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Launch Pod
Introducing a Food-Focused Business Accelerator at Universal Plaza
Universal Plaza is a community gathering spot in the heart of downtown that celebrates our shared humanity and our one shared planet. It’s also home to the Launch Pod Business Accelerator.
Background
The Launch Pod business accelerator is modeled after the City’s successful Opportunity Café business incubator at the Tigard Library. These business support programs help entrepreneurs start their businesses by reducing start-up barriers and providing a business support network.
In 2022, Tigard purchased and outfitted two food carts with support from an AARP Community Challenge grant and Washington County’s economic development program. Each cart is equipped as a class IV kitchen to support on-site food prep.
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What is a Launch Pod Business Accelerator?
Entrepreneurs selected to operate a cart at Universal Plaza (9100 SW Burnham Street) will receive initially reduced rent and customized business advising during a 16-to-24-month startup phase.
During this time, the rent for each food cart will increase as the entrepreneur tests their business model, grows their business, and builds a customer base. When the entrepreneur progresses to the next phase of their business and moves on from their cart, a new operator will be selected to fill the space. Then the process repeats, helping a new entrepreneur start their business.
Entrepreneur Benefits
Working together, Tigard’s economic development team and participating entrepreneurs will identify a business advising partner for each entrepreneur. The entrepreneur will receive business coaching that includes monthly consultations with a business advisor.
The Launch Pod is an opportunity for first-time business owners to start their business with a support network and low start-up costs. The Launch Pod is scheduled to open along with Universal Plaza in winter 2023.