About SmartUps

Smart-ups, the entrepreneurial support group in Eugene, is a local chapter of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) of Portland.

Our Mission

Creating a culture of entrepreneurs who are well-informed and connected is the beginning of a prosperous, sustainable community. By the work of many, our goal is to improve the climate for Oregon’s Willamette Valley emerging, growth-oriented companies using education, networking, and capital development resources.

EDUCATION | workshops: Day One & Academy, coaching, and mentoring

NETWORKING | pub-talk events, socials, and start-up expos

CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT | angel and venture development + strategic partnerships

The Birth of SmartUps

Caroline Cummings (former CEO/co-founder of OsoEco) and Nathan Lillegard (CEO/co-founder of Floragenex)  are entrepreneurs who were seeking to increase local opportunities that would connect them with peers, partners, mentors, continuing education, and investors.  As a result – Smart-ups was born in February 2008.

Most great ventures are developed in partnership with other passionate people.  The following organizations have been a vital part of the development and success of the SmartUps entrepreneur program.

Thanks to our Sponsors

We’d like to thank our primary sponsors for their support. They are Endeavor Law, Click Refresh, Pacific Continental, Palo Alto Software and Moss Adams LLP.

We’d also like Forward Thinking, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network and the Oregon Small Business Development Center.