Industry: All

Join us as seasoned Oregon exporters share stories about their path to export success! This moderated business panel discussion and professional networking event will focus on global trade, how these producers got started, what they think it takes to succeed, and how they’ve grown their business through exporting. You are guaranteed to learn something new related to international business and meet peer practitioners active in trade.

Hosted by the Oregon District Export Council, it’s the perfect chance to connect with fellow businesses, pick up secrets to success, and get inspired to tackle new markets.

In this event, you will:

Discover essential tips and techniques to enhance your approach to international business!
Connect with industry professionals to expand your professional network!
Explore mentorship opportunities to further your growth in the field!
Be inspired to venture into new markets and expand your global reach!

Entrepreneur and marketing expert Lauren Teague presents a transformative workshop designed specifically for Small and Medium Business (SMB) owners: “Stories to Sales.”
In today’s competitive market, the narrative surrounding your business is as crucial as the products or services you offer. This workshop aims to equip you with the tools and frameworks necessary to define your business values, engage customers with an actionable affinity strategy, and leverage the power of AI for infinite content ideas.
Key Workshop Segments:

Crafting Your Core Values:
Uncover the core values that set your business apart. Learn how to articulate these values in a way that resonates with your audience, establishing a solid foundation for your brand’s narrative.

Actionable Affinity Strategies for Customer Engagement:
Move beyond traditional marketing tactics with an “Actionable Affinity” strategy. Discover how to create meaningful connections with your audience, transforming passive observers into active brand advocates and customers.

Ideas x Infinity: AI for Content Creation:
Embrace the future of content marketing with AI-powered tools. This segment demystifies the use of AI in content creation, teaching you how to generate endless ideas that align with your brand’s values and speak directly to your target market.

Why Attend?
Learn from Lauren Teague, host of the Brand to Fan Show and entreprenuer, who combines practical experience with innovative strategies to help SMBs thrive. Gain actionable insights and frameworks that can be applied immediately to differentiate your business and drive sales.
Connect with local entrepreneurs and business leaders, fostering a community of mutual support and collaboration.

What You Will Gain:
A clear understanding of defining and communicating your business values to forge stronger customer connections.
A strategic blueprint for building brand affinity and loyalty, leading to increased sales and customer engagement.
Hands-on experience with AI tools to streamline your content creation process, ensuring your marketing efforts are efficient and impactful.

This workshop is ideal for business leaders looking to elevate their brand, deepen customer relationships, and harness the latest in content creation technology. Supported by BRC for Clackamas County and the Canby Area Chamber of Commerce, “Stories to Sales” offers a unique opportunity to transform your business narrative into a powerful sales engine.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) invests more than $200 million annually in their SBIR/STTR Program to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. NSF-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new discoveries that help people live longer, healthier and more productive lives, and builds a research foundation that drives further discovery. Join this live virtual SBIR classroom for an overview of the National Science Foundation’s SBIR/STTR grant program. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, we’ll take a deep dive into the NSF program specifics, so you’re equipped for a successful proposal.
You’ll learn:
•Program’s goals and eligibility
•How to navigate the NSF website and use web tools
•The importance of Program Managers
•Application components and proposal scoring
• How to avoid common pitfalls and more!

April 10, 2024
SBIR/STTR ABC’s and Overview of NSF program
Reviewing registrations necessary for submission, strategies for targeting your proposal to meet the reviewers’ expectations, how to approach each section of the proposal, and more. April 17, 2024
Project Description Elements Review the key elements of an NSF proposal. Discuss how to present your Technical Objectives for reviewers to understand your research plan to prove feasibility. Learn about the importance of the commercial plan and how to prepare a compelling commercial plan.
April 24, 2024 Other key elements of the Phase I Budget, bio sketches, facilities, collaborators, and tips on navigating the submission process.

What: A community focused business conference that gets rid of old business conference ways. Imagine a business conference that is fun, e-commerce and tech forward, focused on collaboration, application-based learning, relationship building, and representative of the community we live and work in.

Why: The annual Oregon Small Business Fair that helped many small business owners ended a few years ago. We saw a need for an event like this but knew it had to be built back up in a different, exciting way. The Rational Unicorn Legal Services Team often asks, “Why not?” So, here we are again, making some stuff happen.

For: New or emerging small businesses owners, artists/entertainers, or nonprofit founders/board members.

Programming will include:

Networking coffee and breakfast time before sessions start
Learning sessions focused on application with scheduled repeats (so you don’t miss one and can choose your own adventure)
“Inspire Talks” from small business owners
An intentional and curated experiential trade show where you can meet small business service providers
Live music
Food trucks for lunch
A swag bag of course!
Where: The Factor Building, 226 SE Madison St, Portland OR 97214

When:

Fri, April 26th (Small Business Spring Mingle kickoff party)
Sat, April 27th (10am-4pm)
Sun, April 28th(10am-4pm)
Cost:
General admission:$100
Pay it forward ticket: $200 (buy yourself a ticket and we will give a free ticket out to someone in need!)

Sessions will cover:

How to sell products online on sites like Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon
How to create a website that looks good and maximizes SEO
How to balance work and personal life (and have “you time”)
What is a benefit company? Can I become a “business for good?”
How to identify and communicate your mission and values
What to know about bookkeeping, budgeting, and cash flow
What to know about investors, loans, and community crowdfunding
What to consider when renting a commercial kitchen or building
And much more!
Be inspired by:

Mike Bennett
Elsy Dinvil of Creole Me Up
Jelana Canfield
Mark Mohammadpour
Sarah Shaoul of Small Shops, Big Hearts
And more!

See latest event updates: https://www.rationalunicornlegalservices.com/better-at-business-together-summit

“Where Business, Tech and Innovation Collide in Seattle!

TECHSPO Seattle 2024 is your chance to …
– Check out exhibitors showcasing the next generation of technology & innovation.
– Be inspired, amazed and educated on how these evolving technologies will impact your business for greater growth.
– Interact with technology enthusiasts, build your network and reunite with your peers.

The 3rd annual TECHSPO Seattle, two-day technology expo returns April 29th and 30th, 2024 to The Westin Seattle Hotel in Seattle, Washington. TECHSPO Seattle brings together some of the best developers, brands, marketers, technology providers, designers, innovators and evangelists looking to set the pace in our advanced world of technology. Watch exhibitors showcase the next generation of advances in technology & innovation, including; Internet, Mobile, AdTech, MarTech and SaaS technologies. Be prepared to be inspired, amazed and educated on how these evolving technologies will impact your business for greater growth.

As part of TECHSPO Seattle is a limited attendance event, DigiMarCon Pacific Northwest 2024 Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference (https://digimarconpacificnorthwest.com). If the conference is where the learning, theory and inspiration happens, then the TECHSPO floor is where the testing, networking and product interaction takes place.

For complete details visit https://techsposeattle.com.”

The National Science Foundation (NSF) invests more than $200 million annually in their SBIR/STTR Program to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. NSF-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new discoveries that help people live longer, healthier and more productive lives, and builds a research foundation that drives further discovery. Join this live virtual SBIR classroom for an overview of the National Science Foundation’s SBIR/STTR grant program. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, we’ll take a deep dive into the NSF program specifics, so you’re equipped for a successful proposal.
You’ll learn:
•Program’s goals and eligibility
•How to navigate the NSF website and use web tools
•The importance of Program Managers
•Application components and proposal scoring
• How to avoid common pitfalls and more!

April 10, 2024
SBIR/STTR ABC’s and Overview of NSF program
Reviewing registrations necessary for submission, strategies for targeting your proposal to meet the reviewers’ expectations, how to approach each section of the proposal, and more. April 17, 2024
Project Description Elements Review the key elements of an NSF proposal. Discuss how to present your Technical Objectives for reviewers to understand your research plan to prove feasibility. Learn about the importance of the commercial plan and how to prepare a compelling commercial plan.
April 24, 2024 Other key elements of the Phase I Budget, bio sketches, facilities, collaborators, and tips on navigating the submission process.

Commercialization and transition plans can be a key differentiator in the SBIR/STTR programs, it is important to know what the agencies are looking for and how to go about developing a good plan. This session will review the requirements and guide you through where to start, what to include, and how to show your best self.

We’ll review
• Agency expectations for commercialization plans in your Phase I & II projects
• Where to find cost effective market research
• What to include in your finance plan and revenue stream
• What quality “support & commitment letters” are and more!

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) invites you to explore the innovative businesses propelling our community forward. The Made in Bend Tour offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek into the operations and strategies of four local businesses that are shaping our region’s economic future.

Agenda
10:30 AM: Meet at Brian’s Cabinets for welcome remarks and group formation
10:45 AM: Walking Tours begin – Representatives from No Bake Cookie Company, Humm Kombucha, Brian’s Cabinets, and Crux Fermentation Project will peel back the curtain on their business strategies, offering insights into their supply chains, manufacturing, employment, and business growth.
12:45 PM: Catered lunch and an economic development update from EDCO
2:00 PM: Adjourn

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with the businesses and leaders at the forefront of Central Oregon’s economic expansion. Space is limited, and interest is high. Secure your spot today.

Join Attorney Lindy Laurence for a presentation and Q&A session where we discuss how AI affects/will affect things like:

Small business branding
Content creation
Intellectual property ownership and transactions
Privacy, consumer protection
Employment
This is a currently developing legal area so the topics may change based on congress passed legislation, presidential executive actions, and future decided Supreme Court case decisions.

Who should attend this class? Business owners or sole proprietors at all stages of operation.

Presenter: Attorney Lindy Laurence

Cost: Community Pricing $10, $20, $35 (For our webinars, we use “pay what you can” pricing to be accessible to the community.)

You’ve registered your intellectual property. Now what? Join Attorney Joe Anderson for a presentation and Q&A session where we discuss:

How to watch/protect your IP even after registered
Who owns IP (IP defaults/contracting ownership)
Licensing
Filing for additional IP registrations/growing your IP portfolio
Year 5/6 renewal process for maintaining existing trademarks
Who should attend this class? Business owners or sole proprietors at all stages of operation.

Presenter: Attorney Joe Anderson

Cost: Community Pricing $10, $20, $35 (For our webinars, we use “pay what you can” pricing to be accessible to the community.)