithHerOwnWings pic.twitter.com/hAiJqKVb1R
— Built Oregon (@BuiltOregon) March 27, 2019
