By Malia Spencer - Portland Inno
A pair of consumer apps, crafting kits and sauce makers make up the latest cohort of the West Side Startup Challenge.
The program, run by the Oregon Technology Business Center and sponsored by the City of Beaverton, offers companies a $25,000 investment as well as mentoring and office space for a year.
Five companies were selected from an applicant pool of 49.
Here are the winners:
- CampsEZ, is an online tool to help caregivers find and register children for camps, sports and other activities.
- DIY Bar, is a bar and craft workshop that has materials, tools and tutorials. During the Covid-19 pandemic the company has started shipping craft boxes with activities to consumers and businesses.
- Howl at the Spoon, makes artisan sauces in small packets that are easy for home use or for camping and travel.
- Khalsa Salsa, makes a fusion salsa that includes Indian spices.
- Sport Source, is an app that connects coaches, athletes and trainers to people who have athletic spaces to rent and allows private owners to rent their spaces.
Over the last six years, companies that have participated in the challenge have gone on to raise more than $70 million in additional funding. In addition to the city of Beaverton the challenge also works with the West Startup Fund, which raises money for investment in the companies.
“This is our seventh annual Startup Challenge Competition and we are proud to support these entrepreneurs and their companies,” said Jim McCreight, executive director of OTBC, in a written statement. “We were able to raise over $152,000 this year to invest in these promising young companies.”
The application cycle for the next cohort will open in August 2022.
