March 14, 2017
To:
Eugene Mayor
Eugene City Council
Lane County Commissioners Office
Dear Oregon Representatives,
We are a group of citizens and residents writing to express our support and gratitude for RAIN Eugene. We have observed or led businesses that have passed through RAIN Eugene’s accelerator program, and we wanted to let you know how valuable the organization is to the growth of a vibrant Oregon economy.
As new businesses navigating the pressures of the startup world, one of the key elements to our success is a community of support. The work of RAIN Eugene, particularly that of Mr. Joe Maruschak, provides that support unconditionally, completely, and at every level. The organization is providing young businesses with the lift needed to take our ventures from idea to reality -- from invaluable lessons on developing strong business models; to providing the physical space for us to meet; to one-on-one coaching.
Yet RAIN Eugene’s work goes beyond supporting young businesses - it is creating a true entrepreneurial ecosystem. Mentors, business leaders, and investors routinely come through the space to inspire and advise local founders, transforming the lonely work of a starting a business into one of belonging to a group of businesses that can collectively shape our economy. Several member companies have dedicated office spaces, yet choose to return to the RAIN workspace to be a part of the culture that is taking shape.
If you share our conviction that Oregon is an incredible place to build a company, we ask you to increase the level of support for Eugene RAIN so it can continue its crucial work. The organization’s potential is huge, yet in its nascent stage, it is also fragile. We hope you decide to support its growth so it can continue to provide a jump start to aspiring Oregon entrepreneurs searching for ways to make our state a better place to work and live.
We invite you to contact or visit us at RAIN Eugene’s workspace in downtown Eugene. We remain dedicated to building a healthy and sustainable Oregon economy of the future.
Yours,
The undersigned
Updates
January 10, 2017
The feedback from local founders has been constant and sometimes exhausting to process. I am currently spending every spare hour documenting these stories to ensure the city council cannot ignore the reality of what RAIN provides. It is draining work but the necessity of keeping this ecosystem alive keeps me pushing forward.
January 10, 2017
Reaching this level of support has been a heavy experience that makes the long hours feel worthwhile. The road ahead remains exhausting but knowing we are not alone in this fight keeps me moving forward.
Reached 100 supporters
January 10, 2017
73 Comments
Without the education and support of RAIN my business would not be where it is today. My business has grown almost three fold since leaving the RAIN accelerator. I have received over $120k in combined equity and debt funding and will be looking to add employees as we continue to grow. I could not have done it without RAIN.
I went from being a sophomore at the University of Oregon to starting my business in a period of just six months because of the mentorship and community RAIN provides. RAIN is the reason I decided to start my company in Eugene and has provided me with the network and opportunity to have a lifelong career in Oregon.
RAIN Eugene has helped me tremendously with my startup company. I'm just about to hire my first two employees and will be hiring more people within the year. This is due to the help that the RAIN Eugene staff has provided.
I went through the RAIN program last year and found it extremely helpful in managing my current family business challenges and transition. Joe Maruschek and Shane Johnson specifically have given very valuable insight, feedback and support. I would not be in business today without their help.
RAIN is creating sustainable employment opportunities and recession-proof economic security in a city which needs to compete for resources with much larger cities. Taking away funding from RAIN now is extremely short-sighted and will have negative fiscal consequences to the State that are a multiple of any short-term savings.
RAIN Eugene is an invaluable resource to the start-ups in our community that will evolve into the small businesses of the future.
When I first moved to Eugene, I engaged with RAIN for networking specifically within the tech community. This organization is essential for employees of all ages and experiences.
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March 14, 2017
To:
Eugene Mayor
Eugene City Council
Lane County Commissioners Office
Dear Oregon Representatives,
We are a group of citizens and residents writing to express our support and gratitude for RAIN Eugene. We have observed or led businesses that have passed through RAIN Eugene’s accelerator program, and we wanted to let you know how valuable the organization is to the growth of a vibrant Oregon economy.
As new businesses navigating the pressures of the startup world, one of the key elements to our success is a community of support. The work of RAIN Eugene, particularly that of Mr. Joe Maruschak, provides that support unconditionally, completely, and at every level. The organization is providing young businesses with the lift needed to take our ventures from idea to reality -- from invaluable lessons on developing strong business models; to providing the physical space for us to meet; to one-on-one coaching.
Yet RAIN Eugene’s work goes beyond supporting young businesses - it is creating a true entrepreneurial ecosystem. Mentors, business leaders, and investors routinely come through the space to inspire and advise local founders, transforming the lonely work of a starting a business into one of belonging to a group of businesses that can collectively shape our economy. Several member companies have dedicated office spaces, yet choose to return to the RAIN workspace to be a part of the culture that is taking shape.
If you share our conviction that Oregon is an incredible place to build a company, we ask you to increase the level of support for Eugene RAIN so it can continue its crucial work. The organization’s potential is huge, yet in its nascent stage, it is also fragile. We hope you decide to support its growth so it can continue to provide a jump start to aspiring Oregon entrepreneurs searching for ways to make our state a better place to work and live.
We invite you to contact or visit us at RAIN Eugene’s workspace in downtown Eugene. We remain dedicated to building a healthy and sustainable Oregon economy of the future.
Yours,
The undersigned
Updates
January 10, 2017
The feedback from local founders has been constant and sometimes exhausting to process. I am currently spending every spare hour documenting these stories to ensure the city council cannot ignore the reality of what RAIN provides. It is draining work but the necessity of keeping this ecosystem alive keeps me pushing forward.
January 10, 2017
Reaching this level of support has been a heavy experience that makes the long hours feel worthwhile. The road ahead remains exhausting but knowing we are not alone in this fight keeps me moving forward.
Reached 100 supporters
January 10, 2017
73 Comments
As the founder of three successful start ups I can say that, in over 30 years of doing business in Eugene, nothing like RAIN has ever existed to help start ups or to connect the business community to make things happen. It would be a huge mistake not to fund this vital and vibrant program.
Without the education and support of RAIN my business would not be where it is today. My business has grown almost three fold since leaving the RAIN accelerator. I have received over $120k in combined equity and debt funding and will be looking to add employees as we continue to grow. I could not have done it without RAIN.
I went from being a sophomore at the University of Oregon to starting my business in a period of just six months because of the mentorship and community RAIN provides. RAIN is the reason I decided to start my company in Eugene and has provided me with the network and opportunity to have a lifelong career in Oregon.
RAIN Eugene has helped me tremendously with my startup company. I'm just about to hire my first two employees and will be hiring more people within the year. This is due to the help that the RAIN Eugene staff has provided.
I went through the RAIN program last year and found it extremely helpful in managing my current family business challenges and transition. Joe Maruschek and Shane Johnson specifically have given very valuable insight, feedback and support. I would not be in business today without their help.
RAIN is creating sustainable employment opportunities and recession-proof economic security in a city which needs to compete for resources with much larger cities. Taking away funding from RAIN now is extremely short-sighted and will have negative fiscal consequences to the State that are a multiple of any short-term savings.
RAIN Eugene is an invaluable resource to the start-ups in our community that will evolve into the small businesses of the future.
When I first moved to Eugene, I engaged with RAIN for networking specifically within the tech community. This organization is essential for employees of all ages and experiences.
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As the founder of three successful start ups I can say that, in over 30 years of doing business in Eugene, nothing like RAIN has ever existed to help start ups or to connect the business community to make things happen. It would be a huge mistake not to fund this vital and vibrant program.