Frontier Oregon Innovation Center
A leading organization supporting the development of entrepreneurship in Eastern Oregon, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs and mentors to achieve shared economic goals.
We foster networks, alliances and partnerships to drive innovation
The Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub, based at the Rural Engagement and Vitality Center in La Grande, fosters networks, alliances, and partnerships to drive innovation and support the growth of traded-sector entrepreneurs who are innovating Eastern Oregon.
By coordinating existing resources and service providers, the Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub can help entrepreneurs thrive and expand their impact on local and regional economies. With a focus on businesses delivering goods and services to regional communities, our Innovation Hub nurtures collaboration and maximizes opportunities for sustainable growth and economic development.
The Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub is a collaborative effort of the Rural Engagement & Vitality Center, Blue Mountain Community College, and Catalyst Public Policy Advisors.
Our Core Values
- INNOVATION
- Community Capital
- Entrepreneurship
Our Team
Grace Donovan
Executive Director
Grace is the Executive Director of the Rural Engagement & Vitality Center, a joint initiative of Eastern Oregon University and Wallowa Resources.
REV is dedicated to making university resources and assets available to rural leaders to support community-driven initiatives and foster vibrant and thriving communities.
Grace grew up in Wallowa County… started her career in Chile, where she spent six years supporting high-growth entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, ranging from heavy industry to software and retail, to support job creation and resilient economies.
From Chile, Grace moved to Detroit to continue her economic development work in the Midwest before transitioning to the private sector as a Sales and Business Development manager for a tech startup serving manufacturers, and now proudly puts her skills to use in service of Eastern Oregonians.
Carter Gudell
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Builder
Carter, a homegrown variety from western Massachusetts, transplanted himself to Oregon to serve with the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) Americorps program before transitioning to the REV Center. He aims to make the world a little better for future generations through the sweat of his brow, and has worked in realms like urban forestry, personal care, summer camps, and, perhaps the most altruistic of all, fried chicken delivery.
After quittin’ time, Carter can be found gallivanting through town and trail, patronizing libraries & live music, reading, grinding the rust off his cello skills, daydreaming of raising chickens, and grocery shopping.
Carter travels throughout the region frequently for hub business and is happy to show up at your doorstep to talk things through.
Nick Green
President, Catalyst Public Policy Advisors, LLC
Nick Green founded Catalyst Public Policy Advisors to support small cities to be more economically competitive by providing practical solutions to complex problems, helping clients build capital investment portfolios for their projects, and providing outside-the-box policy analysis for their toughest challenges.
Nick specializes in public-private developments for housing, infrastructure, and broadband.
He strives to bring his expertise in technology entrepreneurship and public policy to advocate for rural-frontier communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Companies That Support Us
Our mission is to empower rural communities to create strong economies and healthy landscapes through land stewardship, education, and job creation.
Mission: To position Pendleton, Oregon, as a premier hub for UAS innovation and integration. We foster a collaborative ecosystem where startups can thrive, driving economic growth and technological advancement.
MISSION: “Make sure every business and entrepreneur gets the support and direction to resources available regardless of who they are. To be a place where an entrepreneur can incubate and grow as needed by offering free mentorship and affordable office space to develop their dreams.”
GEODC offers a variety of lending programs, assistance with grant writing services, grant administrative services, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administration, Northeast Regional Housing Program administration, labor standards compliance and other state and federal grant program administrations
NEOEDD supports small businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking for information on how to start or grow their businesses, test their business ideas, and get training and assistance. Serving Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties.
We value diversity and cultural exchange. Our partnerships with international organizations facilitate cultural programs that enrich our understanding of different perspectives.
These initiatives promote inclusivity and foster a global mindset within our company and the community.
The home of the Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub, the REV Center cultivates vibrant and prosperous rural communities in Eastern Oregon by developing tomorrow's leaders, research, and resource connection.
We prioritize the health and wellness of our employees and the community. Our partnerships with health organizations allow us to provide resources and programs that promote physical and mental well-being.
Through workshops, health screenings, and wellness challenges, we encourage a healthier lifestyle for everyone involved.
Serving Umatilla, Wallowa and Baker Counties, the BMCC SBDC provides advising, training, online courses and resources to anyone who owns or operates a business or is planning to start a business.
Business Oregon invests in Oregon businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy.
Catalyst was founded to reverse trends that find small cities frequently at a disadvantage in policymaking by making small cities more economically competitive.
EOU SBDC provides no cost confidential advising, business plan development, economic and financial assistance, small business/employer trainings and workshops, government contracting assistance, market research, and more