Northeastern Oregon: Home to Economic Development

Small businesses are the driving force for the economic progress of communities throughout the country. Northeastern Oregon is composed of many individuals and organizations that are part of that continuous effort. The Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) prioritizes economic and community development as a one-stop resource for relocation information, business support, local incentives and economic development efforts.  This May, there are two exceptional efforts designed to bring awareness to these efforts - National Small Business Week (NSBW) and National Economic Development Week.  

May 2022 recognition

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has promoted National Small Business Week in the first week of May for more than 50 years. In 2022, NSBW runs from May 2-5 with a virtual summit that is free to register and offers tools, information and other resources entrepreneurs need to drive economic growth by making their ideas a reality. 

Those small businesses receive much of their critical support structure and guidance from economic development organizations. The International Economic Development Council’s seventh annual National Economic Development Week (EDW) is from May 9 to 13 and represents an opportune time to reflect on the importance of local economic development efforts to build a vibrant and sustainable community.

EDW is a chance to recognize economic developers, the local leaders and organizations who work tirelessly to recruit investors, develop businesses, create jobs, enhance the tax base and ultimately improve the quality of life of their communities. There are many resources available for those looking to participate in this year's events. The IEDC’s #EconDevWeek22 Toolkit offers a number of ideas while using #EconDevWeek can help amplify the value EDOs have in a community. 

Community collaboration

OTEC has numerous partnerships and working relationships with regional organizations in its service that exist to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Baker County Economic Development is located in LaunchPad Baker, a business incubator where entrepreneurs can access free support, direction and resources necessary to make their dreams a reality.

Grant County Economic Development provides business assistance to entrepreneurs, existing businesses and new enterprises to strengthen Grant County’s economy, thereby helping it thrive and prosper. The office has partnered with the Oregon Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network (RAIN) to connect entrepreneurs, mentors, industry experts and stakeholders in Grant County.

Harney County Economic Development serves the entrepreneurs and business interests of the local area. It offers free, confidential business advice, training opportunities, and access to the necessary capital to start or grow a business. 

The Northeast Oregon Economic Development District supports Baker, Union and Wallowa Counties with financial, technical and educational resources for various regional entrepreneurs, nonprofits and municipalities.

The Eastern Oregon University Small Business Development Center offers no-cost confidential advising, economic/financial assistance, business plan development and more to entrepreneurs and businesses in every aspect of their stage in the economic development lifecycle.

The Economic Development Department of the City of La Grande works in partnership with local, regional and statewide economic partners to develop a strong and resilient local economy for the City of La Grande.

OTEC has made economic and community development a priority, providing affordable electricity to over 56,000 people, making it easier for families to live and businesses to operate in Eastern Oregon. Visit OTEC’s Economic Development website to see how its staff can help today!