New Bend incubator lab provides assistance to tech entrepreneurs launching startups

(Update: adding video, comments from co-founders, entrepreneurs)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The new Bend Entrepreneur Lab says it focuses on providing direct support to early-stage tech entrepreneurs in Central Oregon.

BEL's co-founders are Scott Douglass, Carrie M. Douglass and Nicolas H. Pluche.

Counselor Liz Spragg wanted to create a startup for mental health professionals, but felt she lacked the necessary experience.

"I was just kind of describing some of my struggles as a counselor," she recalled Tuesday. "And he was like, 'My gosh, you have so many ideas~ Maybe you should help make them into something that could help more counselors than just you.' And so that kind of started there."

"I've never been an entrepreneur like around that scene," Spragg added.

Through a partnership with the Bend Entrepreneur Lab, she was able to get her company, Golden Thread, off the ground.

The lab will provide legal, communications and accounting services to entrepreneurs like Spragg.

Scott Douglass said, "Our goal for the entrepreneur lab is to support tech entrepreneurs and innovation in Central Oregon so that we can be able to develop those opportunities for growing that specific sector here."

Entrepreneur Frédéric Lévy also partnered with the entrepreneur lab for his startup, NewEcom.ai, which aims to transform the way people shop online.

 Lévy spent many years in New York moving to Bend.

"We think it's super-complex now, after COVID, to create motivation, a team and to attract talent in super-expensive cities like San Francisco and New York," he said.

The connections he's made through the lab and in the local community have played a vital role in the early stages of his company.

"Everything is about the community and the ability to to create something special which is more human." Lévy said. "In the big city, you can create a nice company, for sure. But I don't think you will ever really integrate in your community and and create a special spirit."

The Bend Entrepreneur Lab is headquartered at The Haven Co-working, above the Deschutes River. It offers a wide variety of resources, including flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, conference spaces and media equipment. 

Carrie Douglass said, "Our vision is to put Bend on the map as a place where aspiring entrepreneurs, including talent from underrepresented communities, can start and grow their company, for the benefit of our local community and economy,"

In its first year, the Bend Entrepreneur Lab is looking to work with two to three founders of companies in Bend. If you have a startup idea, they encourage people to reach out on their website.

The Bend Entrepreneur Lab works for equity, meaning they receive shares in a company. If the program chooses to work with an entrepreneur, then they'll be given access to the resources.