Cottage Grove Business Challenge - Up to $10,000 in Prize Money, Networking and Mentorship Opportunities, Chance to Pitch to Local Investors
In 2017, a local resident and business owner walked into the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce office with an idea about how to encourage entrepreneurship, create new jobs and give back to the community that contributed to his own success. Harold Frazier of New Breed Seed Company donated $10,000 and said he simply wanted it to go to someone with a great business plan that would create new jobs in the Cottage Grove area.
The Chamber of Commerce, Cottage Grove Community Development Corporation and RAIN Eugene joined for several months of meeting, and in those meetings the Cottage Grove Business Challenge was born. Twenty-four hopeful entrepreneurs took the challenge and three were chosen to receive funds to help start/expand their businesses.
This year entrepreneurs are invited once again, to take the challenge and submit their business plan ideas for a chance to win up to $10,000 in start-up funding. Please see ‘Participant Information’ on the website (www.cgbizplan.com) for details. Those who accept the challenge will have access to a series of classes through Lane Community College and the Lane Small Business Development Center, Liveplan business plan writing software will be provided by Palo Alto, as well as mentor support from seasoned business leaders. Classes begin March 20, 2019. Submissions for the Cottage Grove Business Challenge are due May, 1st 2019 (emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
The Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce presents Shades of Ireland! We are excited to announce a special invitation to join us in November of 2019 for a 10 day all-inclusive tour of Ireland! This year we are partnering with Collette. Collette’s tours open the door to a world of amazing destinations. Marvel at must-see sights, sample regional cuisine, stay in centrally located hotels and connect with new and captivating cultures. Their itineraries offer an inspiring and easy way to experience the world, when an expert guide takes care of all the details.
Highlights: Dublin, Irish Evening, Kilkenny, Waterford, Choices on Tour, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Farm Visit, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Castle Stay.
An exclusive benefit for Cottage Grove Chamber members for only $3,229 per person based on double occupancy. This trip is available to non-Chamber members for an additional charge of $200 per person. The trip departs November 4, 2019 returning November 13, 2019.
Your trip includes:
● Roundtrip international airfare
● Attraction
● Air taxes, fees/surcharges
● Hotel transfers
● 13 meals: 8 breakfasts, 5 dinners
An orientation will be held on Tuesday April 2, 2019, 7:00pm in the Reception Hall at the Community Center, 700 E. Gibbs. Laura Hernandez from Collette will join us and be available to answer any questions you may have about this amazing opportunity. We’d like to know if you’re interested in attending the orientation so give us a call at 541-942-2411 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Community Center / Library
700 E Gibbs Avenue
Cottage Grove OR 97424
Welcome to Cottage Grove from all of us here at the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.
Whether visiting Cottage Grove, or a lifetime resident, it is obvious this town and its surroundings are very special. With two rivers, two lakes, waterfalls, and nature trails...outdoor activities abound. Our historic downtown, museums, and covered bridges offer historical activities and shopping. But it's the people who make Cottage Grove a truly magical place. So, again, welcome.
