Community
Welcome!
Member companies benefit from a variety of workshops and information sessions, connections with major local retailers, and intensive mentoring when needed. In addition, member companies can connect with other similar companies in the community to share experiences and pursue common goals.
How we help bridge the gap
Member companies benefit from a variety of workshops and information sessions, connections with major local retailers, and intensive mentoring when needed. In addition, member companies can connect with other similar companies in the community to share experiences and pursue common goals.
Accelerate Your Growth
Click on the accelerators below to
Interested in our past programming?
Click on the programs below to find out more
Mentors
Built Oregon’s mentor network brings together a dynamic mix of industry leaders, creative thinkers, and seasoned entrepreneurs committed to supporting Oregon’s growing innovation economy.
Our Mentor roster includes seasoned executives and entrepreneurs who bring expertise across critical business functions -from marketing and operations to finance and manufacturing. Many have direct experience working with early-stage companies, which means they truly understand the challenges our entrepreneurs face. These mentors aren’t just offering their expertise - they are deeply committed to Oregon’s growth and are willing to engage in multiple ways, from one-on-one coaching to public speaking.
Founders Stories
Member companies benefit from a variety of workshops and information sessions, connections with major local retailers, and intensive mentoring when needed. In addition, member companies can connect with other similar companies in the community to share experiences and pursue common goals.
Hear from our founders about how our community has helped their businesses.
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 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
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.
Join the Community
Being a member of the Built Oregon community provides consumer products companies with the resources, connections and knowledge they need to thrive. This is especially true for early stage companies and those whose founders have limited business experience.
If you are interested, please fill out the form. We look forward to meeting you!