The Business Enterprise Center (BEC), a regional business accelerator, was created in 1988 through a grant from the Oregon State Lottery as a part of the regional strategies program administered by the State of Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. The chronology of our history is found on our timeline.

The most successful incubator in the state outside of the Portland metropolitan area, the BEC has a 19 year history of job creation through business counseling, training, support and assistance to over 100 companies creating over 250 jobs. Its 76% graduation rate approaches that of the 80% metric established by the National Business Incubator Association.

The BEC offers a high tech focus for technology transfer and commercialization of innovation close to OSU, Hewlett Packard, and ONAMI.  Additionally, its focus on cluster development in bio-fuels, energy efficiency, open source software, and nano-technology serves as a nexus for job creation.  The BEC is a good example of organic, grass-root economic development.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The BEC is guided by a board of directors who are local business people, dedicated professionals from large and small companies alike.

BEC STAFF

BEC staff members include executive director Bill Ford and program director Barb Sloan.

FORMER RESIDENTS

The BEC has housed many former residents that have gone on to be successful businesses.