​The Mini Conference
​Hosted by the Metro Region Innovation Hub and HERE, this is a first-of-its-kind, day-long conference to help founders and tech startups navigate the obstacle course of early stage business development.

​Seeking Investment capital? A brand strategy? Wondering about your sales funnel? No matter your challenge, this is the place to get you past the confusion. Experts and prospective business partners in multiple disciplines will be on hand for you to learn from, huddle with, and grow your local network.

​The day will feature panel discussions, presentations, Q&A sessions and 1-on-1 advising with business investors and professional service consultants.

​This mini-conference is best suited for early stage startups that involve technology-based innovation. As this is an educational conference, pitching, selling, and solicitations will be prohibited.

​Lunch is included. Space is limited to the first 80 registrants. Walk-in registrations will not be available.

​Registration closes February 5. Early pricing ends January 28 ($35 registration fee beginning 1/28).

​Agenda
​8a – Welcome & Networking

​9a – Panel Discussion: Bootstrapping Your Startup to Success

​10:15a – Concurrent Sessions:
Session 1: Brand Strategy 101
Session 2: How to Find Your Customers

​11:15a – Concurrent Sessions:
Session 1: Bookkeeping for Beginners
Session 2: Work Culture: Starting It Up Right
​
Noon – Lunch & Panel Discussion: How to Approach Early Stage Investors

​1:15p – Concurrent Sessions:
Session 1: Digital Marketing 101
Session 2: Building Your First Tech Stack

​2:15p – Concurrent Sessions:
Session 1: Websites that Work
Session 2: Mobile-Based Businesses: Considerations and Cautions

​3:15p – Fireside Chat: An Entrepreneur’s Journey to Raising $1M

​4:15p – Social Hour & Networking

​5p – Conference Close

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​Hosts
​The Metro Region Innovation Hub is a collaborative network serving entrepreneurs in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties by centralizing access to mentorship, capital, and professional resources. Its mission is to foster a more inclusive and resilient startup ecosystem in the Portland metro area by bridging gaps for founders at every stage of their business journey. Learn more at https://www.portlandmetrohub.org/

​HERE helps Portland-area businesses find Portland-based freelancers and independent consultants providing professional services. HERE consultants provide professional offerings in marketing, technology, operations, real estate and other business-to-business service areas. Learn more at https://www.hereforpdx.net/