2021 BVC Company Applications Now Open

THE BEND VENTURE CONFERENCE RETURNS OCTOBER 21-22, 2021 COMPANY APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW THRU AUGUST 13^TH

BEND, OR (July 8, 2021) – Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) will again host the annual Bend Venture Conference (BVC) on Thursday, October 21 - Friday, October 22, 2021, in downtown Bend and virtually online. Ticketing, speaker announcements, and event details for the 18^th Annual Bend Venture Conference will be announced in the coming months. Over the past five years, investments, awards, and prizes surpassing $10 million were awarded to 40 companies as a result of the conference. BVC is a yearly celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation, connecting investors, companies, and business leaders. APPLY This year’s conference will feature three competition categories: Growth Stage, Impact, and Early Stage. The application period is open now through Friday, August 13^th, and companies across the United States are invited to apply.

• Growth Stage Competition: This category is open to companies that have a proven concept, have generated initial revenues, and are prepared to scale quickly with investment. To apply, click here.
• Impact Competition: This category is open to for-profit companies, whose business models are integrated with a mission to have a significant and measurable social or environmental impact. Applicants should be aiming to generate long-term enterprise value and attractive returns on capital. To apply, click here.
• Early Stage Competition: This category is open to companies that have a great idea and are close to "proof of concept." They are pre-revenue (or very early-revenue) and are in the process of testing their product in the market. To apply, click here.

Growth Stage Competition finalists could collect an investment of $250,000 or more. Companies in the Impact Competition have historically competed for investments ranging from $50,000-$100,000. Companies in the Early Stage competition could receive an investment of $25,000 or more. This year’s BVC will feature impressive speakers from across the country representing angel investors, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs.

About Bend Venture Conference (BVC)

Now in its 18^th year, BVC, hosted by EDCO, is one of the largest angel conferences in the country. Over the past five years, more than $10 million has been invested in 40 companies as a result of the conference. This year’s conference will take place on October 21-22, 2021, gathering entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders. bendvc.com

About Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO)

EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. edcoinfo.com