Serving the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon and Washington, providing regional economic development and business assistance.Mid–Columbia Economic Development District

Mid Columbia Economic Development District strives to promote the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat and Skamania Counties

MCEDD is organized as a government non-profit in Oregon as an ORS-190 and in Washington through RCW 39.34.010.

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Gorge Pitch Fest

April 28, 2023 – Wasco County Innovation Initiative partners are pleased to announce the launch of a small business pitch competition on June 14, 5:30 p.m. at the Granada Theater in The Dalles! The competition invites entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas and compete for a chance to win funding and exposure. The competition is open to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Wasco, Sherman, and Hood River counties, who are seeking financial support and a platform to showcase their products or services. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their business idea in front of a panel of judges comprised of industry experts and investors, and the chance to win a grand prize of $7,000 in funding. Additional cash prizes will be awarded for second place, third place, and the audience’s favorite pitch. The competition aims to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation and provide a networking opportunity for participants. In addition to funding, winners will receive valuable exposure to potential investors, customers, and business partners. Información del evento Pitch Fest en español aquí.   Interested in Pitching? To participate, applicants can complete an application outlining their business idea, including a description of their product or service, target market, and growth strategy. Selected applicants will be invited to pitch their idea in front of the judges at a live event, where they will have the opportunity to answer questions and receive feedback. The application is available here!  The application deadline date is May 26, 2023, and selected applicants will be enrolled in pitch coaching provided by Columbia Gorge Small Business Development Center and Oregon Startup Center. Interested in Sponsoring? All sponsorship dollars go directly to the awards for the businesses pitching!  Learn more about different sponsorship levels and benefits here. Contact Carrie to become a sponsor today! Interested in Attending? Attendance is free but requires a ticket through Eventbrite here! Entry includes appetizers and the opportunity to vote on your favorite pitch. Partners Wasco Innovation Initiative partners involved in this event include Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, Columbia Gorge Small Business Development Center, Port of The Dalles, Columbia Gorge Community College, Business Oregon, the Wasco County Economic Development Commission, and The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce. This event is hosted partially thanks to a grant received from Business Oregon’s Rural Opportunities Initiative program and is supported by the sponsors noted below. Questions? Email planning committee chair Carrie Pipinich at carrie@mcedd.org.             [Continue Reading]

MCEDD

802 Chenowith Loop Rd,
The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone: (541) 296-2266

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