As Central Oregon continues to grow, more people are starting businesses in the area, increasing the workforce and encouraging local entrepreneurs. According to experts, Central Oregon is hailed as one of the top regions for entrepreneurship.
A new locally owned company, Patiofyre, took the leap and now manufactures its product in east Bend. In June, three local entrepreneurs launched an eco-friendly, wood pellet patio heater, offering smokeless warmth.
“With the quality of life and the type of product that we chose to bring to the market, I think it’s a prime location for us,” said Matt Korish, co-owner of Patiofyre.
With community support and outreach, the company is growing, with jetlamps at a handful of restaurants.
While startups of all industries have thrived in the region, technology is one of the highest growing sectors, according to Brian Vierra with Economic Development for Central Oregon.
Vierra, who works with start-ups at EDCO, said Bend has become increasingly noteworthy for its high number of start-ups in recent years. This upward trend, Vierra said, can be attributed to a “maturing of the ecosystem,” offering more opportunities for remote work.
As someone who helps provide resources and advice for startups in Central Oregon, Vierra works with about 85 companies, the majority being tech related. According to Vierra, it’s easier to start businesses in the area due to the growing trend of remote work.
“The days of having your entire workforce in an office building in the same town is kind of over,” he said. “There’s a lot of activity going on in Bend on a nationwide scale.”
In 2024, the Milken Institute, a nonprofit think tank, ranked Bend and Redmond in the top six of its Best Performing Small Cities study, noting the region’s strong labor market and high tech industry growth. According to EDCO, tech companies are moving to or starting their businesses in Central Oregon due to high-skilled talent and the quality of life. Employment for high-tech has grown by 50% in Central Oregon since 2018.
Many local industry groups are available to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Bend Outdoor Worx helps scale outdoor startups, while the Bend Entrepreneur Lab focuses on early-stage tech startups.
“A good place to start is just to come to EDCO. Sit down with me, and I can get people pointed in the right direction in terms of who can help them and what resources are out there,” said Vierra.
This article appears in Source Weekly November 21, 2024.
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