Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc. (SOREDI) has been awarded a $400,000 grant from Business Oregon’s Regional Innovation Hub – Launch Track program, with support from the Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC), to continue leading the Southern Oregon Innovation Hub (SOIH) through the 2025–2027 biennium.
The Southern Oregon Innovation Hub fuels entrepreneurship and innovation across Jackson and Josephine counties, offering startups and founders access to technical assistance, capital, mentorship, networking, and talent development.
“This bold investment from Business Oregon supercharges Southern Oregon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and fuels innovation across the state,” said Kim Freeze, SOIH Ecosystem Director. “We’re building a vibrant culture where big ideas thrive—from spark to scale—and empowering startups with the resources they need to succeed right here in our region. The future of innovation is being built in Oregon, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
SOIH is one of eight organizations statewide selected to receive a share of $3.77 million in funding. For more information about the Southern Oregon Innovation Hub contact Kim Freeze, SOIH Ecosystem Director here or call 530-340-3371.
As the regional lead for SOIH, SOREDI convenes partners to foster collaboration, streamline services, and strengthen the innovation pipeline. Visit the Hub website for current information regarding local entrepreneurial events and innovative efforts.
The Regional Innovation Hub program is a cornerstone of Business Oregon’s 10-Year Innovation Plan, designed to unify support services and cultivate a statewide culture of innovation.
Business Oregon is the state’s economic development agency. The Business Oregon Commission oversees the agency’s activities to ensure a coherent, integrated approach to economic development and a continuous policy direction that can transcend changes in executive and legislative leadership.