Accelerating Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystems & Economies

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2016 Oregon Economic Development Association “Outstanding Collaborative Partner” Award

2017 Florence Area Chamber of Commerce “Innovation in Business” Award

2019 Oregon Cascade West Council of Governments “Partner of the Year” Award

Regional Accelerator & Innovation Network (RAIN)
Experts at building entrepreneurial infrastructure

RAIN (Regional Accelerator & Innovation Network) is a 501(c)(3) global non-profit organization that is run by experienced entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ecosystem-builders. RAIN exists to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and innovation for underrepresented populations and communities. Since 2014, RAIN has been invited to serve 52 communities in Oregon and Washington, plus 3 cities in Pakistan, to help them build inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and innovation economies. RAIN’s model is investigative, not prescriptive – which means we join-in to existing community activities/conversations, engage local stakeholders, listen, map ecosystem assets, identify and leverage strengths, identify gaps, and spin-up programming that meets the needs of that region’s entrepreneurs.

RAIN’s Mission is to partner with communities to catalyze inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, connect entrepreneurs to resources—including overlooked entrepreneurs—and contribute to the creation of prosperous economies.

RAIN’s Vision is that communities everywhere support, value, and celebrate entrepreneurs; regional leaders recognize entrepreneurs are a primary creator of net new jobs; small and rural communities have thriving economies, and a culture of possibilities is embraced. Visit www.oregonrain.org to learn more.

People

Knowing the right people can make or break your venture.

People

We work hard to connect you to mentors, industry experts, and stakeholders that can help you succeed.

Programs

Just in-time programs to grow your venture.

Programs

We match you to training workshops, accelerators, and other educational programs to increase your startup’s chance of success.

Physical Assets

Space and equipment makes you ready to scale.

Physical Assets

We help you find office space, tools, equipment, labs, and other physical resources needed to grow your venture.

Capital

Raise capital for your business, when you need it.

Capital

We help you get capital-ready and make introductions to funding sources to grow your startup.

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“Venture Catalysts are highly valued as the go-to resources and connectors for entrepreneurship in the communities in which they work.”

— RTI International,  Venture Catalyst Network Report Impact Study and Evaluation

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Hear why entrepreneurs love working with RAIN.

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Learn why we’ve been invited into 22 Oregon communities. 

Invite RAIN to your city!

So grateful for this accelerator program! Getting my website designed, I have been connecting with great folks through here and online, have amplified our presence and have been more consistent asking for money and making higher-level connections. Thank you RAIN team! We are feeling excited about what the second half has to offer!

Dr. Melissa Bird, The Mermaids Garden
We’re thrilled to support Florence entrepreneurs through RAIN and the Coastal Pre-Accelerator. Entrepreneurship is critical for growing our local economy and RAIN has a proven track record for identifying and assisting startups that have the potential to create new jobs and bring wealth to our community.
Erin Reynolds, City Manager, City of Florence

The Coastal Pre-Accelerator was awesome! Since working with RAIN, I consistently double my sales goals and I have the confidence to close bigger accounts. I couldn’t have done this without RAIN’s help.

Lindsey Phillips, Meant Manufacturing
Most new jobs in the United States are created by startups and small businesses. Entrepreneurship is a critical component of the central Oregon coast economy, and RAIN has cultivated a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem for the region.
State Senator Arnie Roblan, D-Coos Bay
Corey and RAIN provided great information that really helped me focus on the next steps I needed to take to get my business off the ground.
Chris Wade, Nova Aerial LLC

The amount of work Corey has done in the first year was so impactful it was an easy decision for Lebanon to continue on with a second year of the Rural Entrepreneurial Development Program in the Linn-Benton group of eight cities. We look forward to partnering further and seeing what successes come from the next year.

Alysia Rodgers, Economic Development Catalyst, City of Lebanon
I am writing this letter to express my gratitude to Ariel, and RAIN for all the support they’ve given to me and Coburg Fit Club. It has been so nice to have someone to ask questions to, brainstorm with, and someone to help find the resources that benefit me and my small business.
Katie Brushett, Coburg Fit Club

RAIN is a good way to help multiple small communities that do not have their own standalone Office of Economic Development to depend on as we respond to COVID-19 stuff.  It will be critical help as we attempt to rebuild struggling small businesses.

Eric Niemann, Mayor, City of Philomath

Ariel Ruben with RAIN has been coaching me with my online presence.  She has been educating me on how to market myself through multiple website tutoring work sessions.  Since my business is service-oriented, having a website to showcase my portfolio and what I can offer new clients is crucial to my success.  Without her help, I don’t think I would have a website up and running.

Marissa Doyle, AIA, NCARB
Click here to meet a Venture Catalyst!

Hear why entrepreneurs love working with Oregon RAIN.

Click here to invite RAIN to your city!

Learn why we’ve been invited into 22 Oregon communities. 

Activating Entrepreneurial Communities

Our Impact

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Startups Assisted
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Capital Still Needed
Learn More About Our Metrics
Download Our 2019 Impact Report
Download Our 2019 Impact Report

Our Community Partners

Adair Village
Benton County
Brownsville
Canyon City
Coburg
Creswell
Cottage Grove
Florence
Grant County
Halsey
Harrisburg
John Day
Lebanon
Lane County
Linn County
Lowell
Monroe
Oakridge
Philomath
Prairie City
Sweet Home
Veneta

In addition to the above communities, RAIN also currently receives funding from the following organizations