Got a Great Idea?
We want to help it take flight. Apply to OEN’s Angel Oregon 2017 Concept Stage Competition for an opportunity to:
- Hone your pitch and business plan
- Get coaching & mentoring from business leaders
- Present to 300+ investors and business leaders at OEN’s annual Angel Oregon Showcase
- Win a prize package of goods and services (worth at least $20,000)
Applicants may also be considered for loans ranging from $25,000 – $250,000 through Business Oregon’s Small Business Expansion Program.
Additionally, women and minority entrepreneurs may be considered for cash awards (not loans, not equity!) of $10,000 from the Portland Development Commission. For this award, we are seeking companies that are led by teams or founders who are diverse in terms of gender, race, veteran status, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and other demographics that are typically underrepresented in the startup community.
Angel Oregon was such a great experience for us. It’s so important to step back and look at the big picture, and really helpful to have experienced people look at your company and ask the important questions.”
Eligibility Requirements
OEN’s Angel Oregon 2017 Program is only open to companies located in Oregon or Clark County, Washington.
Companies participating in the Concept Stage competition typically:
- Have a great idea, and are close to “proof of concept”
- Are in the process of testing their product in the market
- Have little if any revenue – yet
If you have already generated revenue, completed your business plan, and developed your product or service, you may be a better fit for our Early Stage Competition. Please review our Early Stage criteria here.
Timeline
January 19: Early-Bird Application Deadline
January 19: Early-Bird Application Deadline
Applicants who submit by the early-bird deadline will get a chance to pitch at our February 8 PubTalk PitchFest. Other applicants may be able to participate on a space-available basis.
January 26: Application Deadline
January 26: Application Deadline
Appliations are due by 11:59 PM on Thursday, January 26. Once the application period is closed, OEN’s Angel Oregon Selection Committee will review all applications and determine which companies most closely fit the program’s criteria.
February 8: PubTalk PitchFest
February 8: PubTalk PitchFest
Applicants who submitted by the early-bird deadline will make a one-minute pitch to an audience of 100 entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders at our February PubTalk.
February 10: First Cut
February 10: First Cut
Applicants will be notified if they have or have not made the first cut. Those who make the first cut are invited to present to the Angel Oregon Selection Committee. Those who do not will receive feedback from a member of the selection committee.
February 23: Applicants Pitch to Selection Committee
February 23: Applicants Pitch to Selection Committee
Companies who made the first cut are invited to make a five-minute pitch to the Angel Oregon Selection Committee.
February 28: Semifinalists Announced
February 28: Semifinalists Announced
Companies will be notified if they have or have not been selected as a semifinalist. Semifinalists will be invited to make a seven-minute pitch to the Selection Committee.
March 16: Semifinalists Pitch to Selection Committee
March 16: Semifinalists Pitch to Selection Committee
Semifinalists are invited to make a seven-minute pitch to the Selection Committee.
March 23: Finalists Announced
March 23: Finalists Announced
Companies will be notified if they have or have not been selected as a finalist. Finalists will be invited for a final round of Q&A with the Selection Committee.
April 6: Finalist Q&A
April 6: Finalist Q&A
Finalists participate in a final round of Q&A with the Selection Committee.
April 26: Finalist Reception
April 26: Finalist Reception
Finalists are invited to a private evening reception with the Investment Team the evening prior to the Angel Oregon Showcase.
April 27: Winners Announced
April 27: Winners Announced
The first and second-place winners will be announced at OEN’s Angel Oregon Showcase, which will take place on April 27 at Castaway. Presenting companies will have the opportunity to make their pitch to an audience of 300+ investors and business leaders. Finalists from the 2017 Program are automatically invited to present at the Showcase, and all applicants to the 2017 Program will be considered for participation in the Showcase.
Application Fees
The cost to apply to the Angel Oregon 2017 Concept Stage Competition is $35 for OEN members and $95 for non-members. The non-member rate includes one year of OEN Concept Stage Membership (cost of $60, with a $200 value). All applicants will receive:
- Feedback from experienced business leaders at various points throughout the Angel Oregon process
- Free admission to two OEN workshops on pitching and valuation ($40 value)
- 50% off the ticket price to our Angel Oregon Showcase on Thursday, April 27
Those who apply by the early-bird deadline of January 19 will be invited to make a one-minute pitch at our February PitchFest PubTalk. (Other applicants may be able to participate if space allows.) Finalists will receive complimentary one-on-one presentation coaching.
