Item A: Envision Eugene - Economic Development

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Attachment A c.eDev Services: eDev provides training and financing resources to encourage the growth of Lane County microenterprises. The City helps fund these services to Eugene-based entrepreneurs, and approved a one-time increase in funding to address economic conditions. So far, there have been over 200 clients assisted. Leader: eDev d.Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) Loan Program: LCOG assists small businesses in utilizing various government loans, including local, state or federal programs. Leader: Lane Council of Governments BowTech, an advanced manufacturer of archery equipment and now a large employer in West Eugene, grew with help from BDF and LCOG’s loan programs. 2.Energize Creative Economy Intensive training, business mentoring, peer networking, and finding entrepreneurs the capital resources they need to launch their endeavors are all parts of the strategy to energize Eugene’s creative economy. Current activities underway include: a.Smart Ups Academy: The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Oregon Technology Business Center and the City of Eugene, is launching an academy designed to develop investor-ready businesses. A twenty-step program to guide entrepreneurs to a point where they are ready to make presentations to investors, the program recently hired a new facilitator th and will begin on February 17. Leader: Eugene Chamber of Commerce b.Southern Willamette Angel Network (SWAN): An investor network begun in July of 2009 that connects early stage and seed businesses from the Southern Willamette Valley with angel and venture investors. SWAN specializes in reviewing entrepreneur business plans from the Eugene portion of the valley. Entrepreneurs and start-ups can submit their business plans for coaching and ultimately vying for between $200,000 and $2,000,000 in investment. The next Willamette Angel Conference will be held in May in the City of Eugene.