PDX Startup Community Resources

Julie Fleischer
Oct 10
2 min read

One thing I enjoy about having started a company in Portland is the chance to connect with so many other founders and founders-to-be. I'm not an expert (yet!), but I have gathered some resources along the way.

This blog contains links that helped me kick-start my founder journey in the Portland Metro area. This list is far from exhaustive, but it contains some of the key beacons that helped me in my journey.

Thanks to all the organizations and individuals who have helped me on my journey so far – here’s to more community and collaboration! 😊

What It Is	Link	Why It Helped Me
Metro Innovation Hub	https://www.portlandmetrohub.org/	I always learn something at their bi-monthly Startup Café events and meet so many talented founders in the Portland area. Their mentoring helped me refine my messaging and MVP.
Calgator	https://calagator.org/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email	Great for finding local tech events for learning and connecting. (Thanks to my Metro Innovation Hub mentor for sharing!)
Oregon Small Business Development Center	https://oregonsbdc.org/	I was connected with them through PCC’s Business Design Series class - https://www.pcc.edu/small-business/business-design-series/. They provide the basics you need for starting a business in Portland as well as tailored 1-1 coaching.
Silicon Florist	https://siliconflorist.com/	Great for keeping up on local tech and startup events and happenings. Love getting the new drop in my inbox every week!
TiE Oregon	https://www.tieoregon.org/	Valuable events + great training offerings.
US Small Business Administration	https://www.sba.gov/business-guide	Has links to all the key steps in starting your own business in the US.
Business Xpress	https://www.oregon.gov/business/pages/toolkit.aspx	Steps to start a business in OR.
SCORE	https://www.score.org/	Small business resources, including mentoring.
What Is a Startup?	https://www.ycombinator.com/library/En-what-is-a-startup	If you want the basics on terms like startup, MVP, PMF, YC has a good overview.
Upstart Collective	https://www.upstartcollective.org/	Collaboration space for PDX founders on PSU campus.
Livelihood NW	https://livelihoodnw.org/	Free and low-cost support for small business owners. Offer advising, workshops, trainings.
Oregon Startup Center	https://oregonstartupcenter.org/	Located on the West-side of Portland. Supports startups and non-profits.
AI Portland	https://www.aipdx.info/	AI-focused community