About
Our mission is to champion, connect and support the people behind Oregon’s consumer brands.
“Oregon is to consumer goods what the Bay Area is to technology — a vital center of opportunity and innovation.”
This idea led to the Built Oregon focus on providing the knowledge, support and community needed in our area for our products. The high stress tech-based startup mentality, of explosive growth or rapid failure driven by venture capital and intense competition, is not the route to healthy and successful companies here.
Building a Network
Numerous small companies in Oregon have grown to success in markets such as food, beverage, apparel and outdoor equipment, in spite of not having an organized support system. Built Oregon seeks to help existing consumer products companies in Oregon thrive, while also building a network to encourage new businesses.
To accomplish this, Build Oregon:
Partners with significant retailers in our area (such as New Seasons Market and Market of Choice) to help these companies tap into the retail market;
Provides intensive mentoring for companies at the critical early growth stage to build for future success;
Hosts an annual festival to inform, connect and celebrate the success of Oregon consumer products brands.
Our History
2014
Built Oregon was founded to celebrate and support Oregon businesses, eventually focusing on the consumer products ecosystem.
2017
The first Built Festival was held. The Festival provided an opportunity to share the product successes of companies in the state, create connections between companies and provide presentations from industry leaders. The Festival has been held annually since then.
2020
During the pandemic, the Built Marketplace ecommerce site was launched to help Oregon companies survive during the downturn in traditional retail business.
Built Oregon has also provided over $300,000 in grants to Black-owned businesses, as well as partnering with organizations such as Hacienda CDC, NAYA PDX, Soul District and APANO to bring awareness and opportunity to underrepresented consumer product companies through retail partnerships.
Impact Report
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Advisory Board
