Oregon RAIN Plans Startup Happy Hours for Entrepreneurial Learning and Networking

Events will explore the inspiration, investigation, and implementation of launching a startup

Florence, Ore. — Oregon RAIN, a state and regionally funded entrepreneurial support group, has planned three Startup Happy Hours for April, May, and June. These informal events are for networking and exploring entrepreneurial topics, specifically the inspiration, investigation, and implementation of launching a startup. The first Startup Happy Hour is next Tuesday, April 10th.

“No matter the industry, every entrepreneur goes through inspiration, investigation, and implementation stages. At these Startup Happy Hours, we will discuss how to do this effectively, and we will hear from guest speakers who have learned a lot about these phases through their own trial and error,” said Oregon RAIN coastal venture catalyst David Youngentob. “This will also be a great forum for Florence area entrepreneurs to connect with folks who are also starting new ventures, or seeking the inspiration to start one themselves.”

Inspiration

Date: April 10
Time: 5 – 7 PM
Location: Beachcomber Pub, 1355 Bay St
Title: Do you know why the best company ideas come from the worst problems?
Guest Speaker: Spencer Holton, Trail Supply Co.

Investigation

Date: May 8
Time: 5 – 7 PM
Location: Beachcomber Pub, 1355 Bay St
Title: Talking to customers before you have anything to sell is the best way to save money
Guest Speaker: Todd Edman, Waitrainer

Implementation

Date: Jun 5
Time: 5 – 7 PM
Location: Beachcomber Pub, 1355 Bay St
Title: A plan is the difference between a wish and a goal
Guest Speakers: Joe Maruschak & Shane Johnson, RAIN Eugene

The Startup Happy Hours are free to attend, and drinks and appetizers are provided. Anyone interested in starting a new venture is encouraged to attend. Guests can RSVP at www.Facebook.com/OregonRAIN.org/Events/.

Following the Startup Happy Hour series, Oregon RAIN is planning to host a Startup Weekend in late June. The Startup Weekend is a three-day event where entrepreneurs with various skills meet to pitch ideas, form teams, and build and present a prototype of a business or product. More information about Startup Weekend will be available at a later date.

“We’re very excited to offer a Startup Weekend to the Florence startup community because it’s a quintessential event in any entrepreneurial ecosystem. Anyone interested in participating in Startup Weekend is encouraged to attend the Startup Happy Hours because they will prepare you for what to expect at Startup Weekend,” said Youngentob.

In addition to the Startup Happy Hours, Oregon RAIN has with the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center at Lane Community College (LaneSBDC) to offer Florence Pub Talks, a new, monthly business workshop and networking series. The next Pub Talk, titled “3 Ways to Reach More Customers with Digital Marketing,” is on April 26th, from 5-7 p.m., at the LCC Florence Center (3149 Oak St). Tickets can be purchased in advance at FlorenceChamber.com.