Got a Great Idea?
We want to help it take flight. Apply to the Startup Stage Competition for an opportunity to:
- Hone your pitch and business plan ($50 value)
- Get coaching & mentoring from business leaders (Priceless!)
- Learn from experts at four educational sessions ($200 value)
- Present to 200+ investors and business leaders at OEN’s Angel Food Conference for a chance to win a $100K+ investment (actual investment will depend on the number of investors)
All applicants will receive one ticket to the Angel Food Conference on June 19 ($125+ value). Applicants may also be considered for loans ranging from $25,000 – $250,000 through Business Oregon’s Small Business Expansion Program.
Eligibility Requirements
OEN’s Angel Food Conference & Education Series is only open to companies located in Oregon or SW Washington.
Companies participating in the Startup Stage competition typically:
- Have a proven concept and a complete business plan developed
- Have a product and are selling it “somewhere” (farmer’s markets, local stores, national chains, etc).
- Have generated initial revenues of up to $250K and are ready for market expansion
- Non-consumer products companies like restaurants are eligible to go through the program but are not eligible to compete for the investment.
If you have more than $250K in revenue please apply for our Developing Stage Competition.
The due diligence process was very well-done and extremely professional. I was really impressed by the quality of the investors and their ability to understand the market opportunity and business model.”
Key Dates
- April 3: Info session
- April 17: Pitch applications due by 12:00 midnight
- May 8: PubTalk PitchFest
- June 19: Angel Food Conference (winners announced), including a food fair
Application Fees
The cost to apply to the Angel Food Conference for the Startup Stage Competition is $250 for OEN members and $385 for non-members. The non-member rate includes one year of OEN Startup Stage Membership (cost of $195, with a $400 value).
Investment Vehicle
The investment award will likely be made in the form of a convertible note. This instrument will later convert into company equity as part of a “qualified equity financing” or other qualifying event.
The process of Angel Oregon helped refine and shape our business focus. We were introduced to the best of the best mentors in Portland. Winning was icing on the cake and set our business on a whole new growth trajectory. If you have a growing idea with customer traction and great people on the team, Angel Oregon is a must!”
