Business Oregon

10/23/2026

Every founder knows the gap between a working idea and a company that can scale. Four of this year’s Bend Venture Conference winners crossed it with Business Oregon support along the way.

Penderia Technologies, Caravel Bio, CleanHaus and Osheru drew on SBIR/STTR Matching Grants, the Elevate Oregon Venture Direct Fund, Oregon Growth Board–supported funds and more. Together that’s more than $1.6 million, delivered at different stages of their growth.

Congratulations to all six 2026 BVC winners, and thanks to EDCO for another strong conference. Read more: https://www.thisisecdev.com/ -in-oregon-backed-at-every-step

10/23/2026

The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber has launched Vamos Local, a new campaign celebrating and promoting Latino-owned food businesses in our community from October 15 to November 15. 🎉🍽️ Vamos Local is a month-long campaign celebrating Latino-owned restaurants and food businesses throughout the Greater Portland Metro Area.

Invite restaurants, food carts, and other food business to Join Vamos Local for FREE and get more visibility, promotion, and opportunities to connect with new customers. Learn more and register at

Discover Latino-owned restaurants, cafés, and food carts in Portland, Vancouver, and beyond. Explore local flavors and support our community with Vamos Local.

10/21/2026

Oregon businesses that grow their workforce in one of the state's targeted traded-sector industries may qualify for the Qualified Jobs Creation Tax Credit. The credit rewards employers for creating new, well-paying jobs in Oregon by offsetting a portion of the cost of expansion against their Oregon tax liability.

If your organization is expanding and creating new jobs, you may be eligible to receive a tax credit that helps reduce the cost of that growth. The application period for the 2026 tax year begins September 1 and ends October 31. Learn more at https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/qjctc/pages/default.aspx.

10/21/2026

What a wonderful success story, wild carrot herbals! 😀👏 We are proud to have supported this small business in getting the equipment they needed to grow and thrive.

If your small business needs assistance, please reach out to your local Regional Development Officer to inquire about Business Oregon programs that may benefit you. Find your RDO contact, here: https://www.oregon.gov/biz/aboutus/regions/Pages/default.aspx

10/21/2026

Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program applications are open now through 5 p.m. on January 8, 2027. $50 million for school projects, $25 million for emergency service projects, up to $2.5 million per building. Awards announced by the end of April 2027.

Heads up: forms are updated for the new ASCE 41-23 requirements, so review the new guidance and grab the latest versions before you start. More: https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/SRGP/Pages/default.aspx

10/19/2026

Business Oregon joined Portland State University’s Fall Career Fair today to connect with students, hear about their career goals, and share how our work supports businesses and communities across Oregon.

Our team enjoyed talking with students about Business Oregon’s programs and the many career paths available in state government.

Thank you to PSU for hosting and to everyone who stopped by. We loved seeing your enthusiasm for putting your skills to work for Oregon!

cc: Portland State University Career Center

10/19/2026

Business Oregon, in partnership with Prosper Portland, invites Oregon clean technology companies working in renewable energy, battery and energy storage, hydrogen, grid modernization, EV charging and electrification, and energy software to join the Oregon State Booth at RE+ 2026, North America's premier clean energy trade show. 🔋♻️💻

RE+ brings together thousands of industry leaders, manufacturers, project developers, utilities, investors, and buyers from around the world. Participating in the Oregon State Booth is an excellent opportunity to showcase your company, expand your business network, and explore new domestic and international market opportunities.

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, complete the registration form: https://biznews.oregon.gov/acton/fs/blocks/showLandingPage/a/14786/p/p-0153/t/page/fm/0?sid=TV2:X57gsSUPA

10/16/2026

How can Oregon communities invest in critical infrastructure without raising rates for residents?

That’s the big question being explored today at the League of Oregon Cities Conference in Salem!

Business Oregon is proud to sponsor the breakout session “Paying for Infrastructure Without Raising Rates,” focused on helping cities navigate aging infrastructure, rising costs, and tight budgets.

Our Regional Development Officer, Jeff Hampton, kicked things off by introducing speakers Lisa Brown and Mike Kozlowski of Johnson Controls and sharing how Business Oregon supports communities through infrastructure financing, technical assistance, and other programs.

From water and wastewater systems to other essential public infrastructure, these investments help Oregon communities grow, thrive, and plan for the future.

We’re thrilled to support conversations that bring practical solutions to the table and help Oregon cities make the most of their resources!

Johnson Controls League of Oregon Cities

10/16/2026

📣Good news for Oregon innovators! Business Oregon and the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network are bringing back expert help for entrepreneurs applying for federal SBIR/STTR research funding. These awards can reach $1 million, and founders don't give up any equity. Programming starts this fall. Learn more: https://www.oen.org/sbir-sttr-assistance/

10/15/2026

Oregon businesses: Have you added jobs in the past year? There may be a tax credit for that!

Business Oregon’s Qualified Jobs Creation Tax Credit offers $1,000 for each qualifying net new job, up to $10,000 per taxpayer per tax year.

Eligible industries include advanced manufacturing, bioscience, clean technology, food and beverage processing, forestry, high tech, and outdoor gear and apparel.

Applications for the 2026 tax year close October 31, 2026, so now is the time to check eligibility and apply. A helpful application walkthrough video is also available on the program webpage.

Review requirements and apply: https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/QJCTC/Pages/default.aspx

Questions? Contact [email protected].

Know a business that’s been growing its team? Share this opportunity with them!