Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Startup Business Essentials is a 5-part series designed to equip entrepreneurs with the essentials to support their growing businesses, uncover the common pitfalls that lead to failure, and gain invaluable insights from thought leaders and successful founders. Offering practical guidance and expert advice to set you on the right path on your entrepreneurial journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet peers and a community of service providers, investors, organizations and agencies available to support your success.
Monday’s – 8:30 – 10:00 am
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- September 16th – Hosted by Forward/Slash
- September 23rd – Hosted by Country Financial
- September 30th – Hosted by Perkins Coie
- October 7th – Hosted by Tonkon Torp
- October 21st – Hosted by Northwestern Mutual
Monday, October 28th – 4:30 – 7:00 pm
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- Cohort Pitch Practice
All Zoom programming will be recorded and distributed following the session for asynchronous participation.
PRICING & REGISTRATION
- OEN Member Select ⋅ $100.00
- Non-Member Select ⋅ $150.00
The program is a best fit for:
- Entrepreneurs and founders who are in the Concept, Early ($0 – $99,999), and Development ($100k – $1M) stages of their company’s growth.
- Ideally post-revenue, with a product created and launched.
- Those looking to learn how best to finance growth, meet investors, connect with mentors, and solve operational problems
- Interest in working towards investment through OEN’s Angel Oregon programs.
- Desire to eventually build a regional/national brand.
Education Series registration includes:
- Five core workshops featuring top regional thought leaders, all conducted via Zoom and recorded.
- Recommendations for books, blogs, podcasts, templates and more to support your business.
- Admission into OEN’s August virtual Pitch, Please program, regardless of membership status.
- In-person Pitch Event with mentors and investors in Portland.
- Discount on registration for 2024 OEN Oregon Angel programming (AOBio, AOTech and OregonAF) including the opportunity to vie for equity investment (AOBio and OregonAF).
EDUCATION SERIES PROGRAMS
DEVELOPING A HEALTHY FINANCIAL STRUCTURE
Monday, September 16th I 8:30 am
Used by company decision-makers and potential partners, investors and lenders alike, a financial plan typically includes the company’s sales forecast, cash flow projection, expected expenses, key financial metrics and more. It serves as the fiscal backbone of any successful venture.
By delving into these core components, businesses can effectively allocate resources, mitigate risks, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Session Focus Points
- Review the current structures in place to track and manage financial information.
- Learn how to read your Profit/Loss (P/L) and Balance Sheet to make informed financial decisions.
- Determine healthy margins for your business based on your industry.
- Identify tools to help you manage your finances.
- Identify the professionals you need to hire to assist you with creating a healthy financial routine.
Featuring
Beth Nguyen
Senior Manager
Forward/Slash
INSURING YOUR COMPANY
Monday, September 23rd I 8:30 am
As you launch your company, there’s a lot to think about, and getting insurance is probably nowhere near the top of your list. But having the proper business insurance in place from its early stages is essential, and a smart small business insurance plan addresses the types of risks that affect your company and industry.
Startups are vulnerable to many of the same risks as larger, more established businesses, such as lawsuits, accidental injuries, theft of business property and cyber attacks. Without small business insurance, your startup would have to pay out of pocket for lawsuits and claims, which could be financially devastating.
Determining the needs of your business will make sure you’re properly protecting your company and your assets, as well as avoiding out-of-pocket claims.
Session Focus Points
- Assessing Your Risks
- Basic Coverage
- General Liability
- Insurance Needs upon Investment
- Employee Coverage
- Product Liability
Featuring
Richard Lucas
West Portland Agency Manager
COUNTRY Financial
Guillermo Salazar
Financial Representative
COUNTRY Financial
BUSINESS ENTITY STRUCTURE CHECKLIST
Monday, September 30th I 8:30 am
Featuring: Ann McQuesten, Corporate Partner – Perkins Coie
Launching a new business requires much more than coming up with a catchy name. As a founder, you will be faced with a multitude of important decisions. One of the first is to choose which business entity structure is the best fit for your startup.
The business structure you choose influences everything from day-to-day operations, to taxes and how much of your personal assets are at risk. You should choose a business structure that gives you the right balance of legal protections and benefits.
Session Focus Points
- Identify the correct entity structure for your business.
- Determine the correct documents you need to establish your business structure
- Review the financial tasks you need to complete to establish your business.
- Review the tax requirements for your business.
- What it takes to switch from one entity to a different entity.
Featuring
Ann McQuesten
Corporate Partner
Perkins Coie
FUNDING YOUR COMPANY
Monday, October 7th I 8:30 am
Bringing your idea to life typically requires an investment — and funding a business can be tricky for entrepreneurs without a financial history or fully developed product.
The number and types of funding options can be overwhelming for a new startup and securing adequate funding for your business can be challenging. Understanding the types of startup funding can help you understand what’s out there and how it aligns with your company’s goals.
Session Focus Points
- Becoming bankable
- Review different funding options
- Determine which funding options are best for you.
- Create a plan for funding your business.
- Strategies for managing personal and professional debt while running a business.
- Review balance sheets, current debt and financing needs to determine the kind of financial assistance needed to grow the business.
Featuring
Josie Jeremiah
Associate Attorney
Tonkon Torp
WHY SUCCESSION PLANNING NEEDS TO START FROM THE BEGINNING
Monday, October 21st I 8:30 am
You will leave your business one day. Whether large or small, whether organized as a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company or a sole proprietorship, you must be prepared for that day.
Your success represents much more than simply money and property. It represents your skill, your achievements, and your values. A coordinated exit strategy that addresses all elements can safeguard what you have worked hard to build over your lifetime.
Understanding your objectives and learning how to determine future ownership options will provide a fluid succession plan that evolves as you grow and provides immediate transition protocol should your business at large lose you through an unexpected death or disability.
Session Focus Points
- Who will buy your business – How will ownership be transferred, not only at retirement but also in the event of a serious illness or injury?
- How will the change of ownership and management affect the operation and value of the business?
- What about key employees?
- Future estate taxes and related costs from selling your business can be your largest liability in the future. Understanding liquidity needs early and building a strategy can help you preserve a legacy.
Featuring
Aimee Keeney
Wealth Management Advisor
Northwestern Mutual
COHORT PITCH
Monday, October 28th I 4:30 pm
Cohort 2 founders and entrepreneurs will be offered the opportunity to showcase their company and share their ideas with a 5-minute pitch in a non-competitive program at the end of the cohort.
Participants will receive actionable feedback that inspires them to take their ideas to the next level, and have a chance to connect with their peers and invited guests during the networking portion of the event.
THANK YOU SPONSORS
