For Immediate Release
June 14, 2018

First-Ever Startup Weekend Oregon Coast Planned for Mid-July

Event brings together entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts to share ideas, form teams, and learn what it takes to launch a business venture

Florence, Ore. — The Oregon Coast is getting a Startup Weekend of its own. A hallmark event in metropolitan entrepreneurial communities, Florence will host the region’s first-ever Startup Weekend, July 13-14.

Startup Weekend Oregon Coast will bring together entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts to share ideas, form teams, and learn what it takes to launch a business venture.

“This is an exciting new milestone for our region’s economy. A startup weekend is unheard of in a community of our size. However, Florence entrepreneurs and stakeholders are exceptionally eager and willing participants, and it’s a credit to them that we can endeavor to host this event,” said Erin Reynolds, City Manager for the City of Florence.

Startup Weekend Oregon Coast begins on Friday, July 13. On the first day, after dinner and networking time, participants gather to pitch business ideas. Attendees then vote on the best pitches and form teams based on which project they want to work on. On day two, teams will learn from local mentors as they develop a prototype of their business. The event concludes Saturday night when teams present their projects to the audience and a panel of experts.

“There are many potential benefits of a startup weekend. Of course, we may see a team that leaves the event with plans to launch a company. But each and every participant will meet other innovators who could become future business partners, network with experienced entrepreneurs, and truly learn what it takes to launch a business venture,” said David Youngentob, Coastal Venture Catalyst for Oregon RAIN. “The goal is to experience core process of business discovery, from company concept to customer research and initial business prototyping. It can happen in just over 24 hours, and it will at this event for all our attendees”

Startup Weekend is sponsored by Oregon Pacific Bank, produced by Oregon RAIN, LaneSBDC, City of Florence, Pure Organic Energy, and supported by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce and Techstars.

Startup Weekend tickets are on sale at go.startupweekend.org/florence. Earlybird prices (General – $25; Student – $15) are available through July 1. Admission includes three meals, benefits and discounts, expert speakers, networking opportunities, and unlimited internet and coffee.