Bend is becoming a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity according to a recent article on Entrepreneur.com. In fact, they call Bend the “most entrepreneurial city in America.” Who would have thought, 20 years ago or even 10 years ago, that this former mill town would become a desirable place for people to start new businesses?
The common theme in the article is that people want to live here because of the great schools, first class medical care, and abundant outdoor activities. However, just because a city like Bend is a great place to live doesn’t automatically make it a great place to start a business. To be successful, businesses need things like top of the line internet service, an educated work force, access to capital and a support system that fosters business development. While Bend is not the only city in America that has an internet service provider that is ahead of the curve or a four year university or a strong pool of venture capitalists or an economic development organization it might be the only city with all those things in a super cool place to live.
The beautiful thing about all these new businesses sprouting up in Bend is that they aren’t all from the same industry. There are pharmaceutical companies, software companies, paddles for paddle boards, equine products, and gaming to give you an idea of the diversity. Oh, and don’t forget the breweries.
So whatever your business idea may be, bring it to Bend.