The Spring of Innovation

Apr 18, 2024

It’s Spring and several innovation-focused initiatives in McMinnville are springing into action. As a place where creativity thrives, and ideas are transformed into reality, McMinnville is taking bold steps towards several initiatives to create an environment that nurtures and encourages innovation in various sectors.

Innovative Initiatives and Projects in McMinnville

McMinnville has several innovative initiatives that have the potential to shape the future of the city. These initiatives demonstrate McMinnville's commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation in all aspects of community life. Highlights include:

• City of McMinnville Request for Proposals Innovation Campus– The city is in the process of selecting a consultant team for the development of master planning, infrastructure feasibility analysis, and marketing for the McMinnville Innovation Campus. The campus is intended to be the community’s next large employment center, responding to the next generation of industrial and entrepreneurial jobs where research and development are nurtured and supported in a thoughtful and intentional campus design in partnership with education and private business. The City Council will consider awarding the contract at a council meeting in April.
• Linfield Entrepreneurship Center and Launch Lab:  Linfield College, has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of innovation over the years. In February, Linfield became home to the Launch Mid-Valley Coffee Club for Startups monthly meet-ups. This was the first step in continuing Linfield University’s reputation as a hub for entrepreneurial activity. MEDP has led a partnership with Linfield, McMinnville Industrial Promotions (MIP), and the City of McMinnville to collaborate on entrepreneurial support programming. This includes developing a coordinated ecosystem that includes access to networks, training, and capital.
• Regional Innovation Hub – Business Oregon, SEDCOR, MEDP: Business Oregon has designated Regional Innovation Hubs to focus on developing sector-agnostic partnerships that implement programs, strategies, and connections to meet the needs of innovation-based entrepreneurs in high-growth, traded-sector industries. SEDCOR submitted an application for implementation funding from Business Oregon in February. On April 11, SEDCOR was awarded up to $270,000 to implement the Mid-Willamette Valley Innovation Hub plan. The implementation plan includes engaging in outreach efforts to ensure the Hub is inclusive of partners throughout the region, especially those from historically underserved communities, and conducting best practice research to identify Hub elements of success. The plan will create a gap analysis of innovation-based entrepreneurial activities in the region, along with an asset map of partner entities and programs. The Service Area includes Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties. Key Partners in the program are SEDCOR, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Chemeketa Community College, Willamette Workforce Partnership, Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP), Mid-Willamette Valley COG, McMinnville Economic Dev. Partnership, Chehalem Valley Innovation Accelerator, George Fox University, OSU Advantage Accelerator, Linfield University, Indy Idea Hub, Latino Business Alliance, Willamette University, Western Oregon University, and others.

The Future of Innovation in McMinnville

Looking ahead, McMinnville's future as a hub of innovation looks incredibly promising. The city's strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, coupled with its supportive business environment, is attracting a new wave of innovators and visionaries. McMinnville's commitment to sustainable practices, combined with its focus on technological advancements, positions the city as a leader in the innovation space. With continued investments in entrepreneurial support programming, master planning and infrastructure, and regional and state collaboration, McMinnville is poised to be at the forefront of the next wave of innovation.

If you're intrigued by the spirit of innovation and want to experience McMinnville's transformative landscape firsthand, plan a visit and explore the innovative businesses, indulge in the local food and beverage scene, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture that defines McMinnville. Unleash your spirit of innovation and be a part of the exciting future that awaits in McMinnville, Oregon. Ready to visit? Call us at 503.474.6814 to learn more.

This article was a part of our Quarterly Newsletter, the MEDP Spark. See more Q2 News in our Full Quarterly Newsletter.