For startups, Portland area getting better. More programs are offering funds, advice to help new companies get off the ground

A decade ago, the Portland area had one business incubator providing fledgling companies with low-cost space or other help. Now it has at least eight incubators or other business assistance programs.

The change signals the metro area’s increasingly diversified and innovative economy, expert observers say. But, they add, the region has a long way to go before it ranks among the nation’s best cities to start a business.

Governments, universities or other nonprofit organizations finance incubators to help new companies survive, although the two newest metro-area incubators are for-profits seeking a fee or an equity stake.

JONATHAN BRINCKMAN
The Oregonian Staff

Full Story: http://www.oregonlive.com/business/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/1204086329319820.xml&coll=7

(Many thanks to the NASVF http://www.nasvf.org for passing this story along. Russ)