Current Projects
Programs run through Indy Idea Hub provide avenues and resources for carrying out our mission. Learn about current projects directly below and past projects at the bottom of the page.
Growing Rural Oregon (GRO)
Recognizing that Independence already has entrepreneurial talent, GRO helps identify the tools needed to support and uplift our rural entrepreneurs. We aim to better understand and map our current entrepreneurial state, identify areas of opportunities, and ultimately strengthen our entrepreneurial ecosystem through programming, networking, and providing resources.
GRO is an effort funded through The Ford Family Foundation.
Rural Opportunity Initiative (ROI)
Through the Rural Opportunity Initiative, we will assess the health of our current businesses and connect them to the resources they need to be successful through resource fairs, mentorship, and an online research toolkit. Business-to-business connections will support our local economy and strengthen our community’s network. Finally, through a storytelling initiative, we will promote shopping and supporting local.
ROI is an effort funded through Business Oregon.
Business Oregon Technical Assistance
This Technical Assistance (TA) effort is being led by Rural Development Initiatives to support a multi-partner group aiming to provide culturally-specific TA to rural entrepreneurs, including an emphasis on Latinx and tribal small businesses. In addition to Indy Idea Hub, partners also include Foundry, Bohemia Food Hub, and Warm Springs CAT.
Funding for this effort is provided by Business Oregon.
Past Projects
Learn about previous initiatives and completed projects below for more on Indy Idea Hub’s work and impact.
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2020 Technical Assistance Program
Our 2020 Technical Assistance program was a direct response to the hardships created by COVID-19.
We worked one-on-one with business owners to provide local services that would create tangible outcomes that uniquely fit their needs. Tangible results included print media, brand identity, website development, photography, and client outreach strategy. By providing services from local professionals, we supported locals and strengthened community connections.
Additionally, businesses received a review of their digital footprint to better understand their online presence during an online search.
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2019-2021 Rural Opportunity Initiative
The Rural Opportunity Initiative (ROI) is Business Oregon’s strategic effort to empower rural communities to support entrepreneurs and small business growth. ROI helps strengthen and consolidate entrepreneurial ecosystems across Oregon’s rural communities, with an emphasis on diverse and low-income populations.
At its core, ROI is structured to support local opportunities that reflect local priorities in order to empower entrepreneurs to turn concepts into enterprises capable of powering rural economies.
Click on the “Impact Report” below to learn the outcomes of this project.
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2022 Remote Work Experience Program
The Remote Work Experience program provided digital skilling education and practical experience to a cohort of community members in an effort to give them access to better-paying jobs. Indy Idea Hub outlined multiple areas of digital skilling practice, such as graphic design or computer programming, from which participants chose their area of study.
Participants engaged in educational studies for their selected pathway and concluded the program with applied work experience at a local business.
This project was in partnership with Willamette Workforce Partnership.
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2022 Food Business Training
Rural Development Initiatives partnered with Indy Kitchen to bring in-person training for our Latinx community who want to explore how to start a food-based business. Training included permits, licenses, using a commercial kitchen, and start-up costs. Participants also had the opportunity to earn a free food handler’s card.
Funding for this effort was through the Oregon Community Foundation.