June 29, 2019 — The Oregon Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network (RAIN) held its first of two summer workshops this week at the newly minted Florence Maker Space. The Bring Your Idea Workshop walked attendees through a business plan model while introducing RAIN and its resources to local residents.
Ariel Ruben, RAIN’s new rural venture catalyst, led the meeting for the 20 people in attendance.
“RAIN is a statewide organization that essentially builds ecosystems for startups. We work in rural communities. A lot of cities have established networks and resources, accelerators, incubators, coworking spaces, makerspaces and a network of mentors and all that. But a lot of rural communities don’t, as you probably know. So RAIN hires people like me,” she said. “We’re catalyzing new ventures and helping all of you start, begin and launch in rural areas.”
Ruben is based…