What happens when a lifelong software developer brings startup instincts, creative fire, and a hacker’s mindset to rural economic development? The answer takes center stage at the next IDEA Talk featuring Paul Schuytema, Executive Director of the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County and tech entrepreneur.

Schuytema currently leads regional economic development efforts across Lincoln County and the entire Oregon Coast, with a strategic focus on the rapidly expanding Blue Economy – where marine science, sustainability, technology, and entrepreneurship collide. In addition to his regional leadership role, he serves as Chair of the Cascades West Economic Development District, Past President of the Yaquina Bay Economic Foundation, and a Board Member for Oregon Coast Community College.

But long before “economic developer” appeared on his business card, Schuytema was deep in the code. For more than two decades, he worked at the cutting edge of software development and digital creativity. He founded Magic Lantern Playware, a computer game company, and the Center for Creative Software Development at the University of Illinois. He has authored more than a dozen technical books, published over 200 articles, and designed commercial software products that have sold well over one million units worldwide. His custom content-management technology still powers 60 active websites today.

At this IDEA Talk, Schuytema will connect the dots between technology, creativity, entrepreneurship, and place-based economic development, offering insights especially relevant to rural communities navigating rapid change. Attendees can expect a conversation that’s thoughtful, accessible, and refreshingly unpretentious – equal parts seasoned perspective and startup-era curiosity.

Modeled after TED style talks, IDEA Talks are designed for business owners, entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone with an interest in the growing entrepreneurial culture in Klamath County. Attendees will gain fresh insights, actionable ideas, and meaningful connections to help strengthen their ventures and the local business ecosystem.

The event will take place on Tuesday, April 21 at 5:30pm at the Brevada Annex (2229 N. Eldorado in Klamath Falls). Appetizers and two drink tickets are included in the $15 per person admission. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for networking and the IDEA Talk will start at approximately 6:15 p.m. Visit www.klamathidea.org for tickets and more information.

The 2025-2026 IDEA Talks season is sponsored by Sage Credit Union and the Klamath Community College Small Business Development Center. Additional support is provided by the City of Klamath Falls, Klamath County, The Ford Family Foundation’s Growing Rural Oregon program, and through Oregon State Lottery Funds administered by Business Oregon.

What is Badger Venture?

KCC’s Badger Venture is an innovation and entrepreneurship concept and pitch competition open to KCC students and alumni!

It was designed to encourage KCC students to consider how a concept, prototype, or service might address a user-centered problem the project team identifies through early research, and that could be designed, manufactured, or delivered in-person or remotely from South Central Oregon and holds potential for economic or job growth.

Who can compete in Badger Venture?
Current degree — or certificate-seeking KCC students or alumni who graduated with a degree or certificate in the past six years, 2019-2024. See rules for additional information about team composition and how to register.

Through Badger Venture, teams will:
develop a new concept, prototype, or service or an innovation for an existing business model,
work with a faculty mentor and SBDC advisor to develop a pitch, and present their pitch to a panel of outside judges for prizes on April 22!

Registration not required – please feel free to come and support our students!

Fuel your entrepreneurial spirit with inspiration, connection, and growth!

Join us at WaFd Bank in Dallas, OR for a dynamic gathering of entrepreneurs and business owners in Dallas, Oregon’s business scene.

What to Expect:
Networking: Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and business owners

Inspiration: Share ideas and stories that will spark your creativity and motivate you

Education: Learn valuable business tips and strategies from your peers

Support: Get encouragement and advice from your community

Why Attend?
Expand Your Network: Forge connections with like-minded entrepreneurs in Dallas Oregon’s vibrant startup scene

Gain Knowledge: Sharpen your skills and learn from seasoned professionals

Boost Your Business: Get actionable tips and inspiration to take your business to the next level

Find Your Group: Be part of a supportive community who understand the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship

Join us for coffee, connections, and conversations that inspire growth! 🚀

Join us for a dynamic gathering of entrepreneurs and business owners in Independence’s business scene. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, these monthly Coffee Clubs are your space to tackle challenges, uncover resources, and launch what’s next. So bring your questions, your roadblocks, and your ideas – we’ll talk through them together in a collaborative, supportive space.

Partners:

Indy Idea Hub

Indy Idea Hub supports business owners in Polk County with mentorship, resources, and a collaborative network. By championing values like inclusion, flexibility, and deliberate action, Indy Idea Hub builds a resilient and innovative economic culture for rural communities.

Indy Commons

Indy Commons is a vibrant coworking and community space in Independence, OR, offering:

Collaborative Workspace: A shared environment for freelancers, startups, and remote workers.

Culinary Space: Indy Kitchen, a facility designed for food entrepreneurs.

Local Market: Featuring products from businesses in the community.

Creative Spaces: A podcast studio and event space to bring ideas to life.

See you at Indy Coffee Club!

A gathering designed to celebrate women’s economic influence and create space to learn, connect, and be inspired.

Join us this April in Portland for Women. Money. Power. — a gathering designed to celebrate women’s economic influence and create space to learn, connect, and be inspired.

📅 Date: April 30
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Portland, Oregon (final venue details coming soon)
🎟️ Cost: $50
A portion of ticket sales will be donated to AllRaise.

We want this event to be accessible to everyone. A limited number of Community Tickets will be available for those who may not be able to purchase a full-price ticket – please email the event organizers.

Why Attend?

Women play a critical role in shaping our economy from driving consumer spending to leading businesses, managing households, and influencing investments and philanthropy.

This is meant to be an authentic experience where we can learn from others and realize just how powerful women are when it comes to driving economic and community outcomes.

What to Expect:

You’ll hear from women leading across finance, investing, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship alongside interactive breakout sessions designed to make money more understandable and actionable. Be prepared to share your experiences and learn from others.

Please note that the event organizer reserves the right to deny entry to anyone who is suspected of solicitation or dishonest or demonstrates disrespectful behavior.

Breakout topics include:

Personal Money Foundations
Money & Relationships
Investing & Growing Wealth
Entrepreneurship & Ownership
Philanthropy & Collective Giving
AI and Women’s Wealth

Running a business with purpose can feel lonely. Finding customers who share your values takes time you don’t always have. And knowing which people, services, and businesses can actually help you grow — or who to turn to when you’re stuck on a problem? That’s the kind of thing that usually happens by accident.

This event is designed to make it happen on purpose.

Join us for an evening of Business Speed Dating — a warm, structured, high-energy gathering for mission-driven business leaders who are ready to show up for each other. You’ll get time in the spotlight to share what your business does, what you stand for, and why people should work with you. You’ll hear directly from fellow purpose-led folks about what they’re looking for and what they’re struggling with right now. And in small, rotating groups, real conversations happen fast — the kind that turn into referrals, customers, solutions, and collaborators who actually share your values.

We believe that when values-aligned businesses find each other, everybody wins. Not just the bottom line — but the communities, causes, and people those businesses serve. Everyone in the room is here for the same reason: to grow their business, get unstuck, and help others do the same. That’s what makes it work.

You’ll leave having:

Shared your business and your mission with a room full of like-minded potential customers and collaborators
Heard what other purpose-driven businesses need — and discovered where you can help
Received real input and fresh perspectives on challenges you’re currently facing
Made genuine connections with peers who do business the way you do
And walking away with leads, warm introductions, and real momentum
This is for leaders who know that the right room — full of the right people — can change everything.

Spots are limited to keep groups small and conversations meaningful. Free for members of On Purpose Oregon (formerly B Local PDX). Register now and come ready to give as much as you get.