Oregon RAIN to Offer Network of Support and Resources to Monroe Entrepreneurs

Do you have an idea for a startup business or a unique invention? Or do you want help growing an existing business? The City of Monroe has partnered with the Oregon Regional Accelerator & Innovation Network, or RAIN, to offer free education, networking, and mentorship to established and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Oregon RAIN, a state and regionally funded entrepreneurial support group, is hosting two, FREE upcoming events: a Coffee Meetup on April 12, from 8-9 a.m., and a Startup Seminar on May 3, from 5:30-7 p.m. Both events will take place at the Monroe Community Library (380 N 5th Street). The events are for anyone interested in entrepreneurship — from those thinking about starting a business to those already in business, as well as those wanting to invest in or mentor startups. Guests can learn more and register online at ci.monroe.or.us/oregon-rain-monroe.

RAIN invites aspiring and established Monroe entrepreneurs to FREE business events

The Startup Seminar, titled “The top 10 reasons why startups fail and how to avoid them,” will be lead by Oregon RAIN Interim Executive Director Caroline Cummings. Cummings is a serial entrepreneur who has been the CEO and Co-Founder of two technology companies. She’s raised close to $1M in angel capital for her ventures and has coached other entrepreneurs to raise capital. She has invested in six Oregon-based start-ups.

Oregon RAIN has successfully launched rural entrepreneurship programs in Albany, Florence, Lincoln County, Lowell and Oakridge. It also supports two business accelerators in Eugene and Corvallis, and pre-accelerators in Florence and Newport.

“At Oregon RAIN we believe good ideas can come from anywhere, and our job is to connect those entrepreneurs to the people, programs, and capital they need to launch and grow businesses in their communities,” said Cummings. “We’re excited to meet Monroe innovators and learn about what they need to succeed.”

Oregon RAIN’s local partners include the City of Monroe and the Small Business Development Center at Linn-Benton Community College. The program is also supported by the cities of Harrisburg and Junction City, as well as the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re very excited about our new partnership with Oregon RAIN,” said Rick Hohnbaum, City Administrator for the City of Monroe. “They have a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs in similar communities launch new companies and create jobs.”

The Small Business Development Center at Linn-Benton Community College is also hosting a workshop for entrepreneurs, called “Going into business,” on May 14, from 4:30-6 p.m., at the Monroe Community Library. This free class will cover basic information on how to launch and run a successful small business in Oregon. Learn more and register at www.linnbenton.edu/business/small-business-development-center.