With 12 years in mobile and smartphone development, four rounds of funding and modestly successful products, Elia Freedman brings a unique perspective to the rise of iPhone's AppStore and growing a business.

In this presentation he lays out what he's learned and how that has impacted current business decisions as he attempts to re-build Infinity Softworks.

The Oregon Growth Account, Oregon Investment Fund, and many other investment companies are constantly looking for promising opportunities to  invest in Oregon.      That is why STATE TREASURER BEN WESTLUND Is  hosting  the Big  Idea  Bash!   The Big Idea Bash will be a social event that will introduce the managers who invest on behalf of Oregon to people with ideas for Oregon's next success stories - people like you. You'll even be able to network and solicit feedback in a "speed dating" kind of format.

May 1: 6pm - 10pm May 2: 9am - 10pm

RSVP at Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/1435924

Join us at OTBC for the live webcast of this MIT Enterprise Forum program. The Energy Industry. An area for growth, a target for stimulus, and innovations that can potentially save money and the environment. Join the MIT Enterprise Forum for a fast-paced and "energetic" discussion of energy that will cover: - which sectors are the current hot trends - what areas are the funders most interested in - what hype to believe and what to ignore - what the government's role is in stimulating growth - what will transpire over the next 2, 5, 10+ years

You can read more details at this link .

This premier event celebrates excellence and achievement in the region’s technology industry and honors one outstanding Technology Executive of the Year. In addition, five individual industry segment and product awards will be presented during the evening, recognizing recipients for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to the community and industry.

$2500 for a table of 10; $250 for a single ticket

AWARD CATEGORIES Technology Executive of the Year System/Hardware Company of the Year Software Company of the Year Technology-Service Company of the Year Emerging Company of the Year Cool Product of the Year

The first annual Willamette Angel Conference will be held

Thursday May 14, 2009

with the goal of connecting early stage and seed businesses with Angel investors. The Willamette Valley boasts a high number of businesses that highlight the rugged individuality, forward thinking, technology and entrepreneurship that are part of Oregon's proud heritage.

Attendees will include members of organized angel groups, individual angels, prospective angels, and early-stage investment firms as well as entrepreneurial ventures and start ups interested in obtaining angel funding.

Goals of the Willamette Angel Conference

* To increase the amount of seed capital available in the Willamette Valley
* To highlight entrepreneurial ventures and provide them with possible opportunities for funding
* To showcase some of our angel funded companies
* To demonstrate our commitment to building a strong economy in the Willamette Valley

Who should attend

Inventors/Researchers/IP Holders: To learn more about the start up development and funding process, and to network to meet entrepreneurs and service providers.

Entrepreneurs: To get recognition and possibly funding for your business. To develop and hone your business plan and pitch with top quality preparation sessions. To network with investors, and begin conversations that will benefit your company down the line. To network with inventors, and other early stage professionals.

Investors: To have access to some great business investment opportunities. For new investors, to learn how to invest in early stage deals, and how to feed deals to venture capitalists.

Venture Capitalists: To identify top quality and up and coming early stage businesses in the Willamette Valley, to meet seed investors and stay connected to other venture capitalists, to learn more about commercialization from OSU, UofO and Onami.

Service Providers: To introduce your business to companies making early decisions about the direction of their company. Politicians: To help build economic development for the local and state government.

The Conference will be held at theCH2MHill Alumni Center at Oregon State University on May 14, 2009. Links provide the Agenda and directions to the conference.

Discover the future of Web design, user experience and business strategy for three days of mind-melding on what's new in the digital world. Get a glimpse into the future, along with practical information that you can apply to your Web site, company and career. Ticket Info: $150 - $195 before April 1st.

Open Source Bridge is a three-day open source developers conference, focused on bringing people from a range of technology backgrounds together to share their knowledge and explore what it means to be an open source citizen.

In order to create a conference that promotes cross-pollination as well as providing space for in-depth discussion, the tracks are divided into the following five areas:

Cooking: Useful recipes for software development, systems administration, and working with open source.

Chemistry: Understanding how our systems work, in order to improve and extend.

Business: Building open source businesses that thrive.

Culture: Exploring how open source extends through technology into our communities.

Hacks: Tinkering, experimenting and bending the rules to make hardware and software do what we want.

The final day of the conference will be structured in an unconference format, to allow participants to reflect and build on the previous days' discussions.

Intellectual property rights is a hot topic in Portland, Oregon. With the Beer and Blog community in particular I've had several conversations about steps to take in securing exclusive rights to our idea inventions, that intangible creativity from the mind. And what the heck is the process for getting something trademarked? Or patented? What qualifies as a trade secret?

Wonder no longer. On July 14 from 6-8 pm Mike Cohen, an intellectual property-focused attorney at Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, will be answering these questions in a FREE off-site topic discussion. Mike will also cover general IP issues relevant to bloggers, such as copyright and trademark infringement, as well as defamation.

A reception from 6-6:30 with beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers will be served. Then, from 6:30-7:15 Mike will talk. After that, we have time for questions. We'll have the room until 8 pm.

The law offices of Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt is located in the building where Oracle lives, so remember there are two entrances: 5th and 6th Ave. If you enter from 5th Ave. you must go up the escalator and use an elevator in the bank of elevators located on the right to get to the 19th floor. If you enter from 6th Ave. just walk to the last bank of elevators.

Don't miss this free, informative evening of expert advice and learn how to protect your work and your right to montetize your work. Rearrange your schedule if you have to and attend this Beer and Blog off-site topic event. The free drink and food that goes along with the free IP counseling? BONUS!

When: Tuesday, July 14th 6-8 pm Schedule: 6-6:30 pm beverages and appetizers, 6:30-7:15 pm Intellectual Property presentation, 7:15-8 pm Q & A Location: Law offices of Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, 1211 SW 5th Ave. Ste. 1900, Portland, OR 97204 (19th floor) Speaker: Mike Cohen, Shareholder Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt Questions: Contact Nichole Enriquez: nenriquez[at]schwabe.com

As with most start-ups, there may be a significant period of time before the business becomes profitable. Therefore, when making a list of priorities, start-ups tend to list taxes right above "Get a plant service.” David Uslan, tax shareholder in charge of Perkins and Company's high tech niche, will address why taxes should be moved higher up the list, especially in a down economy.

The business decisions you make today can affect your tax situation in the future, including where you locate your company, what type of entity you choose for your company, or even how you obtain sales. David will provide an overview of how your startup can effectively manage taxes for long-term success.

Registration: OEN Member: No Cost Non - Member:$30

Pacific Real Estate Partners will be hosting the July installment of Portland Lunch 2.0 on July 15.

  The lunch will be held at Jive Software , one of their clients.Thanks to Kristin Hammond (@ FzMcFadden ) and Mark Friel of Pacific Real Estate Partners for connecting all the dots. 

  Lunch 2.0 is a Valley phenomenon that you can read about at lunch20.com , and we're putting a PDX stamp on it.

  You can follow all things Portland Lunch 2.0 an the Silicon Florist .

  Are you vegan or vegetarian? Please leave a comment so we can plan food accordingly. Thanks.

Save the date! Ignite Portland 6 will happen on Thursday, July 16, 2009, at the Bagdad Theater. Stay tuned to http://www.igniteportland.com/ for more details, and submit YOUR talk idea now!

More details coming soon!

Paul Gulick, formerly of Clarity Visual Systems and Planar, will lead a lively discussion that will help entrepreneurs drive their organization's success. Come share your challenges, observations and successes with other CEOs of emerging businesses.

We will discuss the challenges of funding your company in tough times and the creative options you can employ to get the cash your company needs to survive and grow.

Open only to CEOs or Presidents of currently operating companies that have employees. Boxed lunch will be served. This program is limited to 12 participants, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration: OEN Members - $46 Non Members - $145

The Internet Strategy Forum Summit is the premiere annual conference from the Internet Strategy Forum, a national professional association for corporate Internet executives.

  Attendees of the 6th annual Internet Strategy Forum Summit will engage with our keynote presenters from Intel, Xerox, Forrester Research and more, who will share their insights and ideas on how to best leverage the Internet and integrate it into overall business strategy.

  Visit the event Website for a complete list of confirmed presenters.

  There are plenty of opportunities for networking with corporate Internet professionals and Internet-related product and service providers.

  Check out "The Road to Chief Internet Strategist", an optional corporate Internet strategist career path symposium on July 24th, the day after the main conference.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the U.S. Department of Energy will be awarding billions of dollars in grants, loans and loan guarantees to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The competition for these funds has already begun. Some application deadlines are rapidly approaching. For companies interested in seeking these funds, the time to act is now.

In this seminar, we will provide practical tips on how to approach the U.S. Department of Energy’s application process. Topics covered in the seminar will include:

Tracking funding opportunities Determining which opportunities best fit your business Preparing a compelling and complete application Preserving the confidentiality of sensitive business information Minimizing delays in the application process Understanding the ‘strings’ attached to federal funding

We hope that you or a colleague will be able to join us. For more information on our Federal Grants & Loans practice, please visit our Web site.

Portland, OR | Wednesday, July 29, 2009 | 7:30 a.m. Breakfast

Space is limited. Please RSVP by July 22 to Annie Piggins at APiggins "at" perkinscoie "dot" com.

This webinar led by Leslie Bottomly, partner at Ater Wynne LLP, will cover employee compensation basics for start-ups. Topics include: minimum wage, exempt versus non-exempt (overtime eligible) categories of employment, employees versus independent contractors, stock options, stock, and benefits.

Speaker: Leslie Bottomly, Partner, Ater Wynne LLP Leslie Bottomly’s practice focuses on employment matters. She regularly advises public and private employers on such matters as employee discipline and termination, compliance with family and medical leave, discrimination, wage and hour, and other employment laws, development of employee handbooks, drug testing programs and international issues. Serving as Ater Wynne LLP's Director of Human Resources gives Leslie unique insight into the practical challenges employers face day to day.

Ticket Info: OEN Members: No Cost Non Members: $30

Want to learn more about the ins and outs of Corporate Real Estate? Then sign up for the OEN workshop with Craig Reinhart of CRESAPartners.

Here is what will be covered in the workshop:

1) It's a Tenant's Market - How can I reduce occupancy costs and maximize flexibility? 2) Lease Restructuring and Tenant Cost Savings Strategies 3) Green Buildings and Workplaces - What's in it for the Tenant? 4) Review Operating Expense Statements and Negotiating Operating Expense Increases 5) Market Forecast - From the Tenant's Perspective

Speaker: Craig Reinhart Mr. Reinhart is the Managing Principal of CresaPartners in Portland. He has guided the Portland office of CresaPartners into a leading corporate real estate services firm dedicated to providing “best in class” single-source local and national real estate services exclusively to corporate clients. Mr. Reinhart advises clients including WebTrends, Lime Financial, Flir, NW Natural, Vestas Wind Power, Meritage Mortgage, Northwest Evaluation, Planar Systems, Nautilus and Electro Scientific Industries, to name a few. He specializes in handling both local and national projects for leading corporations and has completed major projects for FLIR, Tektronix, NW Natural, Vesta, Nationwide Insurance, Cascade Microtech and numerous start-ups and established growth companies. Venture funded clients include Qsent, Smart Forest Ventures, Fios, Vesta, Imove and SnapNames. After graduating from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Economics in 1986, Mr. Reinhart entered the commercial real estate profession in Portland and quickly carved a niche as a leading provider of exclusive corporate real estate services. Mr. Reinhart is licensed as a Real Estate Broker in the States of Oregon & Washington.

Date: Thursday, July 30th Time: 8:00 am - 9:30 am Location: CresaPartners Office One SW Columbia St. Ste 1610 Portland, OR 97258- Registration:OEN Member - $30 Non Member - $155

Startup Workouts

  Startup Workouts is an open-enrollment series of 75-minute “workouts” where founders develop and strengthen founder “muscles”— the fundamental business skills and problem-solving abilities they need to manage their startups well.

  Schedule & Topics
  Workouts are held in downtown Portland at NedSpace on Tuesdays (1-2:15 pm) and Thursdays (4-5:15 pm). Topics for the current July 28-August 27 series are listed below. For additional info, please contact Nick Cottle at [email protected].

  Workout Passes
  Founders can purchase 1, 5 or 10 workouts passes valid for the current 5-week session. Prices are $18 for 1 workout, $75 for 5 ($15 each), or $130 for 10 ($13 each).

  Track 1: 

  How to Generate Revenue 
  •1:00pm Tuesday, July 28th – (Instructor: Nick Cottle)

  Basics of Sales for Startups 
  •1:00pm Tuesday, August 4th – (Instructor: Nick Cottle)

  Market Validation Basics
  •1:00pm Tuesday, August 11th – (Instructor: Carolynn Duncan)

  Founder/Team Accountability
  •1:00pm Tuesday, August 18th – (Instructor: Nick Cottle)

  Basics of Project Management for Startups
  •1:00pm Tuesday, August 25th – (Instructor: Carolynn Duncan)

  Track 2

  Hiring, Managing, and Firing Cofounders
  •4:00pm Thursday, July 30th – (Instructor: Nick Cottle)

  Creating A Startup Budget & Realistic Financial Projections
  •4:00pm Thursday, August 6th – (Instructor: Nick Cottle)

  The Fundability Matrix– What Angel/VC Investors Look For, And How You Stack Up
  •4:00pm Thursday, August 13th – (Instructor: Carolynn Duncan)

  Explain Your Startup In 1 Minute Or Less
  •4:00pm Thursday, August 20th – (Instructor: Carolynn Duncan)

  Problem-Solving for Startups
  •4:00pm Thursday, August 27th – (Instructor: Nick Cottle)

  What Founders Say About Startup Workouts

  "The Start-up Workouts that the Portland Ten’s Carolynn Duncan has recently headed up have exposed me to thinking and practices that have been educational and inspiring.
  "They have been a fantastic compliment to the George Fox MBA program that I’m currently enrolled in.  The combination of the foundational information provided by this traditional institution and the entrepreneurial education I have received by taking part in these workouts has been a great pair in preparing me to succeed in business and in life."

  -Travis Spencer

  "I have found the PortlandTen workout sessions to be well worth the time and cost. Our company has benefitted directly from specific process models as well as input and idea exchange with other entrepreneurs"

  -John-Paull Davidson

This presentation will be a collaboration between Lee Foster and Steven Prewitt at Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt. Steven will present on the legal framework of IP that assists in the creation of economic scarcity. That's what makes an intangible asset valuable! Lee will present on the creative science behind the valuation of various types of intangible assets.

Speakers: Lee Foster and Steven Prewitt

Date and Time: Wednesday August 5, 10:00 am - 112:00 am Location: OEN Online Registration: Members - No Cost Non Members - $30

      <p align="left"><strong>ABOUT THE PROGRAM:</strong><br />

The House of Representatives recently took historic action to rein in global warming pollution and jumpstart America's clean energy industries by passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act. This bill invests in energy that can’t ever spill or run out, will create millions of jobs at home and around the country, and protect our planet for future generations. At a time when Oregon is faced with record unemployment, this legislation will spur innovation and make an immediate difference in the electric, construction, and engineering sectors.

Earlier in June, Congressman Blumenauer spent seven days in China with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a bi-partisan delegation of colleagues from the House of Representatives on the need to address global warming. He will discuss the changes that China has made to adjust its policies to be more environmentally sensitive, and the realization that China and the world cannot afford to follow the path of the first industrial revolution.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Congressman Earl Blumenauer's academic training includes undergraduate and law degrees from Lewis and Clark College in Portland.

Elected to the US House of Representatives in 1996, Mr. Blumenauer has created a unique role as Congress' chief spokesperson for Livable Communities. From 1996 - 2003, he served on both the International Relations Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Now a member of the Ways and Means Committee and the Budget Committee, Congressman Blumenauer also serves as Vice Chair of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.

Tickets: $20 members, $30 non-members, $15 students

More info: http://www.nwchina.org/programs/090805cbn.html

Small business is the heart of Oregon's economy, but during these difficult economic times it can be a serious challenge to find funding to support even the most promising companies. We cannot afford to let innovative ideas fall by the wayside because small business owners can't access the money they need to perform research and develop and commercialize new products.

At more than $2.3 billion per year, the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs comprise the largest source of federal support for technological innovation in the private sector. Awardees can receive critical support for projects from early stage R&D through commercialization.

Please join me and other small business owners, researchers, venture capital representatives, and others at a one-day conference with key SBIR/STTR program managers to learn more about opportunities for funding your small business and to discuss upcoming changes to the SBIR/STTR program.

Congressman David Wu presents:

Funding Innovative Research: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs

When: Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Where:OHSU South Waterfront

                                       3303 SW Bond Avenue, Portland

What:Panel discussion and breakout sessions with key SBIR/STTR program managers

Presenters from agencies including the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and others will discuss how to develop a successful application for SBIR/STTR funding. Topics will include:

·What are each agency's priorities for research topics?

·What criteria does each agency use to select awardees?

·What can applicants do to make their proposals more competitive?

The afternoon session will include opportunities to talk in small groups with program managers, past and current SBIR grantees, and prospective applicants. I hope you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn more about this important funding resource for small technology businesses here in Oregon.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Kelly Brooks at kelly.brooks "at" mail.house.gov or 503-326-2901.

Startup Workouts

  Startup Workouts is an open-enrollment series of 75-minute “workouts” where founders develop and strengthen founder “muscles”— the fundamental business skills and problem-solving abilities they need to manage their startups well.

  Schedule & Topics
  Workouts are held in downtown Portland at NedSpace on Tuesdays (1-2:15 pm) and Thursdays (4-5:15 pm). Topics for the current July 28-August 27 series are listed below. For additional info, please contact Nick Cottle at [email protected].

  Workout Passes
  Founders can purchase 1, 5 or 10 workouts passes valid for the current 5-week session. Prices are $18 for 1 workout, $75 for 5 ($15 each), or $130 for 10 ($13 each).

  Track 1: 

  How to Generate Revenue 
  •1:00pm Tuesday, July 28th – (Instructor: Nick Cottle)

  Basics of Sales for Startups 
  •1:00pm Tuesday, August 4th – (Instructor: Nick Cottle)

  Market Validation Basics
  •1:00pm Tuesday, August 11th – (Instructor: Carolynn Duncan)

  Founder/Team Accountability
  •1:00pm Tuesday, August 18th – (Instructor: Nick Cottle)

  Basics of Project Management for Startups
  •1:00pm Tuesday, August 25th – (Instructor: Carolynn Duncan)

  Track 2

  Hiring, Managing, and Firing Cofounders
  •4:00pm Thursday, July 30th – (Instructor: Nick Cottle)

  Creating A Startup Budget & Realistic Financial Projections
  •4:00pm Thursday, August 6th – (Instructor: Nick Cottle)

  The Fundability Matrix– What Angel/VC Investors Look For, And How You Stack Up
  •4:00pm Thursday, August 13th – (Instructor: Carolynn Duncan)

  Explain Your Startup In 1 Minute Or Less
  •4:00pm Thursday, August 20th – (Instructor: Carolynn Duncan)

  Problem-Solving for Startups
  •4:00pm Thursday, August 27th – (Instructor: Nick Cottle)

  What Founders Say About Startup Workouts

  "The Start-up Workouts that the Portland Ten’s Carolynn Duncan has recently headed up have exposed me to thinking and practices that have been educational and inspiring.
  "They have been a fantastic compliment to the George Fox MBA program that I’m currently enrolled in.  The combination of the foundational information provided by this traditional institution and the entrepreneurial education I have received by taking part in these workouts has been a great pair in preparing me to succeed in business and in life."

  -Travis Spencer

  "I have found the PortlandTen workout sessions to be well worth the time and cost. Our company has benefitted directly from specific process models as well as input and idea exchange with other entrepreneurs"

  -John-Paull Davidson

This free seminar is presented by the Oregon Bioscience Association and features Gregory Milman Ph.D Director of the Office for Innovation and Special Programs National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of NIH

Join us on August 12th, 11:30 AM to 1:00pm, at the Portland State Business Accelerator, 2828 SW Corbett Ave, Portland. Complimentary lunch will be served.

Learn how to tap into $700 million of NIH funds.

And find out:

• How to decide between SBIR or STTR programs
• What is flexible and what is not in SBIR and STTR eligibility rules
• Success rates for NIH applications
• Difference between core technology and a grant application
• What belongs in the Title of your application
• Review criteria and how they are applied to your application
• What to put in your Specific Aims
• Why you need preliminary data
• More tips you are unlikely to learn from other NIH staff

Come see five companies put it all on the line in a speed pitching competition. In this competition both the judges and the audience will tell the competitors if they’ve got what it takes to be a fundable company. A winner will be selected by the judges who will advance to the first round of OEN’s Seed Oregon: http://www.oen.org/events_seed.aspx. The audience favorite will be mentioned on the OEN blog.

After the judges select the winner by voting with OEN Dollars, the judges will give feedback on each presentation, explain how they chose the winner, and answer questions from the audience and the contestants.

Interested in Competing? To apply to "So You Think You Can Pitch?" visit the So you think you can Pitch Competition Community and submit your materials by Wednesday, July 15, 2009.

There you will need to submit the following information: (1) A copy of your executive summary – (no need for secret sauce or specific numbers, simply publish what you are willing to present in public) (2) A brief explanation (no more than 1 page, 12 pt font, single spaced) of why you think your company is a promising investment.

Registration: OEN Member: $15 Non - Member: $25

The Oregon Technology Investor Tour and the Silicon Forest Forum have combined forces to create the Silicon Forest Technology and Financial Forum. This event provides a unique opportunity for the financial community to experience Oregon public and private companies, meet their management teams, and take company tours (if applicable). In addition, concurrent panel discussions on a range of technology management and sector specific issues will allow entrepreneurs and companies to gain insights into opportunities for their growth and success.

What Will You Gain by Attending: Access to executives representing the Telecom, CAE and Semiconductor Industries, Alternative Energy, Green Tech, Social Networking, Internet Security, Application Software and Medical Technology Services Exchange of critical information from companies in a unique and small group format Develop and maintain important relationships with leading-edge technology companies Cost savings by networking with company executives and peers in one general location

Cost to attend: Day 1, August 25, 2009 ($99.00) Day 2, August 26, 2009 ($99.00) Both Days ($155.00)

In these tough economic times, Oregon's economy needs innovators and entrepreneurs to develop new opportunities for economic growth. SwapMeet is a great way to meet the people who are the drivers of this effort.

Join us at the OEN SwapMeet, a networking program specifically for people looking to connect with entrepreneurs, early-stage companies, and the people who can help Oregon businesses grow.

There's no entrance fee, and no pressure. Just networking, connecting, and a no-host happy hour! We hope to see you there.

You’re invited to OEN’s Venture Northwest 2009, the Northwest’s premier forum for new and emerging investment opportunities in exciting companies from Oregon, Washington, and throughout the Pacific Northwest. We’ll be showcasing early-to late-stage investment opportunities pre-screened by an investor-led panel.

Attendees will learn about the region's growth segments, explore new technology and research, and connect with entrepreneurs from the area's hottest emerging companies including nanotech, microtech, bioscience, sustainability and more.

This event highlights the best and brightest investment opportunities in the Northwest and is the place to network with exciting emerging businesses, investment firms, and business development representatives.

Early bird Registration to attend Venture Northwest Register for OEN's annual investment conference, Venture Northwest 2009 at the early bird price of $420 by September 15th. Registration increases to $495 after that date.

Early bird Registration to attend: $420 by September 15th. Regular registration: $495

Luke Kanies from Reductive Labs will tell about his experience starting an Open Source Project (Puppet), building a company around it and raising venture capital.

  Some questions Luke will answer:
  * How do you make money when anyone can download your source code?
  * Is venture capital necessary?
  * Why did he choose to move his company to Portland?

  Of course, if you come, Luke will answer your questions, too.

SAO ConnectPDX is a new kind of networking, relaxed, open, and the kind that fosters real connections.

  You've been to enough networking events to know that they're usually a frantic business card swap, with shallow connections.

  ConnectPDX is different. We provide a low key environment, in a fun space, where meeting people comes naturally.

  We encourage professionals from different industries to attend, so everyone's networks can expand.

  Free registration + great happy hour + great PDX connections = time well spent!

  Blitz (Pearl) is open to minors until 9pm.

  Where to park: If you're lucky, you can get metered street parking, but if you want a cheap garage, use Smart Park.

  There is no registration for this event - just show up!

If you are tech entrepreneur or startup executive we would be pleased to have you attend the StartUp Exchange Meeting. The meetings are meant to be a discussion among peers about relevant topics that will both educate and help with problem solving. Some of the attendees are likely going through the same issue and have ideas to share, and many of the folks who attend have started many companies so have wisdom to share.

  Participation is limited to tech entrepreneurs or startup executives only so service providers are not able to attend
  We have plenty of space but we ask that you now RSVP so we have an idea of how many cups to bring for the beer.

  If you have questions about the group please contact Dave Howell, CEO of Avatron at: dave (at) avatron.com

  Dave is serving as an admin for the group while it nears its one year anniversary. A few other leaders in the community are as well including:
       - Brian Jamison, CEO OpenSourcery
       - Lee Harding, VP Software SunStone Circuits

Join OEN at Bridgeport Brewpub and see the many faces of entrepreneurship in Oregon. This event highlights a sampling of companies that have been active in the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network programs as well as companies that have been through Mercy Corps NW programs. Successful start ups come from a wide range of backgrounds - and might receive $100K + angel or a $10K micro finance loan - but all add to the diversity and strength of our business community and all face many of the same challenges on a day to day basis. This event shows the dynamic variety that will help shape Oregon’s economic future.

Date and Time: Wednesday September 09, 5:15 pm - 7:00 pm Location: 1313 NW Marshall Portland, OR 97209 Registration: OEN Members - $15, Non Members - $25

Participants: OEN Revelation WeoGeo WickedQuick DesignMedix

Mercy Corps NW Sweet Elevens Plywerk Heart in Oregon Waste Away Marine Services

Learn More Click Here

SAO ConnectPDX is a new kind of networking, relaxed, open, and the kind that fosters real connections.

  You've been to enough networking events to know that they're usually a frantic business card swap, with shallow connections.

  ConnectPDX is different. We provide a low key environment, in a fun space, where meeting people comes naturally.

  We encourage professionals from different industries to attend, so everyone's networks can expand.

  Free registration + great happy hour + great PDX connections = time well spent!

  Blitz (Pearl) is open to minors until 9pm.

  Where to park: If you're lucky, you can get metered street parking, but if you want a cheap garage, use Smart Park.

  There is no registration for this event - just show up!

Now in its sixth year, Bend Venture Conference (BVC) is the premier regional event connecting seed and early stage companies with investment opportunities and attracting the Northwest's top entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers.

Featuring

Paul Hawken CEO, Pax Engineering Group, Author of "Ecology of Commerce" and "Natural Capitalism"

Moderated by: Becky Brun, Editor, Sustainable Industries

Panelists Dave Williams, CEO, Shorebank Pacific Rob Harmon, Chief Innovation Officer and Senior Vice President, Bonneville Environmental Foundation

We're headed back to eROI for Portland Lunch 2.0.

  A lot has happened since they last hosted Lunch 2.0 back in April 2008, including the launch of their new event registration service, eROI Event .

  To showcase their new system, eROI wants your suggestions on what they should raffle off at their Lunch 2.0. So, head over to the Lunch 2.0 event , register and suggest something.

  You'll get a chance to test-drive eROI Event, and the winner will be selected from those who register there.

  If it's not too much trouble, please also RSVP here or only here, if you don't want to win free stuff. As if.

  Lunch 2.0 is a Valley phenomenon that you can read about at lunch20.com , and we're putting a PDX stamp on it.

  You can follow all things Portland Lunch 2.0 an the Silicon Florist .

  Are you vegan or vegetarian? Please leave a comment so we can plan food accordingly. Thanks.

Cloud Computing ties hardware virtualization and software innovation to offer economic choices for deploying and scaling software services. Cloud Services are being offered in different flavors and for different segments by a variety of vendors.

TiE Oregon is hosting a Cloud Computing flyby, with a panel of evangelists, experts and entrepreneurs representing the key providers as well as usage and deployment perspectives for a spectrum of service layers including IaaS, PaaS and SaaS.

Panelists include: - Arne Kainu, President & CEO, CenterStance
- Jason Mauer, Senior Developer Evangelist Microsoft
- Jinesh Varia, Technology Evangelist, Amazon
- Ryan Williams, Senior Software Engineer, AllMed Healthcare Management

Join us on Sept 16th, to learn, explore and get answers to your questions regarding the technical and operational issues, financial trade-offs and business risks and opportunities offered by cloud computing.

Please RSVP here on Upcoming if you plan to attend. We'll be using the number of people to plan snacks, space, etc.

  Brian Jamison and other members of POSSE will be leading a discussion about how to run an open source business. We'll also have plenty of time for you to hang out and talk to each other on this topic or anything else.

  This is a monthly meeting of POSSE (Portland Open Source Software Entrepreneurs) that is open for anyone to attend. POSSE is dedicated to helping businesses in the Portland area and beyond reduce costs, mitigate risk, and make software choice easy by utilizing open source software. POSSE members meet once a month to network with other open source software entrepreneurs, engineers and enthusiasts.

The Software Association of Oregon Dev Forum has partnered with the Portland State Business Accelerator and the Portland SIG of TiE Oregon to bring you the most comprehensive and in-depth technical discussion in Portland about Cloud Computing yet.

  This program is specifically designed for developers and architects. In one afternoon we intend to host a collaborative best practice exchange aimed specifically at the top things developers and architects need to know in order to make the right Cloud Computing platform evaluation and implementation decisions.


  REGISTER: https://sao.yourmembership.com/events/event_details.asp?id=68684

SAO ConnectPDX is a new kind of networking, relaxed, open, and the kind that fosters real connections.

  You've been to enough networking events to know that they're usually a frantic business card swap, with shallow connections.

  ConnectPDX is different. We provide a low key environment, in a fun space, where meeting people comes naturally.

  We encourage professionals from different industries to attend, so everyone's networks can expand.

  Free registration + great happy hour + great PDX connections = time well spent!

  Blitz (Pearl) is open to minors until 9pm.

  Where to park: If you're lucky, you can get metered street parking, but if you want a cheap garage, use Smart Park.

  There is no registration for this event - just show up!

Sep. 18 is the deadline to submit an application for Seed Oregon Round 1

“Antiques Roadshow” for Inventions September 19th, 2009 features Doug Hall’s Corporation from ABC TV’s American Inventor Sponsored by the US Department of Commerce NIST/MEP and Society of Manufacturing Engineers in collaboration with the Micro-inventors Program of Oregon

The national tour of the PlanetEureka.com Innovation Roadshow stops in Oregon on Sept 19th, providing a one-day workshop for local inventors to find out the fair market price for their ideas. Innovation guru Doug Hall has created a comprehensive one day workshop that teaches entrepreneurs how to translate their idea or technology into a customer focused product or service description that can be easily understood by a businessperson who doesn’t have scientific training. The inventor can then list their idea compliments of NIST/MEP in the USA National Innovation Marketplace and receive a fact-based innovation research report and sales forecast that investors can understand in 60 seconds – based on the same sales forecasting methodology companies use to screen their internal innovations. The report answers the age old question, “What’s my idea worth?” At the recent roadshow in Orlando, Doug revealed to one inventor at the end of the session that his idea could be worth over $1 million!

The USA National Innovation Marketplace, a program from the Department of Commerce NIST/MEP, gives American inventors a fair shot—enhancing their credibility by providing a fact-based innovation research report and sales forecast that investors can understand in 60 seconds. For buyers or investors, the Marketplace provides a virtual R&D resource that can triple innovation success rates and speed to market. The Marketplace uses an open innovation strategy, which involves partnering, licensing, and co-developing innovations with partners outside of a company instead of traditional, internal research and development. It connects innovation sellers, buyers, investors and distributors in all industries through a three-pronged approach: 1) Translation Training; 2) Valuation Forecasting; 3) Access to Buyers, Investors & Distributors. More information at PlanetEureka.com.

WordCamp is a gathering of people interested in WordPress and blogging. Topics will focus on a wide range of audiences from the new blogger as well as those with more of a technical background.

Follow the WordCamp Portland website for details including speakers, sponsorship, and ticket information.

Registration for WordCamp Portland 2009 will begin in late July. The ticket price will be $20 for the two-day event.

In these turbulent economic times, one thing remains unchanged: innovation driven productivity advances are the only basis for prosperous, high-wage regional economies, and commercialized scientific research is the best and most durable source of innovation advantage. More than ever before, the Pacific Northwest region needs to gather to advance 'science, commercialization and networking for the micro- and nano-tech innovation economy.

Who should attend:

If you are involved in the transformation from discovery and development to commercialization of products this conference is for you.

* Scientists
* Engineers
* Entrepreneurs
* Venture Capitalists
* R&D Managers
* Administrators
* Product Development Managers
* Government Officials
* Policy Makers
* Non-Government Organization Officials
* Students
* Technology transfer specialists
* Strategic Planners
* Business Development Managers
* Product Development Professionals
* Investors
* Investment Analysts
* Proposal Writers
* Legislators
* Academicians
* Legislative Assistants & Analysts
* Intellectual Property Managers

Presentations on:

* Advanced MEMS devices and applications
* Sensors and systems, e.g. for motion control
* Nanoelectronics and biolectronics
* Nanoscale patterning and fabrication processes
* Printed and solution-processed devices and systems
* Nanomaterial design, synthesis and scale-up
* Nanomaterials for clean-tech applications
* Nano-bio technologies
* Micro-energy and chemical systems
* Nanoscale imaging and chemical analysis
* Nanomedicine and cancer therapies
* Nano-optics and optoelectronic technologies

Take your understanding of the federal SBIR/STTR program to the next level. This half-day workshop will teach you the critical requirements for creating a competitive Phase I proposal for the federal innovation grants program that sets aside $2 billion annually to fund technology commercialization. This workshop will help you decide if you have an SBIR/STTR proposal that can win.

Defining Your Winning Phase I Proposal will take you to the next level in determining if this is the opportunity to help fund your innovation. It will go over program details that program managers don't usually tell you. And it will help you decide whether you can create a competitive proposal.

Workshop Details: This half-day workshop will be interactive with opportunities for discussion and questions. Participants will learn:

• Pre-qualification questions: Is SBIR/STTR right for your firm? Do you have a true innovation? Will your team be seen as credible?
• The nuts and bolts of program rules, eligibility requirements, and general differences among agencies -- beyond what the program managers tell you
• How can you avoid learning the hard way?
• How to hone your story themes and approach that then become the crux of your Phase I proposal
• The ins and outs of producing a competitive Phase I SBIR/STTR proposal
• How to avoid losing
• And critical dos and don'ts of electronic submission
  

The Instructor: Mark Henry is nationally known as an SBIR/STTR expert, and in the past three decades he has worked on some 1,800 proposals and has given more than 50 presentations at national SBIR conferences. Mark has also provided training in more than 30 states. While managing the government R&D marketing effort at Bend Research (Bend, OR) for 17 years, the firm won 175 of 350 SBIR/STTR proposals. Mark also has had an 83% win rate on 72 Phase II prototype/demonstration proposals.

When: Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Time: Registration/networking: 8:00 am. Workshop: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

Where: Portland State Business Accelerator (directions below)

Cost: $75.00 - General Public

$60.00 - Members of sponsor organizations

Sponsors:

• Portland State Business Accelerator (PSBA). (Note: All Oregon University System members eligible for discount.)
  
• Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition (PNDC)
• Oregon Bioscience Association (OBA)

LOGISTICS

Location: Portland State Business Accelerator, Mt. Hood Conference Room - 209

Directions:< For GPS and online mapping directions to PSBA, use "SW Corbett Ave & SW Meade St, Portland, 97201" or click here for detailed driving instructions.

Parking: In PSBA lot at no charge.

Questions: call 503-725-2312 or email PSBA office.

OK, you're not a sales person, you're a founder or early employee at a startup. But in the beginning, before you're ready to hire your first sales person, you are the sales force! So at this early stage, and given that you're not a "professional sales person" there are a few things you need to know to improve your effectiveness. At this lunch and learn, you'll learn some effective sales strategies to help you succeed in working with early customers and potential investors.

The Presenter Jeff Schneider is President of Schneider Training Solutions, an authorized agent for Sandler Sales Institute. Sandler is the leader for innovative training solutions for sellers and managers nationwide. Jeff has trained groups of people up and down the West Coast, on topics relating to sales, sales management and personal development.

Prior to starting this company, Jeff spent 18 years in sales and sales management, with most of his experience in media and advertising. Specifically, Jeff managed sales operations for television and radio stations in Spokane, Sacramento, Bend and Portland. He trained and mentored dozens of successful advertising sellers, and earned a reputation as a manager that knew how to take a seller to the next level of their selling career.

Location: OTBC, 12725 SW Millikan Way, Suite 101 Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 Time: Networking starts 11:30am; program from noon to 1:15pm Max: Blue line, Beaverton Central stop (one stop west of the Beaverton Transit Center) Driving directions: http://www.otbc.org/map_and_directions.html Parking: Free parking in the parking garage next door to our building Cost: $15 if paid 24 hours in advance; $20 after that

This seminar reviews all components of an effective, compelling business plan. You'll learn from two seasoned OEN experts why certain information is important and how your audience will evaluate what you present. Besides learning what is critical to include in an effective business, you'll take away valuable handouts and a listing of key resources.

Registration is required, and space is limited to 20 entrepreneurs.

Date and Time: Tuesday, September 22, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Location: Beaverton Library 12375 SW 5th St Meeting Room B Beaverton, OR 97005 Registration: Non Member - $155, OEN Member - $30

OR BOD Education Series Date: Sep 23, 2009

Board Evaluations

Network with high-level peers and expert panelists as TechAmerica (formerly AeA) enters the sophomore season for its successful Board of Directors education series that addresses the changing and sometimes challenging issues Boards face today...because AeA continues to believe that Good Governance Matters!

The Linux Plumbers Conference is primarily a developers conference - with the goal of getting key developers together to discuss issues face to face. For a description of our goals, see this post on What is Linux Plumbing?. Thus the conference program mostly consists of microconferences addressing a particular topic or subsystem issue. Microconferences are sessions of approximately two and a half hours with several individuals giving brief presentations or demos and driving discussion. Microconferences will be run by a “runner” who selects speakers and moderates the discussion. Note that the microconference format does not preclude individual speakers giving more traditional, longer formal presentations on topics of interest.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law earlier this year with substantial funding for cleantech companies. The Recovery Act created new funding opportunities and increased funding for many existing programs.
Join us on Sept 23rd, for a discussion with William Malley, Perkins Coie's lead partner in Washington DC on how to access competitively awarded funding under the Recovery Act and other laws.

If you are a startup or an entrepreneur, and you want to understand how to access federal grants, loans, and loan guarantees, this event is for you.

Presented By

Northwest Environmental Business Council Associated Oregon Industries Oregon Business Association

This is serious business. The competitive equation is changing once again. Given current policy and market dynamics, organizations need to decide why, if, and how to act. This conference will help business decision makers understand how to integrate greenhouse gas management issues into a strategic framework for planning and action – and how to stay ahead of the curve.

Year three of this event takes place in a shifting landscape, with major uncertainties regarding the direction and timing of government policy being met by a growing movement towards voluntary action. What does seem certain is that long term trends are leading to a new competitive landscape. Join Northwest business managers, service professionals, and policy makers in a discussion of the practical business issues tied to whether and how a company acts to manage its carbon footprint. This strategic, business-oriented focus distinguishes Climate Change: Positioning Your Business from other conferences on this topic .

Sessions include offerings for those new to the topic, as well as those wanting to go to the next level: • Regulation and the context for action • Should you act now? • The ROI of carbon management • Are offsets for you? • Including carbon in your business strategy • Transforming strategy into practice • New business opportunities • A carbon-managed future

Why Attend - Understand how your organization can turn this potentially disruptive force into a strategic advantage.

• Learn about tools and resources for developing internal strategies and action plans.

• Meet and network with colleagues and potential partners.

Who Should Attend - Business managers & decision makers in all types of organizations and industries who need to know what changes are coming, and how to plan for them.

• Professional and technical service providers who want to understand and assist organizations in addressing carbon issues.

• Policy makers and advocates who want to craft effective policies and regulations that respond to the needs of businesses.

If you are in business, you will be affected -- make this challenge an opportunity.

SAO ConnectPDX is a new kind of networking, relaxed, open, and the kind that fosters real connections.

  You've been to enough networking events to know that they're usually a frantic business card swap, with shallow connections.

  ConnectPDX is different. We provide a low key environment, in a fun space, where meeting people comes naturally.

  We encourage professionals from different industries to attend, so everyone's networks can expand.

  Free registration + great happy hour + great PDX connections = time well spent!

  Blitz (Pearl) is open to minors until 9pm.

  Where to park: If you're lucky, you can get metered street parking, but if you want a cheap garage, use Smart Park.

  There is no registration for this event - just show up!

Celebrate entrepreneurial excellence at the 2009 OEN Tom Holce Awards for Entrepreneurship -- the 16th annual celebration of entrepreneurial spirit in action throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

This year we’re changing up this historic event.

You’ve asked for more time for networking, and we heard you. We’re compressing the awards program in order to give entrepreneurs more time for networking. We've simplified the format and we are passing the savings to you. Join OEN on September 24th for a premier evening of networking, heavy hors d'oeuvres and no-host bar while helping us recognize the best and brightest of entrepreneurship in Oregon.

Companies will be recognized for the following categories: OEN Development Stage Company of the Year OEN Working Capital Stage Company of the Year OEN Growth Stage Company of the Year OEN Entrepreneurship Award of Individual Achievement

Ticket Prices: Earlybird: Until July 31, 2009 Individual (no reserved seat) $99 Reserved half table (5 seats) $600 Reserved table (10 seats) $1200

Regular: August 1 through September 24, 2009 Individual (no reserved seat) $115 Reserved half table (5 seats) 675 Reserved table (10 seats) $1350

Please contact Julie Brown at 503-222-2270 x 11 or [email protected] if you wish to reserve half a table or a full table and wish to be invoiced instead of paying online.

If you're thinking about attending OTBC Startup SpeedDating to build a founding team, start a company, then if all goes well eventually you'll be hiring employees and contractors. There are things you'll want to do -- and things you'll want to be sure to NOT do. At this brown-bag lunch, we'll discuss both. Bring your questions!

Discussion Leader This brown bag discussion will be led by OTBC coach and Human Resources professional Iris Sasaki.

Location: OTBC, 12725 SW Millikan Way, Suite 101 Date: Friday, September 25, 2009 Time: Noon to 1pm Max: Blue line, Beaverton Central stop (one stop west of the Beaverton Transit Center) Parking: Free parking in the parking garage next door to our building Cost: Free (bring your lunch!)

Do you have an idea for a tech startup and you're looking for founders who can get as excited about your idea as you are?

Or -- are you looking for an early stage tech startup to join - even if the compensation up front is sweat equity instead of salary?

Then SpeedDating for Startups is for you.

Join us once again to celebrate Oregon and SW Washington students and educators who are thriving today thanks to hands-on experiences with technology.

In addition to celebrating, Uncork-ED helps us raise funds to ensure that K-12 students continue to have access to technology in the classroom, in club activities and competitions.

On September 25th, iPhone users will finally have access to MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) allowing users to send and receive photos, video, and audio files. What new opportunities are available now that this service is available?

  When Barack Obama decided to announce his Vice-Presidential candidate via text message to his supporters, many Americans were surprised. SMS and MMS are often overlooked in the United States.

  In 2007, SMS/MMS accounted for $100 billion in revenue worldwide. That is more than Hollywood box office receipts, dvd sales and rentals, video game industry revenue, and music industry revenue all combined. BMW Germany turned a $70k MMS campaign into $45 million in revenue .

  SMS and MMS are big businesses right now and the focus on them is likely to increase now that the iPhone gains access to MMS.

  How will usage of the iPhone change with this capability? How can businesses utilize SMS and MMS as part of their marketing efforts? How can developers incorporate SMS or MMS in their applications?

  At Mobile Portland this month, Jonathon Karon will provide a brief introduction to the technology and explore the opportunities and challenges associated with SMS, MMS and short codes .

   About Jonathon Karon 

  Jonathan began his long term relationship with mobile platforms in 1997 while developing location-aware mobile collaboration applications for the US government.  After a brief departure into the world of immersive video games he resurfaced to co-found Animus Rex, a web and interactive agency where he served as technical director for 6 years.

  Envious of the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, he departed for Portland Oregon where he co-founded Higher Function in 2006. There he invented pioneering social networking infrastructure and developed the first SMS-based Business To Social® platform, Pincushion, which provides full lifecycle customer communication and CRM to virtually any cell phone in the world.

  Jonathan currently serves as the Higher Function CEO and provides product consulting services focusing on SMS, smart phone, and web application design, user experience, and implementation.

Founder’s Coffee, a Portland Ten event, is a low-key, weekly get together for Portland entrepreneurs to connect with each other. No speakers, no pitches, just business founders gathering together to visit for an hour.

If you’re an entrepreneur or part of a start-up, you’re invited to mingle and network at the Big BBQ Bash, hosted by the Oregon Investment Fund and Oregon Entreprenuers Network. Food and drink will be provided. Event is free.

Please RSVP to laurend "at" mackenzie-marketing "dot" com by Monday, September 21st.

Join us for an evening of education and interaction with keynote speaker Richard Rosen, author of Convergence Marketing: Combining Brand and Direct For Profits.

Are you an entrepreneur or inventor? Do you have a small business that you’re ready to take to the next level? Are you interested in stimulating the venture capital activity in Gresham and East Multnomah County?

Introducing the launch of an exciting new opportunity to network and learn from investors and entrepreneurs and to mingle with others who are navigating the world of entrepreneurship.

Come hear local entrepreneur Hiroshi Morihara, the founder of HM3 Energy and VIA Press. Mr. Morihara has also served as Chairman and CEO of Peninsula Laboratories and President for the American Peptide Company. Mr. Morihara will speak on entrepreneurship and the experiences he has had working with community resources such as the Community College, utility companies and local government in bringing a business idea forward into profitability.

Two companies will give a five minute pitch on who they are and what they do and will solicit feedback from the experienced entrepreneurs in the audience.

Admission is $5 per person for light appetizers, cash or check accepted, with a no host bar.

This event presented by the East Metro Economic Alliance in cooperation with the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network

IMPORTANT: Please RSVP for the Opening Party so we can plan accordingly.

WhereCampPDX is a free unconference focusing on all things geographical. This informal meeting of minds welcomes all geo-locative enthusiasts, anyone who asks "where am I" or feels the need to "know their place".

We're kicking off the weekend with an opening party at Gallery Homeland to mingle with other geo geeks discuss session ideas for Saturday's unconference.

VENUE: The entrance to the party will at the corner of 11th & SE Division, look for the signs.

Get your start-up off to a strong start in this 10-week, award winning Kauffman Foundation entrepreneurship program, presented by OTBC. You'll expand you network while working with OTBC coaches, guest speakers, and other participating entrepreneurs to:

* Explore entrepreneurship (Oct. 5)
* Define, size, and segment the market (Oct. 5)
* Validate the market and value price the product or service (Oct. 12)
* Assess the feasibility of the business (Oct. 19)
* Develop a marketing and sales plan (Oct. 26)
* Develop financial projections (Nov. 9)
* Protect intellectual property (Nov. 16)
* Build a start-up team (Nov. 23)
* Understand how to get investor ready (Nov. 30)
* Set up basic startup operating procedures (Dec. 7)
* Develop an elevator pitch, investor pitch, and executive summary

Business leaders need to be exposed to the latest trends, as well as core business ideologies. So, OEN has developed the 2009 Executive Series curriculum to provide entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge to make critical business decisions. This four-week educational series is designed to offer entrepreneurs access to industry professionals via interactive and engaging sessions. We will assist you in building companies that are attractive to investors, customers, partners and employees via a series of focused, interactive educational sessions. Session I – Sales and Marketing - Presented by Bill Etheredge, WCE Consulting Session II – Understanding Cap Table Dynamics - Presented by Brent Bullock, Perkins Coie Session III – Understanding Financial Statements - Presented by Jared Holum, Perkins & Co. Session IV - Ask the Expert Panel

Dates and Times: October 6, 13, 20 and 27, 7:30 am – 9:30 am Location: Perkins Coie, 1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor, Portland, OR 97209-4128. Parking in building garage will be validated. Cost: The course is $200 for OEN members for the entire Executive Series and $325 for non-members (includes a one year individual membership), and is available for a maximum of 20 participants.

Founder’s Coffee, a Portland Ten event, is a low-key, weekly get together for Portland entrepreneurs to connect with each other. No speakers, no pitches, just business founders gathering together to visit for an hour.

  See you Tuesday morning!

OctoberBest - High Tech Manufacturing Conference and Expo.

We are more excited than ever about OctoberBest. Over the past 9 years we have watched the regional high tech community come together to promote our industry and local economy. Our goal is to provide an open forum for companies involved in manufacturing, design, testing and development to network and learn about emerging trends from industry leaders.

Come see the great stuff your fellow Portlanders have been working on. There will be several ten minute demos of new products and side projects.

  Confirmed lineup:
  * Lucidium - A Platform for Enterprise Application Development (Rob Neild)
  * Tweeybot - Phone calls from Twitter (Travis Spencer)
  * Dashrep - A new descriptive programming language (Richard Fobes)
  * Simler - Online conversations around topics (Dane Hesseldahl)
  * OMGFriends - Twitter thing to see mutual followers/friends (Mickey Slater)

  Find out more about showing off *your* project at a future Demolicious:
  http://www.pdxwi.com/demolicious

Several of the area's top-level executives will discuss what types of changes they made within their companies to successfully achieve fast growth. They will share their unique experiences and explore issues and expertise in overcoming the challenges they have faced and the sometimes hard choices they have had to make in order to achieve growth. This is your opportunity to learn what worked and what didn't as you pursue aggressive growth in your own business.

The Obama Administration has allocated over $36 billion from the economic stimulus package to fund the "meaningful use" of electronic health records. This first panel of the OHSU Monthly Evening Informatics Conference will describe elements of the package and their impact in Oregon.

The speakers on the panel will include:

1. William Hersh, MD
2. David Dorr, MD
3. Dawn Bonder, JD
4. Abby Sears

Dr. Hersh will begin with an overview of the stimulus package and the larger context of health information technology. He will also make some comments on the workforce provisions in the legislation. Next, Dr. Dorr will describe in more detail the notion of "meaningful use" of electronic health records. He will be followed by Dawn Bonder, who will give an overview of HIT efforts at the state level. Finally, Abby Sears will describe the efforts of her organization, OCHIN, to bring EHRs to safety net clinics as well their leadership on the proposal Oregon HIT Regional Extension Center.

Each panelist will keep their remarks brief in order to insure opportunity for participation by the audience.

Please RSVP to Lynne Schwabe at schwabel "at" ohsu "dot" edu for catering purposes by Tuesday, October 6, 2009.

We look forward to seeing you at our first Thursday Evening Biomedical Informatics Conference this term!

Portland Drupal Camp will be held the weekend of October 9 - 11 at NedSpace Old Town.

Website is up with information and taking registrations, sponsorships, and sessions!

DrupalCamp PDX is a free unconference put on by the Portland Drupal User Group.

@drupalpdx on twitter

dcpdx

From scribble on the napkin to product on the market, Louis Foreman will share knowledge from THE INDEPENDENT INVENTOR’S HANDBOOK and explain everything a potential inventor needs to know from raw concept to market reality.

On October 10th join us in Oregon as we engage with the Publisher of Inventors Digest Magazine and executive producer of the PBS Emmy® award-winning Everyday Edisons in a 3-hour workshop that will cover protecting, prototyping, licensing, and more.

Scam companies run rampant in the industry and inventors need to get real advice from real inventors. LOUIS FOREMAN, THE CO-AUTHOR OF INDEPENDENT INVENTOR’S HANDBOOK gives aspiring inventors the real deal.

Understanding the difference between a good idea and a marketable idea. Why investing too much money at the outset can sink you. Plus the effective investor pitch, questions to ask a prospective manufacturer, 14 licensing land mines to avoid, “looks-like” versus “works-like” prototypes, 10 things not to tell a potential investor, and how to protect your invention once it’s on the market.

Louis J. Foreman is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for innovation. He started his first business from his college fraternity room and, for the past 20 years, has been starting and building successful companies. He is the publisher of Inventors Digest magazine and executive producer of the Emmy® award–winning PBS show Everyday Edisons.

Early-stage companies - understanding and managing your cap table

Startup and early-stage companies often exchange equity for capital. They also use it to incentivize employees and contractors. However, few entrepreneurs map out a comprehensive plan to manage their capitalization table through multiple rounds of capital or to maximize the efficiency of equity incentives. This workshop will help entrepreneurs understand how to create a capitalization plan that will serve the company today, as well as through potentially dilutive transactions in the future. It will be presented in an interactive case-study format and will be limited to ten participants.

Speaker: Doug Morris, Ater Wynne

Date and Time: Tuesday October 13, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Location: Ater Wynne, 1331 NW Lovejoy Ste 900, Portland, OR 97209 Cost: OEN Member - $30, Non Member - $125 (includes a one-year OEN individual membership and the workshop fee is waived)

OEN's Seed Oregon PubTalk - Call for Applications - Due Friday, September 18 at 5:15 PM

OEN's Seed Oregon is a unique competition held during four consecutive PubTalk events. The competition is for Oregon and Southwest Washington seed-stage companies who are seeking capital within the range of $100,000 to $2,000,000. One winner from each preliminary round will move on to a championship round, where a finalist will earn a coveted presenting opportunity at OEN's Angel Oregon, the premier angel investing event in the Northwest.

Nine presenting companies in total will be selected to compete in the 2009-2010 Seed Oregon tournament. Each will have 10 minutes to present their concept to the PubTalk audience, followed by a 10 minute Q&A session. Three companies will compete at each of the preliminary rounds, with the audience voting for the winning presentations to move to the championship round.

Online registration for this event closes Tuesday, October 13th. Please register at the door after that time.

Date and Time: October 14th, 2009, 5:15 pm - 7:00 pm Location: Bridgeport Brewpub - 1313 NW Marshall, Portland, Oregon Registration to attend: OEN Member: $15, Non-member: $25

Now in its sixth year, Bend Venture Conference (BVC) is the premier regional event connecting seed and early stage companies with investment opportunities and attracting the Northwest's top entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers. BVC 2009 highlights include:

Pre-conference Networking Reception

Keynote speaker and presentations by top industry executives

Early stage company presentations

Distinguished and experienced venture and early stage investor panel

Closing reception

BarCamp is an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment. It is an intense event with discussions, demos, and interaction from attendees.

Please register on the site so that we have an accurate count.

We will be posting updates via our twitter account @beaverbarcamp, and don't forget to join the Google group to get important notifications about the event! Connect on live chat via IRC - irc.freenode.net, #BeaverBarCamp (click here if you don't have an IRC client)

If you are tech entrepreneur or startup executive we would be pleased to have you attend the StartUp Exchange Meeting. The meetings are meant to be a discussion among peers about relevant topics that will both educate and help with problem solving. Some of the attendees are likely going through the same issue and have ideas to share, and many of the folks who attend have started many companies so have wisdom to share.

  Participation is limited to tech entrepreneurs or startup executives only so service providers are not able to attend.  We have plenty of space but we ask that you now RSVP so we have an idea of how many cups to bring for the beer.

  REGISTER: http://www.sao.org/events/event_details.asp?id=78505

Elemental Technologies is our host for the 22nd iteration of Portland Lunch 2.0.

  Thanks to Davy Stevenson ( @davystevenson ) for spreading the love to a new venue.

  Lunch 2.0 is a Valley phenomenon that you can read about at lunch20.com , and we're putting a PDX stamp on it.

  You can follow all things Portland Lunch 2.0 an the Silicon Florist .

  Are you vegan or vegetarian? Please leave a comment so we can plan food accordingly. Thanks.

Yes, you've seen outlines for a business plan. But how do you actually sit down and write one? The answer is: you don't. Not as the first step, at least. First, you have a fair amount of homework to do.

Homework such as defining your target market; sizing and segmenting that market; developing a competitive strategy; validating that your service or product fills an unmet need; value pricing your product. And the list goes on.

In this seminar, OTBC Executive Director Steve Morris will review the different objectives you might have for writing a business plan, and the homework you need to do before you write the plan - and then will review what goes into the plan. You'll leave with a detailed action plan for preparing to write a business plan -- and with an outline of what should be in the plan. The good news: once you've done your homework, writing a business plan isn't that difficult!

Who should attend: any entrepreneur or small business owner who needs to develop a strategy and a plan for launching or growing their business.

Please RSVP here on Upcoming if you plan to attend. We'll be using the number of people to plan snacks, space, etc.

  The topic for this month is open source software in the cloud (specifics still TBD). We'll also have plenty of time for you to hang out and talk to each other on this topic or anything else.

  This is a monthly meeting of POSSE (Portland Open Source Software Entrepreneurs) that is open for anyone to attend. POSSE is dedicated to helping businesses in the Portland area and beyond reduce costs, mitigate risk, and make software choice easy by utilizing open source software. POSSE members meet once a month to network with other open source software entrepreneurs, engineers and enthusiasts.

The idea of an intelligent electricity network is being promoted by many as a way of dealing with the increasing problems of global warming, energy independence and electric grid resilience. This so called “smart grid” will create opportunities for new technologies and businesses which will emerge to satisfy the demands for improved communications, smart appliances, distributed power generation, demand response, transportation electrification and many more applications.

To help entrepreneurs and innovators in the Portland area learn more about smart grid opportunities and collaborate with others the TiE Oregon is hosting an event with industry experts and capital providers who have an interest in growing smart grid businesses.

Panelists include:

• Bill Campbell Principal at Equilibrium Capital • Bobby Kandaswamy, Investment Director, Intel Capital • Jeff Hammarlund, Adjunct Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow at PSU's Mark O. Hatfield School of Government and the Executive Leadership Institute.

By attending this event you will hear about the policies shaping the smart grid movement, learn about various technology and application opportunities and meet others who are already working in the smart grid or have an idea that could turn into a new business.

Meet. Greet. Repeat.

In these tough economic times, Oregon's economy needs innovators and entrepreneurs to develop new opportunities for economic growth. SwapMeet is a great way to meet the people who are the drivers of this effort.

Join us at the OEN SwapMeet, a networking program specifically for people looking to connect with entrepreneurs, early-stage companies, and the people who can help Oregon businesses grow.

There's no entrance fee, and no pressure. Just networking, connecting, and a no-host happy hour! We hope to see you there.

Date and Time: Thursday October 22, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Location: Someday Lounge 125 NW 5th Ave Portland, OR 97209 Registration: No Cost

A Business Sprint, to take a room of 50 creative tech types to create a web based business over a 54 hour sprint. Startup Weekend has been happening all around the world. Now it will be held in Corvallis.

Join us for a fun evening where you will get to hear from past recipients of Gorge Angel investments, other successful local entrepreneurs, and Angel Investors. Hosted hors D’ oeuvres (Thanks to NW Natural, the food is on us!) No Host Wine

Mt. Hood Winery, 1930 Hwy 35, Hood River October 27, 2009 5:30-7:30 PM

RSVP: Nick.Kraemer "at" co.hood-river.or.us, 541-387-7012

OEN's Venture Northwest (formerly Venture Oregon) is an annual conference that draws institutional investors and investment bankers from across the Western U.S. who are interested in emerging Northwest businesses and the region's growth segments. It's a great way for investors to connect with the area's hottest emerging Northwest businesses.

Northwest businesses that have presented at Venture Northwest have raised over $1.3 billion in venture capital since 1996 and over $68 million in angel investment.*

*Not all Northwest businesses that presented had investments reported in Venture Source.

Please visit the OEN Event calendar to register to attend this event.

Come listen to Steve Babcock and Craig Vagt talk about finances, taxes, and money for startups and small businesses. There will be a 30 minute talk, followed by an open Q&A. All are welcome.

The details:

When: 6pm, October 29th, 2009

Where: PIE (1227 NW Davis)

Who: Anyone who wants to know more about small business finances, taxes, and startups.

RSVP at Upcoming

Bios:

Steve Babcock

Steve has more than twenty years experience providing financial management and consulting services to privately held companies and an additional eleven years as a CPA and senior audit manager with KPMG and predecessor firms.

Steve has served as a consultant to small and medium size businesses since 2001. In so doing he has assisted several start-ups in software and traditional business. He has assisted Fisher Farms, prominent in Oregon’s wholesale nursery industry, in planning and forecasting, resolving an earn-out with the prior owner, an acquisition and several financing and real estate transactions.

Steve was the CFO for Papa Murphy’s, a 20-plus state privately held pizza concept, from 1995-2000. He functioned as CFO of Springtime Inc. and Oregon Garden Products for five years and for two years as Vice President and Regional Controller for a cable television company in Portland.

Steve is currently serving as Past President and Board Member of the Portland Chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI) and as Treasurer and Board member of the Oregon International Air Show.

Steve has a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon and did post-baccalaureate study in accounting and finance at Portland State University.

Craig D. Vagt, CPA Partner

Craig joined Talbot, Korvola & Warwick LLP as a partner in 2001 when he merged his practice with Talbot Korvola and Warwick LLP. He is currently the managing partner at TKW. Craig began his career in the San Francisco Bay area and eventually was a partner with an international accounting firm. Returning to his hometown of Portland in 1991, Craig joined a local accounting firm as a partner. Over his years in public accounting, he has worked with a wide variety of clients in an equally wide variety of industries… Craig brings his experience in many areas of tax including ownership structures, multi-state and international planning, as well as general tax matters to his clients. His current practice has a major focus on the tax issues and opportunities affecting closely held companies, primarily pass through entities, and their owners.

A graduate of the University of Oregon with a degree in finance, he also has a law degree and a Masters in Taxation from Golden Gate University, where he also taught in the Masters in Tax program.

Oregon’s four premier research universities, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon State University, Portland State University, and the University of Oregon, have launched a new website, to promote interaction between industry and Oregon research universities. Innovate Collaborate Oregon incorporates a searchable technology portal allowing visitors to identify and learn more about promising discoveries and collaboration opportunities at Oregon’s universities.

Oregon universities collaborate with entrepreneurs, companies and the business community to ensure that ideas generated by faculty, students and staff reach the private sector to create products and services which benefit the public. Innovate Collaborate Oregon will allow greater industry access to the latest advances in university research and enable the universities to generate resources to continue academic research. It also provides the public with an opportunity to learn more about world-class research in the State of Oregon.

Oregon’s public research universities collaborate on initiatives in addition to Innovate Collaborate Oregon. These include the University Venture Development Fund, The Oregon Innovation Showcase and participation in Oregon’s Signature Research Centers (ONAMI, BEST, and OTRADI).

A Compelling Convergence of creative talent from across the Willamette Valley coming together to share ideas, see what's happening and just maybe spark that million-dollar award-winning new product or service.

1pm - Sponsor and Partner Association Luncheon

3pm - Welcome & Keynote Speaker (Alumni Center)

4pm - Guest Speaker (Alumni Center)

5pm - Guest Speaker- Regional Economic Development Director, John Sechrist (Alumni Center)

3-7pm - History of Innvoation Dynamic Display (Alumni Center Foyer)

4-8pm - Open Innovation Exhibit Hall (La Sells Stewart Center)

4-7:30 - Social Networking (Beer-n-Blog, Corvallis Young Professionals, general)

4-7:30 - Innovative Research & Industry Mixer

7:30pm - IGNITE! Corvallis

How do I get my company up to speed with this new social media thing? What is a Tweet? Why should I care? In this class we will train how to make your company a social media marketing machine with little extra effort. We will cut through the mysteries and arm your company with simple strategies to succeed. With traditional media audiences rapidly declining, this class is a must for business owners.

Speaker: Ryan Lewis Ryan Lewis is considered a leader in the social media marketing field. He has built marketing campaigns for small businesses, individuals; all the way to fortune 500 companies and teaches classes on the best practices for businesses to interact online. His work has increased revenue, optimized inter-office communication, and built positive branding initiatives for businesses across the U.S.

Date and Time: Thursday, Novembers 5, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Location: Ater Wynne 1331 NW Lovejoy Portland, OR 97209 Registration: OEN Members $30, Non Members - $125(Includes one year membership and workshop fee is waived)

To Learn More Visit: http://www.oen.org/events.aspx?id=105

Your product or service makes sense to you - but will it be compelling to your target customers? Entrepreneurs and small business owners often go with their gut feel - but that can be misleading. Not all of your target customers think the way you do!

How do you make sure that the demand is there, before you spend a lot of time and money developing and deploying a product or service? Validating the market first decreases your risk, and gives you a much better understanding of how to approach your market with the most effective messaging and marketing.

OTBC executive director Steve Morris will take you step by step through the process of validating your market, so you can be more confident that you are addressing an unmet need, and that customers will actually be willing to pay.

Who should attend: any entrepreneur or small business owner who needs to develop a strategy and a plan for launching or growing their business.

OEN's Seed Oregon PubTalk - Call for Applications - Due Friday, October 16 at 5:00 PM

OEN's Seed Oregon is a unique competition held during four consecutive PubTalk events. The competition is for Oregon and Southwest Washington seed-stage companies who are seeking capital within the range of $100,000 to $2,000,000. One winner from each preliminary round will move on to a championship round, where a finalist will earn a coveted presenting opportunity at OEN's Angel Oregon, the premier angel investing event in the Northwest.

Nine presenting companies in total will be selected to compete in the 2009-2010 Seed Oregon tournament. Each will have 10 minutes to present their concept to the PubTalk audience, followed by a 10 minute Q&A session. Three companies will compete at each of the preliminary rounds, with the audience voting for the winning presentations to move to the championship round.

Online registration for this event closes Tuesday, November 12th. Please register at the door after that time.

Date and Time: November 12th, 2009, 5:15 pm - 7:00 pm Location: Bridgeport Brewpub - 1313 NW Marshall, Portland, Oregon Registration to attend: OEN Member: $15, Non-member: $25

Price to submit application: Member: $75 (includes entry at one PubTalk and the Seed Oregon application fee) Non-Member: $174 (includes entry at one PubTalk, a discounted one year OEN individual membership ($26 savings), and the Seed Oregon application fee

Paul Gulick, formerly of Clarity Visual Systems and Planar, will lead a lively discussion that will help entrepreneurs drive their organization's success. Come share your challenges, observations and successes with other CEOs of emerging businesses.

We will discuss the challenges of developing sales strategies and options you can employ to reach customers with limited resources.

Open only to CEOs or Presidents of currently operating companies that have employees. Boxed lunch will be served. This program is limited to 12 participants, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Date and Time:Wednesday November 18, 11:30 am - 1:00pm Location: Iron Stone Bank Conference Room 309 SW Sixth Avenue Portland, OR 97204 Registration: OEN Members - $46, Non Members - $80

You've defined, sized and segmented your market. You've validated the market to verify that your product or service does serve an unfilled need in the market, and customers are willing to buy it.

But how much will they pay? Many companies, large and small, set prices by making an "educated guess" based on gut feel and experience. But there's a better way to price: price your product according to the value your customers perceive.

How do you value price? At this seminar, OTBC executive director Steve Morris will explain how you can use analytical techniques to gain a much better understanding of how customers value your product or service, and how much they are willing to pay.

Who should attend: any entrepreneur or small business owner who needs to develop a strategy and a plan for launching or growing their business.

Please join us for a discussion of the keys to successful initial public offerings and the IPO value journey co-hosted by Ernst and Young LLP and Oregon Entrepreneurs Network. Continental breakfast included.

Presenters: Greg Beams and Peter Wall

Gream Beams Greg Beams is an audit partner located in our Seattle office, but also serves as coordinating partner for two Portland office clients. Greg brings over 22 years of experience serving both public and private companies.

Greg has extensive experience dealing with the accounting and reporting complexities common to high-growth business and is able to bring that experience to bear in assisting companies in dealing with issues unique to the software and technology industry. Greg has served SEC registrants throughout his career and has significant experience providing assistance and insight to clients as they execute a wide variety of public offerings, including IPOs.

Peter Wall Peter Wall is an audit senior manager with more than 10 years of experience serving public and private clients in both the Seattle and Portland markets. He has spent the majority of his career serving clients in the technology, consumer products and energy industries.

Peter has extensive experience in dealing with a variety of accounting matters, including revenue recognition, equity structuring transactions, acquisition and purchase accounting, as well as other issues common to middle market companies.

Frank Helle, CEO of Axian, Inc., will lead an interactive discussion that will help entrepreneurs understand the critical areas of focus for being a successful CEO. Come share your challenges, observations and successes with other CEOs of emerging businesses.

Successful CEOs often focus on 4 tasks, 6 roles, and 5 performance dimensions. The group will discuss what this means and help you become a more successful leader. You will also receive a high-level recap of the discussion from Frank.

Open only to CEOs or Presidents of currently operating companies that have employees. Box lunch will be served. This program is limited to 12 participants, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Speaker: Frank Helle, Axian, Inc. - www.axian.com

Frank Helle is CEO of Axian, Inc., a 20-year old privately-held web-services company creating collaboration portals and business intelligence (software & data). Prior to 2002 he was a senior global manager at Monsanto Company. During that career he lived in Brussels Belgium for 5 years managing manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. He then lived in Singapore for 5 years as Asia-Pacific Managing Director for 3 Monsanto Divisions.

Frank's leadership helps organizations realize more of their full potential, and often focuses on turnarounds and turbo-charging growth.

Aside from positioning Axian to be "built to last," Frank mentors and coaches local CXOs to help them compete in the global marketplace and create more jobs in Oregon. Frank is an active Board Director of Oregon's Association for Corporate Growth as Chair Emeritus & Past-President, is an active Board Director of Oregon’s high tech trade association,Tech America, and is an active volunteer with the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network - chairing the CEO Roundtable.

OEN Member Registration: $46.00
Non-member Registration: $86.00

This seminar reviews all components of an effective, compelling business plan. You'll learn from two seasoned OEN experts why certain information is important and how your audience will evaluate what you present. Besides learning what is critical to include in an effective business, you'll take away valuable handouts and a listing of key resources.

Registration is required, and space is limited to 15 entrepreneurs.

When: Wednesday, January 20th Time: 4:00 - 6:15 PM Where: Beaverton Library, 12375 SW 5th St, Meeting Room B, Beaverton, Oregon 97005 (corner of SW 5th St. and SW Hall Blvd)

OEN Member Registration: $30.00
Non-member Registration: $70.00

Attend the first-ever angel investor conference to hit the Eugene community. If you've never attended an angel investor conference you're not going to want to miss this opportunity. The day (May 13th | 7:30am - 5pm) is filled with excitement, education, competition, and fun. The winning company will walk away with a minimum investment prize of $125,000.