Press ReleasesPress Release – Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Announces Semifinalists for the 2019 OEN Tom Holce Entrepreneurship Awards

Portland, Ore., August 29,  2019 — The Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) is pleased to announce semifinalists for the 2019 OEN Tom Holce Entrepreneurship Awards.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the OEN Tom Holce Entrepreneurship Awards Dinner, OEN’s signature event that honors the skill and courage that it takes for entrepreneurs to create a business out of an idea. The event is intended to not only celebrate entrepreneurs but to highlight their importance to the region’s economy. 

After a series of interviews and reviews by expert judging panels, OEN will announce 3-4 finalists in each category. Finalists from each award category will be announced on September 17, 2019. Winners will be announced on October 29, 2019, during the Awards Dinner at the Oregon Convention Center. 

In addition to the semifinalists below, OEN will be honoring an individual or founding team for its Entrepreneurial Achievement Award, as well as a young up-and-coming entrepreneur with the Battle of the Schools Award.

Company Awards

OEN Company Awards recognize businesses in the bootstrap, early, development, and growth stages that address compelling market problems; deliver consistent growth; have scalable business models; know their niche and clearly differentiate from their competitors; and have founders and/or teams who demonstrate tenacity, passion, and vision. 

Game Changer Award

In addition to company awards, OEN’s Game Changer Award recognizes both nonprofit and for-profit enterprises that offer a novel solution to a social problem. The winner will be determined by an audience vote with input from the OEN judging committee.

Descriptions of the award categories and lists of semifinalists are as follows:

Bootstrap Stage Company Award

“Oregon’s Emerging Startup.” Recognizes a for-profit startup that has achieved significant milestones over the last 18 months. The company has been funded only through personal resources, friends and family, or receivables. The company has been in business for less than five years. Revenues: Pre-revenue – $0.5 million.

Early Stage Company Award

“Oregon’s Most Promising Startup.” Recognizes a for-profit startup that has achieved significant milestones over the past 18 months. The company has been funded through angel funding, venture capital, or grant funding. The company has been in business for less than five years. Revenues: Pre-revenue – $1 million. 

Development Stage Company Award

“Oregon’s Next Business Home Run.” Recognizes for-profit companies who are improving their product or service and are adding staff to support their growth. Revenues: Projected revenue for the current year of $1 million to $8 million.

Growth Stage Company Award

“Oregon’s Next Household Name.” Recognizes for-profit companies who have a fully marketable product or service and have acquired a critical mass of customers. Revenues: Growing revenues of at least 8 million.

Game Changer Award

Recognizes social enterprises that have a viable business model, a commitment to Impact central to the mission of the business, and a compelling answer to the question, “Why is your solution better than existing solutions?”

About Oregon Entrepreneurs Network

A nonprofit, membership-driven organization with a 28-year track record, OEN connects entrepreneurs to a network of peers and mentors, startup funding opportunities, and hands-on training. OEN helps entrepreneurs thrive.

Contact:
Miles Shattuck
Marketing & Communications Manager
Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN)
(503) 222-2270
miles@oen.org

One comment on “Press Release – Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Announces Semifinalists for the 2019 OEN Tom Holce Entrepreneurship Awards

  1. Hello – I applied for the Entrepreneurship Award. I never received confirmation of my application or notification whether BGood Bars/Judy Goodman was a finalist. I’ve tried to engage with the OEN and follow what you are doing. We are re-branding late winter to “JOR” (check out our video at http://www.jorenergybars.com). Thank you for your consideration.

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