Business Resources in Bend, OR

To start a business in Bend, you'll need to register your business with the Oregon Secretary of State, obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the federal government, and secure any required local licenses or permits through Deschutes County or the City of Bend. Depending on your industry, you may need specific permits—for example, food service businesses require health department approval, and businesses in certain sectors need additional state certifications. It's advisable to consult with the local business licensing office to understand specific requirements for your business type.

Bend's economy is diversifying beyond traditional outdoor tourism. The outdoor recreation and adventure tourism sectors remain strong, with continued growth in climbing, skiing, and mountain biking-related businesses. Technology and remote work have expanded significantly, with software development, digital marketing, and tech startups finding the community attractive. Manufacturing, particularly in outdoor gear and specialty products, maintains a solid presence. Healthcare, professional services, and craft beverage production—including breweries and distilleries—are also thriving sectors. Real estate and property development continue to grow as the city expands.

Oregon offers various grant and loan programs for small businesses through state economic development agencies, with particular support for manufacturing, technology, and rural development initiatives. Deschutes County and the City of Bend may provide additional funding opportunities for businesses that meet specific criteria or locate in designated areas. Federal Small Business Administration programs are also available to Oregon entrepreneurs. Contact local economic development offices and the state's business development department to learn about current grant cycles and eligibility requirements for your specific business type.

Downtown Bend and the Old Mill District have become popular locations for coworking spaces, attracting remote workers and entrepreneurs seeking flexible office solutions. The downtown area, centered around Mirror Pond and the historic commercial core, offers walkable access to restaurants, retail, and services. The Old Mill District, a mixed-use development featuring restaurants and shops, also hosts collaborative work environments. These neighborhoods provide networking opportunities within Bend's entrepreneurial community and are convenient for client meetings. Several independent coworking facilities operate throughout the city, offering flexible membership options for startups and established businesses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides free mentoring and low-cost training through local partnerships, including one-on-one business counseling. SCORE, a nonprofit organization of retired and active business professionals, offers free mentorship to entrepreneurs. The Oregon Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides free consulting and low-cost training on business planning, marketing, financing, and operations. The Bend Chamber of Commerce and local economic development organizations also offer networking events and resources. Additionally, the University of Oregon and Oregon State University provide outreach programs and business resources to Central Oregon entrepreneurs.

Bend presents genuine advantages for entrepreneurs, particularly those in outdoor recreation, tourism, technology, and service industries. The community is collaborative and engaged, with a strong outdoor lifestyle focus that attracts both customers and talented employees. The lack of state sales tax benefits retailers, and operating costs remain reasonable compared to Portland and other major West Coast cities. However, rapid growth has increased real estate and labor costs in recent years, and the market can be seasonal depending on your industry. The strong outdoor recreation economy provides a natural customer base, while the growing remote work and tech communities offer networking opportunities. Success depends heavily on your specific business type and target market alignment with Bend's demographic and economic profile.