Our Accelerator Model

We started Built Oregon with the simple vision – to make Oregon the leader in consumer product innovation and development. But becoming a leader requires laying the foundations of support, knowledge and resources upon which companies can engage. Built Oregon launched the country’s first not for profit (no cost + no equity taken) consumer product accelerator in June of 2019.

The accelerator is a collaboration between our sister organization, PIE (Portland Incubator Experiment). The program focuses on breaking down the startup mythology concept and working with founders to define how they envision success and connecting them to mentorship, resources, peer to peer connections, and mental health support to help them achieve it.

ACCELERATOR PROGRAM INTEREST FORM

2023 Bridges Accelerator

In partnership with Prosper Portland’s IBRN, we launched our inaugural Bridges Accelerator program with Tostado Coffee, Cloudforest Chocolate, Nico’s Ice Cream, Essance Skincare, How Sweet It Is and Ella Dean. .

2022 Black Business Accelerator

As part of Meyer Memorial Trust’s Justice Oregon for Black Lives initiative. The cohort included Drink Mamey, , Deadstock Coffee, Abbey Creek Winery, House Dogge, Hue Noir, and Camp Yoshi.

General Program FAQs

What stage company are we looking to work with?

We are risk takers and not afraid of diving in and helping early stage companies through the Built network at any time. For the accelerator program, we are looking to engage companies with ideally $75K-$1.5MM in revenue. Don’t hit that revenue mark, but getting close? A little over but looking for some key support for growth? Have an awesome product you think is compelling enough for us to take on? Go ahead and fill out the application as we also focus heavily on the idea, team and product potential - and not solely on the revenue side of things.

What do we consider a consumer product?

Food and beverage. Apparel, outdoor, and footwear. Health and beauty. Home accessories. Pet products. Our belief is that if you are selling a product to a consumer, you are a consumer product company.  We also believe that the diversity of the products is a positive attribute within Oregon and want that to be expressed in the accelerator.

Are there certain criteria that we look for in companies?

Company based in or moving to Oregon. Commitment to being inclusive from a company and product standpoint. A passion around the products you are creating and a core belief in wanting to build a responsible company. Fired up and ready to grow.

Are there strings attached?

Other than a time commitment, no. None. Zero. We are working hard to build a founder friendly accelerator that does not cost anything and takes zero equity from the program companies. We will look to leverage our community and social capital, including access to mentors and resources. Our goal is your financial gain, not ours.

Are we considering only applicants from the Portland Metro area?

No. From the outset, we wanted to launch and evolve this program with the entire state in mind. Working with our partners throughout Oregon – we will work with you,  where you are at. Simply put, we want to support the risk takers and dreamers who are building unique and innovative brands throughout Oregon. 

What kind of non financial support are you going to give these businesses?

Our focus is around building a deep and diverse mix of industry experts that can help our cohort companies grow. Areas of focus:

  • Finance and Operations

  • Branding

  • Sales Channels and Retail Partnerships

  • Marketing and Sales

  • Manufacturing and Production

  • Fundraising

  • If Applicable: Food Safety and Regulations

  • Sustainability

  • Direct to Consumer Strategies

  • Supply Chain

  • Human Resources and Talent Recruitment/Management

  • How to Create a Responsible Company

In addition to the above, companies will be given access to mentors and a statewide community of peers and organizations.

What is the program duration?

The PIE Consumer Accelerator runs approximately 16 weeks.

What is the time commitment and expectations?

As a participant in the Built Accelerator you will be expected to:

  • Participate in weekly check ins with the accelerator leads

  • Attend (in-person or via video) educational sessions

  • Be committed to meeting with mentors on a regular basis based on your company’s specific needs

  • Participate in bi-weekly cohort family dinners/gatherings

  • Participate in the Built Festival