Hi Rick,
One of the questions we hear most often from founders is, "When is the right time to start thinking about fundraising?"
The answer is almost always sooner than you think.
Even if you're not planning to raise capital tomorrow, understanding how investors evaluate companies, how to tell your story, and how to prepare your business for future investment can make a tremendous difference down the road.
OEN's Angel Oregon 'Capital & Fundraising Literacy' programs are designed specifically for early-stage founders across Oregon and SW Washington. Whether you're building a technology company, consumer product brand, or life or bio science venture, our goal is to help you better understand the fundraising landscape while building the skills and confidence you'll need when the time is right.
Registration is now open for the Angel Oregon Fall Cohort, and we'd love to have you join us!
This September, founders can participate in:
Angel Oregon Technology, September 15th - October 20th
Angel Oregon Consumer Packaged Goods, September 16th - October 21st
Angel Oregon Life & Bioscience, September 17th - October 22nd
Throughout the program, you'll work alongside fellow founders while gaining practical education on fundraising, capital literacy, the opportunity to pitch in front of investors, and valuable exposure to Oregon's startup community.
You don't need to have a polished pitch or be actively raising today. In fact, many of our most successful participants joined simply because they wanted to understand what comes next and prepare before they needed capital.
If fundraising is part of your future – or even just something you're curious about – we encourage you to take a look and see if Angel Oregon is the right fit for you.
I hope you'll join us this fall!
Warmly,
Cara Turano
President & Executive Director, OEN |
LAST CHANCE!
Nominations Close Wednesday, July 15th
It's the last chance to nominate your favorite companies for the 2026 Oregon Entrepreneurship Awards, presented by Columbia Bank.
We’re recognizing companies across Early Stage, Development Stage, Growth Stage, and Trailblazer along with individuals who are making a broader impact through awards like Entrepreneurial Achievement, and the Tom Holce Community Catalyst Award.
If there’s a founder, leader, or company in your network doing meaningful work, we’d love for you to nominate them.
The winners will be celebrated at our 35th annual awards event on Thursday, November 12th at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland – one of our favorite nights of the year.
👉 Submit nominations at oen.org/2026-oen-awards |
Be Part of the Journey
Power the Network That Powers Founders
When you support Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, you're investing in more than an organization – you're investing in the region's entrepreneurs.
Did you know nearly 2 out of 3 entrepreneurs are building a company without a strong business or mentor network? That is why OEN exists! Your tax-deductible donation helps ensure founders have access to the mentors, education, and community they need to grow resilient businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our region's economy.
Donate to OEN today to help support the future of entrepreneurship in Oregon and SW Washington
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MON, JULY 20th |
INDY Coffee Club for Startups & Entrepreneurs Join us for a dynamic gathering of entrepreneurs and business owners in Independence’s business scene. 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Indy Commons, 154 S Main St, Independence, OR 97351 |
HOME OF:
Angel Oregon Tech | Angel Oregon CPG | Angel Oregon Life & Bioscience
OEN PubTalks | OEN Entrepreneurship Awards |
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