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(Updated: Adds video and comments from co-founders and entrepreneurs)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The new Bend Entrepreneur Lab says it’s focused on providing direct support to early-stage technology entrepreneurs in central Oregon.
BEL co-founders are Scott Douglass, Carrie M. Douglass, and Nicolas H. Pluche.
Counselor Liz Spragg wanted to start a startup for mental health professionals, but felt she lacked the necessary experience.
“I was just kind of explaining some of my struggles as a counselor,” she recalled Tuesday. “Then he said, ‘Oh my gosh, you have so many ideas! I hope you can help me develop ideas that can not only help you, but help more counselors. Maybe you should.’ And that’s how it went from there.”
“I’ve never been an entrepreneur like that scene,” Spragg added.
Through her partnership with Bend Entrepreneur Lab, she was able to get her company Golden Thread off the ground.
The lab will provide legal, communications and accounting services to entrepreneurs like Spragg.
“Our goal with the Entrepreneurship Lab is to support technology entrepreneurs and innovation in Central Oregon and allow them to develop opportunities to grow specific areas here,” said Scott Douglas. Stated.
Entrepreneur Frédéric Levy has also partnered with Entrepreneur Lab for his startup NewEcom.ai, which aims to transform the way people shop online.
Levy spent many years in New York before moving to Bend.
“We believe that in the post-COVID era, motivating, building teams, and attracting talent in ultra-expensive cities like San Francisco and New York is much more complex.” he said.
The connections he made through the lab and local community played a key role in the early stages of his company.
“It’s all about community and the ability to create something special and more human,” Levy said. “In a big city, you can certainly build a great company, but I don’t think you’ll ever be able to fully integrate into your community and create a special spirit.”
Bend Entrepreneur Lab is headquartered at The Haven Coworking on the upper Deschutes River. We offer a variety of resources, including flexible workspaces, conference rooms, meeting spaces, and media equipment.
“Our vision is a place where aspiring entrepreneurs, including talent from underrepresented communities, can start and grow companies for the benefit of their communities and economies,” said Carrie Douglas. “It’s about putting Bend on the map.”
The Bend Entrepreneur Lab is looking to work with two to three Bend company founders in its first year. We encourage people to visit our website if they have a startup idea.
Bend Entrepreneur Lab operates for equity purposes. In other words, you receive shares in the company. If a program chooses to work with an entrepreneur, the entrepreneur will be given access to resources.
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