Onward Eugene

January 2023 Startup Coffee Meetup
2023-01-19 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Free coffee and great company every month.
There is something about meeting over coffee that sparks good ideas and great networking.
Join us every third Thursday of the month from 9am-10am at the Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive Street for coffee and conversation.
After brief introductions, local entrepreneurs, mentors, small biz owners and others will have the chance to meet and network. Anyone is welcome to attend; no registration is required and make sure you invite a friend!
Discover one of the events that helped launch the Eugene area startup eco-system.
*Note that this is a meetup where we are trying to connect startups with others who can help them. This is not a ‘leads’ networking event. If you are a service provider looking for clients, this is not the place to do it.
ABOUT ONWARD EUGENE:

Onward Eugene unites regional partners — mobilizing rebuilding efforts to fully realize our regions shared potential for expansive and inclusive prosperity. Bringing together support for startups, business expansion, regional marketing and business recruiting initiatives. Onward Eugene is a force multiplier in the creation of economic resilience. A 501(c)3 nonprofit.
Onward’s entrepreneurial programs are made possible with the support of EDA funding and Comcast Business.

Onward Career Tours: Finance
2023-01-27 09:00 - 14:00 | Matthew Kight Arena, 1390 Villard St, Eugene, 97403
Have you ever seen a job description and wondered what that position looks like in real life? Jobs with the same titles can look really different depending on the type of company or industry. That’s where Onward Career Tours can help you explore your future career! Join us for another Onward Career Tour focused on FINANCE! We will be boarding an electric LTD bus to take us to three businesses around the community. Board the bus outside Matthew Knight Arena and get a seat to see some great businesses in our area.
Come learn from some of the best minds that our city has to offer as Onward Career Tours introduces students to careers in a variety of industries here in the Eugene-Springfield area. Panelists will share their career journey, what it’s like to work in finance, and advice for students looking to pursue a career in finance, followed by discussions on hot topics for job seekers and career explorers alike. Plus, you get to tour the facilities and see what it would really be like to work in that space.
Registration is free and open to students of all majors, as well as community members, but space is limited to the first 50 registrants! Onward Career Tours are co-hosted by Onward Eugene and the University of Oregon. One bus, three stops, unlimited opportunities!
The electric LTD bus will pick up & drop off students in front (North side) of Matt Knight Arena. The bus leaves at 9 am, and registration is required to reserve your seat!

THE STOPS: Summit Bank, Sapient Private Wealth Management, and Oregon Community Credit Union. Lunch will be provided by OCCU.

ABOUT ONWARD EUGENE:
Onward Eugene unites regional partners — mobilizing rebuilding efforts to fully realize our region’s shared potential for expansive and inclusive prosperity. Bringing together support for startups, business expansion, regional marketing, and business recruiting initiatives. Onward Eugene is a force multiplier in the creation of economic resilience. A 501(c)3 nonprofit.

Women's Innovation Network: Protecting Your Brand
2023-02-02 16:00 - 17:30 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Join us as Christine Gramer, senior licensing associate at the University of Oregon and co-lead of the Women’s Innovation Network, and Shelby Stepper, associate at Klarquist, discuss how to protect your company’s brand by using intellectual property protections.
We’ll discuss the fundamentals of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. We’ll learn how each can be used to protect your company’s brand. Attendees will have a chance to apply this learning to their own projects and entrepreneurial endeavors.
About the Speakers:
Christine Gramer, Senior Technology Development Associate, University of Oregon

Christine Gramer is a senior technology development associate in the University of Oregon’s Innovation Partnership Services (IPS). She holds a PhD in chemistry and is a registered patent agent. Christine has twenty years of experience in patent and intellectual property management.
Her professional career has been primarily dedicated towards the commercialization of university innovations in the University of Oregon’s Innovation Partnership Services (IPS) where her primary interest is in the applications of fundamental science discoveries and their implementation for the betterment of society. In her role at IPS, Christine evaluates innovations, manages all steps of obtaining a patent (and perfecting other statutory IP rights), researches technical markets, negotiates licenses and other agreements, and assists UO research-based start-up companies with formation. Equally important to the intellectual property and business functions mentioned above, she enjoys serving as a resource to UO faculty and students in both informal roles and in structured educational settings.
Shelby Stepper, Klarquist Associate

Shelby’s practice focuses on all aspects of intellectual property law with a primary focus on patent litigation. She earned her law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law.
Shelby specializes in various technologies including life sciences and biotechnology, agriculture and food science, and plants.
Prior to joining Klarquist, Shelby clerked for the Oregon Court of Appeals. While attending law school, Shelby interned at the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Prior to law school, she worked as a researcher in a biotechnology laboratory.

A Note About Gender: We intend for the words “women” and “woman” to include anyone who identifies with the word. We recognize that gender is a broad spectrum, and we aim to celebrate everyone on this spectrum. We always welcome allies and accomplices to join us.
The Women’s Innovation Network is a joint initiative between the University of Oregon and Onward Eugene. Our 2022-23 seminar series is sponsored by Klarquist Sparkman LLP.

[VIRTUAL] RISE Leadership Institute Bootcamp: Maximizing Influence
2023-02-10 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom, OR, United States
Maximize Your Influence: How to be a leader others want to follow – ONLINE CLASS
It all starts with influence. Our leadership effectiveness depends on our ability to engage and gain buy in with the people we lead. But what if you’re compromising your influence and you don’t even know that you’re doing it.
Participants can expect to:

Learn 4 things you must do to gain influence
Identify ways that you may be compromising your influence (without even knowing it)
Apply what you learn to immediately increase influence among the people you lead

You know you need influence to effectively lead, but you may not understand exactly how influence works. This Bootcamp will change that and a whole lot more.
This is a 3-part Bootcamp held on 2/10/23 @ 1 pm, 2/24/23 @ 9 am, and 3/8/23 @ 1 pm. This bootcamp is held ONLINE ONLY.
We have scholarships available to cover the entire cost of the Bootcamp! If you identify as any of the following please contact nicoled@onwardeugene.org about a scholarship :

historically marginalized and underserved communities
people of color
women
rural communities
veterans
the disability community
people with low incomes

A limited number of scholarships are available, so be sure to ask nicoled@onwardeugene.org ASAP!

February 2023 Startup Coffee Meetup
2023-02-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States

[VIRTUAL] RISE Leadership Institute Bootcamp: Discover Your Leadership Voice
2023-02-22 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, OR, United States
Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Unlock your potential to be a leader worth following by learning about your unique leadership voice and how to use it to communicate effectively. This 5 Voices Bootcamp will equip you with tools you can use to transform your team’s communication. Experience the power of the 5 Leadership Voices in this series of interactive workshops. Through them, you will deepen relational trust, unlock your team’s true potential and accelerate its performance.
This is a 3-part bootcamp held on 2/22/23 @ 11 am, 3/8/23 @ 11 am, and 3/22/23 @ 11:30 am. This bootcamp is ONLINE ONLY.
5 Voices Bootcamp focuses on the following learning objectives:
Each team member will leave each session with a clear set of actions for their personal transformation.
1: Discover Your Leadership Voice. Learn the behaviors and value of each of the 5 Voices and identify the natural Voice you use in the team.
2: The Power of Your Voice. Celebrate the contribution your Voice brings and learn the negative impact your Voice can have on others.
3: The Art of Collaboration. Get the best from each person in your team by learning to leverage and trust the strengths of their Voice.
4: Optimizing Team Performance. Learn how to create team alignment and synergy by harnessing the contribution of all 5 Voices.
5: Team Kryptonite. Apply practical tools to avoid the five main reasons why
We have scholarships available to cover the entire cost of the Bootcamp! If you identify as any of the following please contact nicoled@onwardeugene.org about a scholarship :

historically marginalized and underserved communities
people of color
women
rural communities
veterans
the disability community
people with low incomes

A limited number of scholarships are available, so be sure to ask nicoled@onwardeugene.org ASAP!

Make More Money: Tap Into New Markets with International Sales
2023-02-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Do you want to make more money for your business? Is it time to expand your market? Join Onward Eugene and Business Oregon for an evening of information and conversation about the value of international sales. The moderated panel discussion will cover topics from benefits and strategies to funding and resources. Listen to firsthand experiences from local business owners, and learn about funding resources available through Business Oregon. Global Trade Specialist and Business Strategist Steve Thompson will help demystify the world of international business and touch on the myriad ways the STEP grant program has helped thousands of small businesses obtain grants and find customers in the international marketplace since 2011.
Also joining the panel are Haisum Shah and Smriti Agrawal Zaneveld, Ph.D. Haisum is a senior international trade specialist with the International Trade Administration. His areas of expertise include Design and Construction, Environmental Technologies, Energy Industry, Food and Agriculture Value Chain, and Education. Smriti is the founder and president of Lazarus 3D, Inc–a high-tech startup that produces patient-specific 3D models for surgery practice, increasing safety and improving outcomes.
After the panel discussion, stick around for a professional networking social. Eat, drink and mingle with the local business community. You’re sure to make new connections and begin blazing your company’s path to global success.
Panel discussion begins at 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 23. Social hour begins at 5 p.m. All at the Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive St. in downtown Eugene!
Note: All registered attendees are invited for a FREE 1:1 with Steve Thompson on Friday, February 24. Email skyet@onwardeugene.org to schedule yours!

RISE Leadership Institute Bootcamp: Maximizing Influence
2023-03-02 10:30 - 12:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Maximize Your Influence: How to be a leader others want to follow
It all starts with influence. Our leadership effectiveness depends on our ability to engage and gain buy in with the people we lead. But what if you’re compromising your influence and you don’t even know that you’re doing it.
Participants can expect to:

Learn 4 things you must do to gain influence
Identify ways that you may be compromising your influence (without even knowing it)
Apply what you learn to immediately increase influence among the people you lead

You know you need influence to effectively lead, but you may not understand exactly how influence works. This Bootcamp will change that and a whole lot more.
This is 3-part Bootcamp held on 3/2/23 and 3/16/23 from 10:30 – noon and 4/7/23 from 11 am – 12:30 pm.
The first two bootcamps will be held at the Innovation Hub at 942 Olive Street in Downtown Eugene. The last bootcamp (4/7/23) will be held at the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce at 1401 Willamette St.
We have scholarships available to cover the entire cost of the Bootcamp! If you identify as any of the following please contact nicoled@onwardeugene.org about a scholarship :

historically marginalized and underserved communities
people of color
women
rural communities
veterans
the disability community
people with low incomes

A limited number of scholarships are available, so be sure to ask nicoled@onwardeugene.org ASAP!

Women's Innovation Network: Trainwreck.com: A Case Study in Doing Everything Wrong
2023-03-02 16:00 - 17:30 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Join us as Katherine Moyer, partner at Hershner Hunter based in Eugene, Oregon, walks us through the typical steps of a startup, from entity formation through early fundraising rounds.
Using a fictional company as an example, we’ll discuss what to do and what not to do in that process in order to protect yourself and your business. Although the company we’ll be discussing is fictional, it is based on Moyer’s experience with a multitude of startups over the past 20 years.

Katherine Moyer, Partner, Hershner Hunter, LLP

Katherine Moyer is an attorney and partner with Hershner Hunter, LLP in Eugene. She has been practicing law since 1990, focusing on business and securities law. Katherine regularly works with businesses engaged in raising funds from investors, from seed financing for early-stage companies to venture capital investments as companies mature.
She also represents businesses in a wide range of transactions, including business entity formation and governance issues, the grant of equity to employees and contractors, structuring relationships with strategic partners, purchases and sales of businesses, license agreements, and other commercial contracts. Katherine has experience working with companies in a variety of industries, including software and video games, biotechnology, robotics, organic foods, apparel, educational media, real estate investment, wireless communications, and a number of high-tech industries.
This is event is hybrid. Join us in-person at the Innovation Hub at 942 Olive St. or find us on Zoom at https://uoregon.zoom.us/j/95065547402?pwd=[REDACTED]

The Women’s Innovation Network is a joint initiative between the University of Oregon and Onward Eugene. Our 2022-23 seminar series is sponsored by Klarquist Sparkman LLP.
A Note About Gender: We intend for the words “women” and “woman” to include anyone who identifies with the word. We recognize that gender is a broad spectrum, and we aim to celebrate everyone on this spectrum. We always welcome allies and accomplices to join us.

[VIRTUAL] RISE Leadership Institute Bootcamp: Maximize Productivity
2023-03-09 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom, OR, United States
Maximize Productivity: How to be present and productive when there is never enough time
Bootcamp: Maximize Productivity teaches you to shift into the right gear at the right time so that you can grow in your relational intelligence and increase your influence. This revolutionary interactive workshop series introduces you to the five different gears, or mindsets, that carry you through various facets of your day. These include:

First gear—when you fully rest and recharge
Second gear—when you connect with family or friends without the involvement of work
Third gear—when you are socializing
Fourth gear—when you are working and multi-tasking
Fifth gear—when you are fully focused and ‘in the zone,’ working without interruption

Using these gears consistently allows you to bring a new level of relational intelligence to your life that offers a competitive advantage in our task-driven world.
All too often people go through life without truly connecting—and can, as a result, miss out on experiences and relationships that have the power to bring them great joy. By understanding how the five gears presented in this engaging workshop series work, you can improve your ability to connect with the world around you.
This is a 3-part bootcamp held on 3/9/23 @ 1 pm, 3/22/23 @ 9 am, and 4/5/23 @ 1:30 pm. This bootcamp is ONLINE ONLY.
We have scholarships available to cover the entire cost of the Bootcamp! If you identify as any of the following please contact nicoled@onwardeugene.org about a scholarship :

historically marginalized and underserved communities
people of color
women
rural communities
veterans
the disability community
people with low incomes

A limited number of scholarships are available, so be sure to ask nicoled@onwardeugene.org ASAP!

March 2023 Startup Coffee Meetup
2023-03-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States

[VIRTUAL] RISE Leadership Institute Bootcamp: Transforming Team Communication
2023-03-23 10:30 - 12:00 | Zoom, OR, United States
Transforming Team Communication – ONLINE CLASS

A lot of factors go into a high-performing team, but none is more important than communication. This Bootcamp introduces participants to the key components of effective communication on teams. Participants can expect learn how to:

Take their team to another level of performance
Communicate in a way that they understand others and feel understood
Identify practical skills they can use to deepen engagement with the people they lead

Your team is only as strong as their ability to communicate. Join this Bootcamp to take you and your team to the next level.

This is a 3-part Bootcamp held on 3/23/23 @ 10:30 am, 4/4/23 @ 1:30 pm, and 4/19 @ 9 am. This bootcamp is ONLINE ONLY.
We have scholarships available to cover the entire cost of the Bootcamp! If you identify as any of the following please contact nicoled@onwardeugene.org about a scholarship :

historically marginalized and underserved communities
people of color
women
rural communities
veterans
the disability community
people with low incomes

A limited number of scholarships are available, so be sure to ask nicoled@onwardeugene.org ASAP!

Leadership Summit: RISE to Your Potential
2023-04-06 08:30 - 18:00 | Downtown Athletic Club, 999 Willamette St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
As a leader and manager, do you struggle with balancing conflicting personalities on your team? Do you sometimes feel you’re fighting an uphill battle to stay productive and efficient in your work or team? Are you planning for succession?
These are just a few concerns local leaders like yourself can tackle at the Leadership Summit: RISE to Your Potential management training bootcamp. Unlike other inspirationally-focused leadership workshops, you will walk away from this training with actionable tools, new skills, and a wider network of peers leveling up their management and leadership skills. Successful businesses are led by excellent leaders. Invest in building these skills and watch your profits and employee satisfaction grow.
Immediately following the summit is the Women Business Leader, Leader of the Year award ceremony presented by Northwest Community Credit Union. A ticket to this ceremony is complimentary with a Leadership Summit ticket or Season Pass. We will be honoring the achievements of Women Business Leaders in our community who demonstrate the skills and attributes noted throughout the Summit.
Conference Agenda:
8:00-8:30am Coffee & Attendee Check-in
8:30am-3:00pm Core Leadership Conference

Opening Keynotes from Amy Norton and Andrew Robinson
Into Thin Air: A New Altitude Awaits You
Breakout 1: Discover Your Leadership Voice
Breakout 2: Maximize Your Influence
Breakout 3: Becoming Present and Productive

3:30-5:00pm Women Business Leaders Award
5:00-6:00pm Networking Reception
FULL AGENDA with speaker bios can be viewed here.
Special thank you to our Endeavor Eugene sponsor, Kaiser Permanente. Together we are committed to building a more welcoming community where Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) individuals feel like they belong and are valued. We will do this work by assisting businesses in creating more inclusive and diverse workplaces, using our resources to assist BIPOC business and community leaders to help them succeed, and celebrate the diverse individuals and ideas present in our region. Additional support is provided by Chambers Construction and Northwest Community Credit Union. To learn more about Endeavor Eugene, please visit www.endeavoreugene.com.
We have limited quantity of Endeavor sponsorships available to cover the entire cost of the Leadership Summit. If you identify as any of the following please contact cassies@eugenechamber.com about a scholarship:

historically marginalized and underserved communities
people of color
women
rural communities
veterans
the disability community
people with low incomes

Interested in signing up for our Four Annual Summits (Leadership, YP Summit, Community Summit, and Economic Summit)? Take advantage of the bundle price here.

[VIRTUAL] Women's Innovation Network: Telling Your Story - Business Pitches & Grant Writing
2023-04-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Virtual: Register to Receive Virtual Attendance Link
In this seminar, we’ll learn how to adjust the language we use to describe our business ventures based on audience. Attendees will select a track for an in-depth look at either giving a business pitch or writing a grant.
Charla Triplett, Co-founder and Managing Director of Suncoast Ventures and President of Catalyze, will help us find our investor mindset. We’ll learn from Charla, who is an active seed investor, what funders are looking for in your pitch, and we’ll share tips on how to tell a startup story that can attract the right funding partners.
Kate Petcosky-Kulkarni, Senior Director of Strategic Research Initiatives at the University of Oregon, will offer an overview of grant writing and development with a specific focus on grants for research business development and innovation. We’ll learn from Kate how to approach grant writing, understanding persuasive writing, and writing for reviewers. Attendees will come away with knowledge of grantspersonship, effective grant writing practices, and how to best work productively with funding agencies.
About the Speakers:
Charla Triplett, Co-founder and Managing Director of Suncoast Ventures and President of Catalyze

Charla Triplett has over twenty years of experience bridging the gaps between academia, business, startups, non-profit, and venture capital. Charla is trained as a bioengineer with a breadth of experience in digital health, biosensors, medtech, and life sciences.
She has been a sought out mentor, advisor, and connector in the industry for decades, most recently as the President of Catalyze, a consulting group. She is the co-founder and Managing Director of Suncoast Ventures and CEO of Spine by Design, a software as a medical device spin-out from Oregon State University.

Kate Petcosky-Kulkarni, Senior Director of Strategic Research Initiatives at the University of Oregon

Kate Petcosky-Kulkarni is the Senior Director of Strategic Research Initiatives at the University of Oregon. In this role, she oversees Research Development Services (RDS), which supports faculty in increasing their externally funded research activity by identifying funding opportunities and providing writing and editing support to help researchers craft competitive grant proposals. In addition, RDS offers training to researchers, coordinates internal seed funding programs, and assists faculty in managing proposal development for complex, multi-project proposals.
Prior to joining UO, Kate served as the Director of the Office of Proposal Development at Boston University School of Medicine.
Kate received her B.S. from Boston University and obtained an MA in food studies from New York University and an MPH, with an emphasis on global health, from Boston University. In 2016, she was selected as a Global Health Storytelling Fellow with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting to travel to India to explore and report on experiences of individuals living with disabilities, the intersection between poverty and disability, and cultural attitudes toward disability. Her work was published by NPR and Johns Hopkins.

A Note About Gender: We intend for the words “women” and “woman” to include anyone who identifies with the word. We recognize that gender is a broad spectrum, and we aim to celebrate everyone on this spectrum. We always welcome allies and accomplices to join us.
The Women’s Innovation Network is a joint initiative between the University of Oregon and Onward Eugene. Our 2022-23 seminar series is sponsored by Klarquist Sparkman LLP.

April 2023 Startup Coffee Meetup
2023-04-20 09:00 - 10:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States

RISE Leadership Institute Bootcamp: Transforming Team Communication
2023-04-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Transforming Team Communication

A lot of factors go into a high performing team, but none is more important than communication. This Bootcamp introduces participants to the key components of effective communication on teams. Participants can expect learn how to:

Take their team to another level of performance
Communicate in a way that they understand others and feel understood
Identify practical skills they can use to deepen engagement with the people they lead

Your team is only as strong as their ability to communicate. Join this Bootcamp to take you and your team to the next level.

This is 3-part Bootcamp held on 4/20/23, 5/4/23 and 5/18/23. Each Bootcamp is held at the Innovation Hub at 942 Olive Street in Downtown Eugene, from 10:30 am to 12 pm.
We have scholarships available to cover the entire cost of the Bootcamp! If you identify as any of the following please contact nicoled@onwardeugene.org about a scholarship :

historically marginalized and underserved communities
people of color
women
rural communities
veterans
the disability community
people with low incomes

A limited number of scholarships are available, so be sure to ask nicoled@onwardeugene.org ASAP!

RISE Leadership Institute Bootcamp: Discover Your Leadership Voice
2023-05-03 14:00 - 15:30 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Unlock your potential to be a leader worth following by learning about your unique leadership voice and how to use it to communicate effectively. This bootcamp will equip you with tools you can use to transform your team’s communication. Experience the power of the 5 Leadership Voices in this series of interactive workshops. Through them, you will deepen relational trust, unlock your team’s true potential and accelerate its performance.
This is a 3-part bootcamp held on 5/3/23 @ 2 pm, 5/17/23 @ 10:30 am, and 6/8 @ 10 am. This 90-minute bootcamp is held at the Innovation Hub at 942 Olive Street in Downtown Eugene.
Discover Your Leadership Voice Bootcamp focuses on the following learning objectives:
Each team member will leave each session with a clear set of actions for their personal transformation.
1: Discover Your Leadership Voice. Learn the behaviors and value of each of the 5 Voices and identify the natural Voice you use in the team.
2: The Power of Your Voice. Celebrate the contribution your Voice brings and learn the negative impact your Voice can have on others.
3: The Art of Collaboration. Get the best from each person in your team by learning to leverage and trust the strengths of their Voice.
4: Optimizing Team Performance. Learn how to create team alignment and synergy by harnessing the contribution of all 5 Voices.
5: Team Kryptonite. Apply practical tools to avoid the five main reasons why
We have scholarships available to cover the entire cost of the Bootcamp! If you identify as any of the following please contact nicoled@onwardeugene.org about a scholarship :

historically marginalized and underserved communities
people of color
women
rural communities
veterans
the disability community
people with low incomes

A limited number of scholarships are available, so be sure to ask nicoled@onwardeugene.org ASAP!

Women's Innovation Network: Community Resources
2023-05-04 16:00 - 17:30 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Presenters:

Onward Eugene
Melissa Prestinario, Lane County Venture Catalyst: Oregon RAIN
Caitlin Vargas, Co-founder and Vice President of Community Impact and Partnerships: Collaborative Economic Development Oregon
Dani Thompson, Programs and Business Services Manager, and John Garbett, Membership Development Manager: Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Roger Wong, Business Advisor and Instructor: Lane Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

In this special seminar mixer event, community organizations will share information about the programming and support they offer for entrepreneurs and small business owners. This will be an opportunity to make a personal connection with representatives from those organizations.
This hybrid seminar will be offered in-person at Onward Eugene located at 942 Olive St in Eugene.

The Women’s Innovation Network is a joint initiative between the University of Oregon and Onward Eugene. Our 2022-23 seminar series is sponsored by Klarquist Sparkman LLP.
A Note About Gender: We intend for the words “women” and “woman” to include anyone who identifies with the word. We recognize that gender is a broad spectrum, and we aim to celebrate everyone on this spectrum. We always welcome allies and accomplices to join us.

The Future of Work is Family Friendly: Strategies to Support Working Parents
2023-05-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Join us at the Innovation Hub on Thursday, May 11 to learn how employers can boost productivity, improve retention, decrease absenteeism and attendance challenges, and increase overall employee job satisfaction. This morning session will bring forward solutions that do all of the above while also addressing persistent child care infrastructure challenges in our community.
Take a tour of Lane Child & Family Center’s Downtown Classroom, then learn about successful and innovative child care solutions from SEDCOR Business Retention & Expansion Manager Abisha Stone. A networking lunch will follow from noon – 1 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!
AGENDA:

9:00-9:15 | Check in at 942 Olive Street, Eugene, coffee and light breakfast provided
9:15-9:40 | Tour of Lane Child and Family’s classroom at LCC’s downtown campus
9:45-10am | Overview of Leading With Care: Supporting Child Care as an Employer (Remote Access)
10:00am-11:00pm | Abisha Stone, SEDCOR and Project Oasis (Remote Access)
11:00am-11:15am | Break
11:15am-11:45am | Small group discussion (Remote Access)
11:45 | Debrief (Remote Access)
12-1pm | Light lunch and networking

Thank you to our partners for their collaboration on this unique and informative event: Quality Care Connections, Early Childhood Hub of Lane County, United Way of Lane County, and Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.

May 2023 Startup Coffee Meetup
2023-05-18 09:00 - 10:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States

RISE Leadership Institute Bootcamp: Maximizing Influence
2023-05-19 10:30 - 12:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Maximize Your Influence: How to be a leader others want to follow
It all starts with influence. Our leadership effectiveness depends on our ability to engage and gain buy in with the people we lead. But what if you’re compromising your influence and you don’t even know that you’re doing it.
Participants can expect to:

Learn 4 things you must do to gain influence
Identify ways that you may be compromising your influence (without even knowing it)
Apply what you learn to immediately increase influence among the people you lead

You know you need influence to effectively lead, but you may not understand exactly how influence works. This Bootcamp will change that and a whole lot more.
This is 3-part Bootcamp held on 5/19/23 @ 10:30 am, 6/9/23 @ 11 am, and 6/21/23 @ 11:30 am. The first and third 90-minute class will be held at the Innovation Hub at 942 Olive Street in Downtown Eugene. The second class, occurring on 6/9/23, will take place at the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce.
We have scholarships available to cover the entire cost of the Bootcamp! If you identify as any of the following please contact nicoled@onwardeugene.org about a scholarship :

historically marginalized and underserved communities
people of color
women
rural communities
veterans
the disability community
people with low incomes

A limited number of scholarships are available, so be sure to ask nicoled@onwardeugene.org ASAP!

Business on Tap
2023-05-25 17:30 - 20:00 | Ninkasi Better Living Room, 155 Blair Blvd., Eugene, OR, 97402, United States
Get ready to network, learn, and sip on some seriously tasty brews at our upcoming business event hosted by Onward Eugene at Ninkasi’s Better Living Room!
We’re bringing together a crew of awesome professionals like you for a night of mingling, mentoring, and professional development. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, an established business owner, or just looking to meet some new folks in the Eugene business community, this event is for you!
Here’s what you can expect: an expert speaker dropping knowledge on topics like entrepreneurship, innovation, growth, and expansion; a pitch presentation from a brand new local company; and ample time to ask the best and brightest all of your burning questions about how to level up your business. And let’s not forget about the beer! Ticket price includes snacks and one of Ninkasi’s famous craft brews, so show up thirsty and eager to learn!
Grab your business cards, bring your A-game, and get ready to make some meaningful connections and have a blast while doing it. Can’t wait to see you there!

CADE Business Xcelerator Workshop
2023-06-15 08:00 - 16:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
CADE is a community of local organizations and agencies dedicated to providing opportunities for diverse, small, and traditionally disadvantaged businesses.
At this one-day workshop, entrepreneurs identifying as diverse or underserved equity groups can access technical assistance, learn about government and private sector contracting opportunities, and gain insight into the value of COBID certification set aside for diverse business owners.
Agenda
8:00 am – Coffee and networking
8:30 am – Welcome
8:45 am – Prime Contractors – Opportunities in Construction
10:00 am – break
10:15 am – Resources for small businesses (COBID, SBDC, OAME, Banks, Chambers)
11:30 am – Working Lunch / Booths and appointments
12:30 pm – State Agencies and Opportunities
2:00 pm – Booths and appointments
4:00 pm – Wrap-Up

June 2023 Startup Coffee Meetup
2023-06-15 09:00 - 10:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States

July 2023 Startup Coffee Meetup
2023-07-20 09:00 - 10:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States

August 2023 Startup Coffee Meetup
2023-08-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States

Business on Tap - Summer 2023
2023-08-29 17:30 - 20:00 | Ninkasi Better Living Room, 155 Blair Blvd., Eugene, OR, 97402, United States
🎉🍻 Business on Tap: Where Hops Meet the Hustle! 🍻🎉
Wanna mix and mingle with our local business community? Are you ready to learn and grow as a professional? Then, join us for the next installment of “Business on Tap” at the iconic Ninkasi Brewery, where the essence of innovation and the art of craft beer converge.
📅 Date: Tuesday, August 29
🕖 Time: 5:30-8:00 p.m.
🏢 Venue: Ninkasi’s Better Living Room @ 155 Blair Blvd
Find us upstairs in the private bar with its own patio on the balcony!
🎤 What to Expect:
1️⃣ Pitch Presentation from ChangeFinder, a local startup innovating the grantwriting process through the power of AI🚀 Be prepared to witness the blossoming of the next big thing! Watch a fellow founder wow the crowd and witness firsthand how passion, vision, and creativity blend to create remarkable success stories.
2️⃣ Captivating Panel Discussion 🗣️ Prepare to be inspired! Gain valuable tips and insight on utilizing AI to streamline processes, foster a culture of innovation, and increase value of products and services. Subject experts from Palo Alto Software will discuss the ins and outs of of disruptive technologies and the best way to use these emerging technologies to your advantage.
🎫 Tickets: Priced at a mere $15, this is a steal! Your ticket includes access to presentations and a networking hour, a scrumptious spread of delectable eats, and your choice of a refreshing Ninkasi Brewery drink. Hurry and secure your spot now, as the previous Business on Tap event sold out days in advance.
🌟 Why Attend: Business on Tap is not just about networking; it’s about nurturing the spirit of entrepreneurship, celebrating local business, and building a strong, supportive community. This event promises to leave all members of our business community invigorated and inspired. This is the perfect opportunity to forge partnerships, share insights, and celebrate the spirit of innovation in the company of like-minded individuals.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the energy of Business on Tap! Sign up now and take the first step towards elevating your business ventures to new heights. The thrill awaits, so act fast – secure your ticket before they vanish!

September 2023 Startup Coffee Meetup
2023-09-21 09:00 - 10:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States

Perfect Your Pitch - A Workshop for Female Entrepreneurs
2023-10-14 09:00 - 14:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Are you a woman with a brilliant business idea? Do you dream of taking your startup to the next level and securing vital funding? Look no further – join us for an empowering and educational workshop designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs! Whether you’re a serial founder or a first-timer, our “Perfect Your Pitch” workshop will equip you with the skills and confidence you need to shine in the world of business.
🌈 Who Can Attend? Anyone who identifies as a woman is welcome to register! We know gender bias abounds throughout society, but the gap in startup funding is staggering; Female founders receive less than three percent of venture capital each year. That’s why we’re doing our part to correct the imbalance and foster an inclusive, diverse entrepreneurial community. Whether you have a groundbreaking tech startup or a revolutionary social enterprise, this workshop is for you.
💼 Workshop Highlights: “Perfect Your Pitch” will be led by qualified and experienced professionals who have successfully navigated the entrepreneurial journey themselves. You’ll gain insights and advice from those who’ve been there and done that. Crafting a compelling pitch is essential for attracting investors, partners, and customers. The expert guidance you receive on refining your pitch to perfection will make it irresistible to your target audience.
🏆 Exclusive Pitch Competition: This workshop is your ticket to the Women’s Only Pitch Competition, happening on Saturday, November 4. To be eligible to compete, attendance and completion of the workshop are mandatory. And why is the pitch competition so important? Because we’re awarding cash prizes of up to $10,000 for first, second, and third places! This is your opportunity to showcase your innovative ideas and compete for substantial financial support to fuel your startup’s growth.
Beyond the workshop, you will gain access to top-notch mentoring that will not only prepare you for the competition but also help accelerate your startup journey. The best part? It’s all entirely FREE! Spaces are limited though, so be sure to secure your spot today. Join us for a day of empowerment, learning, and networking with like-minded women entrepreneurs. Together, we’ll take your startup to new heights!
For more information, contact Skye at skyet@onwardeugene.org

October 2023 Startup Coffee Meetup
2023-10-19 09:00 - 10:00 | Innovation Hub @ 942 Olive, 942 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
