About

Collage of photos from Built Oregon events

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, Built Oregon:

Partners with significant retailers in our area (such as New Seasons Market and Market of Choice) to help you tap into the retail market
Provides intensive mentoring at the critical early growth stage to build for future success
Hosts events and 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.

Table with boxes and bottles of food products in a warehouse setting.

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.