23 Best Business Ideas To Start In Oregon

Updated: September 9th, 2024

Interested in starting a business in Oregon in 2024?

We put together 96 of the best businesses you can start in Oregon today.

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Oregon.

Here's the full list:

1. Become a bicycle manufacturer ($12M/year)

If you're passionate about the cycling industry and want to capitalize on Oregon's high demand for eco-friendly transportation, you could consider starting a bicycle manufacturing business. Oregon boasts a strong bike culture and shift towards sustainability, making it an ideal place for innovative bike solutions. Embarking on this journey, you could follow in the footsteps of Ben Sarrazin, who founded Yuba Cargo Bikes, a company that has pioneered a new segment in the cargo bicycle industry.

Started 15 years ago, Yuba Cargo Bikes has placed over 50,000 cargo bicycles on the road and grown into a $15M company. Known for their longtail cargo bikes, such as the Yuba Mundo and Spicy Curry, this business began in a storage container and has become a significant player in the industry. To learn more about Sarrazin's inspiring journey, check out the full case study.

How I Turned My Love For Bikes Into A $12M/Year Electric Cargo Bike Business

Yuba Group has pioneered the field of an entirely new segment in the cargo bicycle industry, with a 15-year-old company that has put over 50,000 cargo bicycles on the road, becoming a $15M company.

Read by 5,021 founders

2. Become a software developer ($4.2M/year)

If you have a knack for coding and a passion for problem-solving, you could become a software developer in Oregon. The state is a fertile ground for tech startups, with opportunities to create innovative solutions tailored to various industries. One inspiring example is SkyVerge, Inc., a software company co-founded by Max Rice in Remote, Oregon. SkyVerge builds tools for eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce and Shopify, helping over 100,000 online stores grow their businesses. The company has grown impressively, with monthly revenues of $350,000 and a globally distributed team of 30.

You could follow in Max Rice's footsteps by starting a consulting business, identifying gaps in the market, and building specialized products. SkyVerge's success was fueled by content marketing and excellent customer support, proving that focused solutions and strong client relationships can lead to substantial growth. To learn more about their journey, check out their case study.

How We Started A $350K/Month Business Developing Software Tools For Ecommerce Brands

SkyVerge, a software company, has grown rapidly with revenue of $350,000 per month, over 100,000 eCommerce customers, and a globally distributed team of 30 people, all through starting with consulting projects and building focused and solutions-based products, acquiring small products from other developers, and focusing largely on content marketing and providing excellent customer support.

Read by 39,372 founders

3. Start a subscription box business ($3.9M/year)

Starting a subscription box business in Oregon is a fantastic opportunity, especially with the state's diverse consumer interests. You could curate monthly packages around niche interests such as outdoor gear, artisanal foods, or artistic supplies to capitalize on the unique tastes of Oregonians. This model provides a consistent revenue stream and allows you to build a strong, loyal customer base over time.

A great example to draw inspiration from is Josh Band's Plate Crate, a successful subscription box for baseball enthusiasts that he started with just $800. After six years, Plate Crate now generates over $300k in monthly revenue. This business, although based in Salem, MA, showcases how a well-executed idea can turn into a profitable venture. You can read more about Josh's journey and Plate Crate's success in their case study. This story highlights the potential for subscription boxes to thrive, even as a side hustle that can grow into a full-time business.

I Created A Baseball Subscription Box & Grew It To $3.9M

Plate Crate is a monthly subscription box for baseball enthusiasts, which started as a side hustle by the founder with just $800, and now generates over $300k of monthly revenue after six years of consistent growth.

Read by 4,246 founders

4. Start a backpack line ($3.6M/year)

If you are considering starting a backpack line in Oregon, you could draw inspiration from Tortuga, a business started by Fred Perrotta. By identifying the common struggles travelers face with luggage, Tortuga carved a niche with carry-on-sized travel backpacks designed to avoid the cost and hassle of checked luggage. Despite significant challenges in designing, manufacturing, and advertising their products, Tortuga managed to bootstrap their way to seven figures in revenue.

For more insights into Tortuga’s journey and business model, you can read their full story here. Starting in a state like Oregon, known for its outdoor culture, there is a fertile ground for such a business. With the growing demand for convenient and efficient travel gear, you could capitalize on this market by addressing specific travel pain points, just as Tortuga did.

How We Started A $300K/Month Business Selling Carry On Travel Backpacks

How Tortuga bootstrapped their way to seven figures in revenue, by solving a problem for travelers with their carry-on sized travel backpacks, after overcoming challenges in design, manufacturing, and advertising.

Read by 12,978 founders

5. Develop a restaurant menu online designer tool ($3.6M/year)

You could develop an online tool for designing restaurant menus and marketing materials, a highly valuable service in today's digital-first world. One such business that successfully started in Ashland, OR, is MustHaveMenus, founded by Jim Williams. MustHaveMenus helps restaurant managers create professional menus and marketing materials using a cloud-based platform, offering templates and an easy-to-use editor to streamline the design process.

Starting in Oregon, you could offer a similar service to local restaurants, making it easier for them to update their offerings and attract customers efficiently. MustHaveMenus stood out by being the first to offer truly editable menus in the cloud and has become a one-stop-shop for restaurants' design needs. For more details and inspiration, you can check out the MustHaveMenus case study.

How I Started A $300K/Month Easy Online Menu Designer For Restaurants

MustHaveMenus is a cloud-based design and print service for restaurants that allows them to quickly create professional menus and marketing materials in just a few clicks, using templates and an easy-to-use editor, making it a one-stop-shop for all their design needs.

Read by 10,048 founders

6. Start a liquor company ($3.6M/year)

Starting a liquor company in Oregon could be a rewarding venture, given the state's rich cultural diversity and the growing market for premium spirits. You could take inspiration from Wolf Spirit Distillery, founded by Umberto Luchini in Eugene, OR. Their flagship product, Blood x Sweat x Tears vodka, is made using locally sourced ingredients and has quickly expanded to 23 states within six months of its launch.

Wolf Spirit Distillery not only thrives on its distinct artisanal approach but also capitalizes on local resources like Washington state's soft white winter wheat and purified waters from the Cascade mountains. This success story highlights the potential for growth and innovation in the craft spirits industry in Oregon. For more details, you can read the full case study here.

How I Started A Vodka Brand Doing $100K/Month

Wolf Spirit Distillery, founded by Umberto Luchini, has experienced rapid growth by expanding to 23 states in the first six months of the year and aims to reach a total of 40 states by year end, despite initial start-up costs of over $1.5 million for Blood x Sweat x Tears vodka.

Read by 29,564 founders

7. Start a food delivery business ($3M/year)

Starting a food delivery business in Oregon presents a lucrative opportunity given the state's thriving culinary scene and tech-savvy population. You could follow the example of Spork Bytes, a catering delivery service that started in Portland, Oregon. Founded by Tim Taylor and Chris Diamond in 2014, Spork Bytes partners with local restaurants to provide workplace catering, offering a much-needed break from mundane office lunches.

By collaborating with more than 60 high-quality restaurants and food purveyors in the Portland area, Spork Bytes has generated substantial success, marked by an annual revenue of $2 million in 2018 and an anticipated 50% growth rate in 2019. If you're considering entering the food delivery market, the Spork Bytes model highlights the potential profitability and community engagement that can make your venture a standout success. To learn more about their journey, check out their case study.

How We Started A $3MM/Year Catering Delivery Service

Learn how Spork Bytes, a catering delivery service, addressed the problem of monotonous office lunches by partnering with local restaurants, resulting in annual revenues of $2 million in 2018 and an anticipated growth rate of 50% in 2019.

Read by 7,153 founders

8. Start a campervan conversion business ($2.64M/year)

If you’re in Oregon and looking for a business opportunity that taps into the region's love for the outdoors, you could start a campervan conversion business. Oregon’s scenic beauty and abundant outdoor activity options make it a prime spot for adventure enthusiasts who need customized campervans. Today’s growing interest in van life and minimalist living means there is significant market demand for quality campervan conversions.

A great example of this business model is ZENVANZ, started by Bryan and Jen Danger in Portland, Oregon. ZENVANZ caters to clients by offering DIY Campervan Conversion Kits and taking on custom build projects, all without spending a dime on marketing. Their bootstrapped business now generates $8k a month, proving the viability and potential profitability of this niche. To learn more about their inspiring journey, visit this case study.

How We Started A $8K/Month Business Transforming Campervans While Traveling

Bryan+Jen Danger broke away from the 9-5 to create ZENVANZ, where they create campervan conversions, and their bootstrapped business now makes $8k a month with no marketing costs.

Read by 11,135 founders

9. ($1.44M/year)

Starting a virtual assistant agency could be an excellent business idea in Oregon, especially given the rising trend of remote work. Outsourcing Angel is a shining example of this potential. Founded by Linh Podetti, this virtual assistant agency began in Sydney, NSW, Australia and has grown into a 7-figure business.

Outsourcing Angel connects businesses with highly skilled virtual assistants, providing end-to-end recruitment and management services. Moreover, the company donates 10% of its profits to charity initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty. If you're interested in more details, you can read their full case study here.

How I Grew My Home Gig Into A $1.4M/Year Virtual Assistant Agency

Social entrepreneur founder turned 7-figure business owner builds highly educated and dedicated virtual assistants agency, Outsourcing Angel, which hires for hundreds of clients worldwide by finding, recruiting, and working with clients and virtual assistants every step of the way while donating 10% of profits to fund charity initiatives to help poverty-stricken areas.

Read by 4,495 founders

10. Start a tea business ($900K/year)

Starting a tea business in Oregon could be a fantastic opportunity given the state's appreciation for unique beverages and local craftsmanship. One great example is Plum Deluxe Tea, founded by Andy Hayes in Portland, Oregon. This business has built a thriving online presence with a popular tea of the month club, where subscribers receive new teas each month along with perks like free shipping and community engagement through tea swaps and postcard pals.

Plum Deluxe Tea has expanded to include a well-curated selection of tea accessories and a la carte options, all hand-blended in-house to ensure top quality. The business has grown significantly, nearly reaching the 7-figure mark in annual revenue. If you’re inspired by Andy's success, you could explore launching your own tea enterprise in Oregon, leveraging the state's supportive community and love for artisanal products. For a more detailed insight into Andy Hayes' journey with Plum Deluxe Tea, check out the full case study here.

How Andy Hayes Started A 7 Figure Tea Business Online

How Andy Hayes built a 7-figure online loose leaf tea business, with one of the largest tea subscription boxes and a curated selection of tea accessories, generating half of their revenue from a la carte tea sales and half from their popular tea of the month club community.

Read by 25,800 founders

11. Start an online food business ($768K/year)

Starting an online food business can be a lucrative opportunity, especially for those with a penchant for culinary innovation. In Oregon, there's a rising demand for unique and specialty foods that cater to various dietary needs. One inspiring example of success in this sector is Kyra's Bake Shop, LLC, founded by Kyra Bussanich in Lake Oswego. Kyra's journey began in a home kitchen and has blossomed into a renowned gluten-free bakery with multiple locations and a flagship store generating an impressive $120,000 in monthly revenue.

By prioritizing product quality and honing strategic business practices, Kyra's Bake Shop has carved out a significant niche in the market, even winning accolades on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. This demonstrates the potential for an online food business to thrive in Oregon by catering to specific demands and maintaining high standards. You could follow their model of starting small and scaling up, leveraging unique product offerings to build a loyal customer base. Learn more about their success story here.

How I Started A $120K/Month Business Selling Award-Winning Pastries

Gluten-free bakery, Kyra's Bake Shop, started with a home kitchen and has now grown to a 3,500 square foot flagship bakeshop/cafe and a second location, with a monthly average revenue of $120,000 from the flagship store, through prioritizing product quality and strategic thinking.

Read by 6,282 founders

12. Start an automated web browser business ($600K/year)

Starting an automated web browser business allows you to create tools that can automate web-based tasks, simplifying processes for various businesses. This can include automating data scraping, generating PDFs, screenshotting web pages, or even navigating websites to gather needed information. The ease of automating repetitive online tasks offers immense possibilities for reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency in many industries.

An inspiring example from Portland, Oregon is Browserless, started by Joel Griffith. His one-person SaaS business has been generating around $28,000 in monthly sales by offering services that allow users to automate web browsers easily. Through blogging and dedicated customer support, Browserless gained traction and has become a go-to solution for developers needing automated browser functionality. For more insights, you can read the full case study here.

How I Built An Automation Tool For Developers And Grew It To $28K/Month

One-person SaaS business browserless allows users to automate tasks with a web browser, generating about $28,000 in sales for the month of September, and gained traction through blogging and supporting customers one-on-one.

Read by 8,631 founders

13. Start a clothing line ($600K/year)

Starting a clothing line in Oregon offers numerous opportunities, particularly if you focus on unique niches or address specific consumer needs. You could create a brand that stands out by incorporating innovative features into your clothing, such as eco-friendly materials, sustainable production practices, or unique functionalities like hidden pockets.

For example, Clever Travel Companion, founded by Johanna Denize in Remote, Oregon, has built a successful brand by designing travel gear with hidden zippered pockets to prevent pickpocketing and loss of valuables. This business has significantly grown over the years, achieving over $50,000 monthly sales, which enables the founders to fund their travels and enjoy a location-independent lifestyle. To learn more about their journey and business, you can check out their case study.

I Built A $50K/Month Digital Nomad Gear Brand [While Traveling The World]

The Clever Travel Companion's founders created a line of travel gear with hidden zippered pockets to prevent pickpocketing and loss of valuables and, after years of effort, have built a successful and profitable e-commerce business with $50,000+ in monthly sales that enables them to travel the world.

Read by 8,195 founders

14. Start a flight tours business ($516K/year)

Starting a flight tours business in Oregon allows you to tap into the state's breathtaking landscapes and tourist attractions. Envi Adventures, started by Corey Rust in Portland, Oregon, is a prime example of how profitable and unique this business idea can be. Corey turned his passion for flying and the scenic beauty of the Columbia River Gorge into a thriving business that swiftly grew from $7,000 a month to over $30,000 a month.

If you have a love for aviation and a desire to showcase Oregon's natural wonders, a flight tours business could be an exciting and lucrative venture. Not only does this business model offer a unique experience for tourists, but it leverages social media and influencer marketing, as Corey Rust did, to build a recognizable brand and attract a global audience. You can learn more about Corey Rust's journey with Envi Adventures in this detailed case study.

How Corey Rust Started A Profitable Flight Tours Business

Envi Adventures, a Troutdale, Oregon-based air tour business, grew from making $7,000 in a month in its first year to over $30,000 a month in its second year, using Instagram and influencer marketing to create an interactive, personalized experience for guests.

Read by 10,377 founders

15. ($504K/year)

If you're interested in entering the cannabis industry, starting a cannabis cultivation business in Oregon could be a lucrative opportunity. This idea leverages the state's progressive stance on cannabis and offers the chance to produce high-quality products for a growing market. Utokia, founded by Holly Hillyer in Canby, OR, stands as a compelling example. This business generates $30,000 a month by cultivating some of the best indoor flowers in the nation and has recently expanded into hemp-derived products, adding another $15,000 in monthly revenue.

Hillyer's journey from opioids to cannabis cultivation highlights the potential for personal transformation and entrepreneurial success in this field. She is one of the few female growers in the cannabis space and her dedication to top-shelf quality has paid off. For more details on her inspiring venture, you can check out the full case study here.

I Created A $45K/Month Female-Led Cannabis Brand

Discover the journey of a cannabis entrepreneur who transitioned from opioids to cultivating some of the best indoor flowers in the nation, generating $30,000 a month, and expanding into a hemp-derived product line that already rakes in $15,000 a month in revenue.

Read by 725 founders

16. Create a website builder ($360K/year)

If you're in Oregon with an entrepreneurial spirit, creating a website builder could be a lucrative and impactful business idea. Website builders cater to the increasing demand for easily customizable, user-friendly, and cost-effective website creation tools by small businesses, startups, and individual professionals.

A compelling example from Remote, Oregon, is RightMessage, founded by Shai Schechter. RightMessage is a segmentation and personalization tool designed to enhance conversion rates by tailoring website experiences based on user behavior and data. In just one year, the business scaled to $30k in monthly recurring revenue (MRR), proving the potential for rapid growth and success in this domain.

How We Grew Our SaaS To $30K MRR In One Year

RightMessage, a segmentation and personalization tool, grew its SaaS business to $30k MRR in one year, with over 1,000 websites installed, by building in public, iterating based on audience needs, focusing on high-touch demos, and partnering with complementary products.

Read by 9,239 founders

17. Become a laundry detergent manufacturer ($240K/year)

If you have a passion for sustainability and innovation, you could become a laundry detergent manufacturer in Oregon. By creating eco-friendly and effective cleaning solutions, you could tap into the growing market of environmentally conscious consumers. An excellent example of this in Oregon is Dirty Labs, a cleaning innovation lab founded by David Watkins in Portland. They introduced a line of laundry detergents that are not only safe and sustainable but also highly effective, leveraging nature-inspired green chemistry.

Dirty Labs, based in Portland, has achieved remarkable success, generating $240k annually through direct-to-consumer distribution. Their story illustrates the potential for success in this space by meeting the cleaning needs of modern consumers with a focus on sustainability. For an in-depth look at their journey, you can read their detailed case study here.

We Created A $240K/Year Laundry Detergent

Dirty Labs, a cleaning innovation lab founded by CEO David Watkins, introduces a line of laundry detergents that solve the cleaning trilemma, being safe, sustainable, and effective, achieving the goal with formulations that leverage nature-inspired green chemistry and earning $240k annually from the direct-to-consumer distribution.

Read by 7,287 founders

18. Start a backpack line ($240K/year)

Starting a backpack line in Oregon could be a profitable and rewarding venture, especially given the state's vibrant outdoor culture and active communities. As an Oregonian entrepreneur, you could follow in the footsteps of Gobi Gear, a successful business started by Chez Brungraber in Bend, Oregon. Chez designed a unique organizational bag for her trek through Asia, which evolved into an ultralight outdoor gear company that has raised over $80k on Kickstarter and garnered support from major media outlets.

Gobi Gear's first product, the Hoboroll, is a versatile bag ideal for both adventure and everyday use. You could create your own innovative designs that cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and active individuals statewide. For inspiration and to learn more about Gobi Gear's journey, check out their case study.

Starting A Travel Backpack Business And Growing To $20K/Month

Gobi Gear's founder, Chez, designed a unique organizational bag for her trek through Asia, and now, 4 years later, the company sells ultralight outdoor gear and is expanding to an everyday lifestyle line, having raised over $80k on Kickstarter, partnered with 1% For the Planet, and garnered support from major media outlets like Men's Journal and the Chicago Tribune.

Read by 10,878 founders

19. Start a digital marketing business ($233K/year)

Starting a digital marketing business presents a fantastic opportunity in the modern, internet-driven economy, particularly in a tech-savvy state like Oregon. By leveraging your skills to help local businesses optimize their online presence, you could tap into a thriving market that continuously seeks expertise in areas like Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC), and Social Media Remarketing (SMM).

A prime example of success in this field is Watson Digital, founded by Jacob Dazzeo in Portland, Oregon. Within a year, Jacob managed to replace his corporate salary and reduce his workweek dramatically by offering key digital marketing services that enhance business growth. You can read more about Jacob's journey and the foundation of Watson Digital here.


This description highlights the opportunity while providing a specific, inspiring example for those interested in starting a digital marketing business in Oregon.

Leaving A Corporate Job To Start A $6K/Month Conversion Rate Optimization Company

Founder Jacob Dazzeo shares his success story of building Watson Digital, an online marketing company, in less than a year which completely replaced his corporate salary and cut his workweek while focusing on products that help businesses grow their online sales funnel.

Read by 6,818 founders

20. Start a skin care product line ($180K/year)

Starting a skincare product line in Oregon offers a vibrant opportunity for those interested in the beauty and wellness industry. Leveraging local ingredients and targeting niche skincare needs can set your products apart. One example is AlmondClear, started by Leslie Eisen in Portland, which specializes in mandelic acid-based products to treat specific skin issues like acne and folliculitis. The company's success shows how focusing on specific skin concerns can attract a loyal customer base.

AlmondClear experienced rapid growth after launching on Amazon in December 2017, with a remarkable revenue increase of about 20% each month for the first nine months, culminating in an average of $15,000 per month in the first year. This success story demonstrates the potential for a well-formulated product line to quickly capture market demand. To learn more about Leslie Eisen’s journey and how she grew AlmondClear, check out the full case study here.

Starting A Skin Care Product Business as a Middle School Teacher

Almond Clear, a line of skincare products formulated with mandelic acid, saw a revenue increase of about 20% each month for the first nine months after launching on Amazon in December 2017, finishing the first year of sales averaging around $15,000 per month in revenue.

Read by 8,391 founders

21. Start a cannabis business ($3.26M/year)

Launching a cannabis business in Oregon could be a lucrative venture, considering the state's well-established framework for legal marijuana. With legal marijuana sales projected to reach $22 billion by 2022, Oregon offers a promising market environment for cannabis entrepreneurs.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, there are diverse opportunities ranging from dispensaries to cultivation facilities. You could take inspiration from successful case studies that demonstrate the potential for substantial growth and impact in this burgeoning space. For more details, check out our in-depth guide on how to get started.

How Two College Roommates Started An Online CBD Business

Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.

Read by 17,982 founders

22. Start a supplements company ($4.71M/year)

If you're in Oregon looking for a business opportunity, starting a supplements company could be a fantastic choice. With the state's health-conscious populace and thriving fitness culture, you could tap into a robust market of fitness enthusiasts and wellness-focused individuals. Given the relatively low startup costs and the ability to operate from home, this business model aligns well with the entrepreneurial spirit.

You could sell dietary supplements, vitamins, protein powders, and health foods either directly to customers or through distributors and retailers. The diversity of sales channels offers flexibility in how you approach your market. For more insights and inspiration, you can explore successful case studies and details on how to get started on Starter Story.

How An Active Duty Soldier Built $6M/Year Bare Performance Nutrition

A military officer turned entrepreneur built sports nutrition brand Bare Performance Nutrition from $15,000 in year one to on track to generate $6m in revenue this year, leveraging social media platforms and creating interactive, relatable and valuable content to create a community and a brand voice.

Read by 42,291 founders

23. Start a pet company ($4.12M/year)

Starting a pet company in Oregon could be an ideal business venture due to the state's pet-friendly culture and large population of pet owners. You could offer a variety of products and services, such as pet food, toys, grooming, or even pet sitting and walking, catering to a market with a growing demand for high-quality and personalized pet care.

Additionally, Oregon's vibrant community of animal shelters and rescue organizations provides ample opportunities for partnerships and outreach, enhancing your business's visibility and reputation. Plus, operating a pet company in this state gives you the flexibility to work from home or another location that suits both you and your customers best. For more inspiration, check out this article on the potential of starting a pet business and explore these successful case studies for more ideas.

How I Started A $54K/Month Pet Sitting And Dog Walking Business

Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.

Read by 20,745 founders

24. Start an online shopping business ($1.8M/year)

Starting an online shopping business in Oregon offers a unique opportunity to capitalize on the rapid growth of e-commerce. Thanks to Oregon's lack of sales tax, you could offer competitive prices that attract a wider audience, both locally and beyond. This advantage, combined with the state's robust logistics infrastructure, could streamline your shipping processes and enhance customer satisfaction.

Moreover, Oregon's reputation for supporting small businesses and innovation provides a favorable environment for new entrepreneurs. By leveraging platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, you could easily set up your own digital storefront with minimal upfront investment. With dedication and smart strategies, you might soon find your online shopping business scaling to new heights. For inspiration, check out these successful case studies.

Growing an E-commerce Company With a Positive Mission to $350,000/mo

Combat Flip Flops is an e-commerce business that employs artisans and entrepreneurs in conflict zones and has funded 217 years of school for Afghan girls and cleared 2814 square meters of landmines in Laos through direct-to-consumer sales and social media distribution.

Read by 12,849 founders

25. Start an audio sharing app ($720K/year)

Starting an audio-sharing app in Oregon could be a lucrative venture due to the state's dynamic cultural landscape and tech-savvy population. Oregon, particularly in the Portland area, has a thriving local music scene and a community known for embracing new technologies, offering a fertile ground for innovative audio platforms.

By creating a local or niche-focused audio-sharing app, you could tap into Oregon's rich musical heritage and tech-forward audience. For inspiration and examples of successful ventures in this space, check out these success stories. For more insights on this business idea, see this detailed guide.

How We Launched A $75K/Month Audio Sharing App For Podcasters

Wavve, a SaaS product helping podcasters and audio creators promote their content on social media, has grown to $75k in monthly recurring revenue with over 70,000 signups and clients including ESPN Radio, Dave Ramsey, and BBC.

Read by 10,874 founders

26. Start an agtech platform

Oregon's rich agricultural landscape makes it an ideal place to launch an agtech platform. You could leverage innovative technology to help local farmers improve yield, optimize resources, and manage data more efficiently. The state's emphasis on sustainable practices also provides a fertile ground for agtech solutions that prioritize environmental benefits.

Moreover, with a growing interest in farm-to-table movements and organic farming, an agtech platform could facilitate connections between producers and consumers, enhancing transparency and trust. Explore more about this business idea here, and get inspired by some of the successful case studies already thriving in this sector.

27. Start an artificial intelligence business ($720K/year)

With Oregon's thriving tech ecosystem and supportive innovation infrastructure, starting an artificial intelligence business could be an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded individuals. The global AI market is projected to grow by approximately 54% year-over-year, reaching over 22 billion U.S. Dollars in the next few years, making it a lucrative field to explore.

You could leverage Oregon's strong network of academic institutions and tech talent to develop groundbreaking AI solutions. For more inspiration on AI business ideas, check out this full list of top artificial intelligence business ideas. To see how others have succeeded in this space, explore successful case studies.

How We Started Our $100K/Month Medical Artificial Intelligence Software Company

AdviNOW Medical uses artificial intelligence to automate clerical work, resulting in doctors being able to focus solely on patients and patients seeing more doctors every day, leading to increased profitability while solving healthcare issues.

Read by 9,284 founders

28. Start an ai-based business ($335K/year)

Starting an AI-based business in Oregon presents a plethora of opportunities due to the state's growing tech ecosystem and support for innovation. With AI's potential to revolutionize traditional sectors, you could leverage this technology to create solutions that optimize processes, provide valuable insights, or automate essential tasks, making businesses more efficient and cost-effective.

For instance, Portland's vibrant tech community and access to talent from top universities like Oregon State could be invaluable resources. Whether you're developing AI-driven customer service bots or predictive analytics tools for healthcare, there's a wide-open field ripe for exploration. Discover more about AI-based business ideas and see how other entrepreneurs have found success with their AI-based ventures. Dive in, and you could be at the forefront of the next major technological advancement in Oregon.

How I Started A $10K/Month App Building Agency Using No/Low Code Tools

LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.

Read by 20,999 founders

29. Create a mobile app ($844K/year)

Oregon offers a thriving tech scene, especially in cities like Portland and Eugene, making it a prime location to launch a mobile app business. You could leverage the state's robust network of tech talent and numerous incubators and accelerators to bring your innovative app idea to fruition. The state's emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility could also inspire you to develop apps that align with these values, gaining you a dedicated user base.

With the growing reliance on digital solutions, mobile apps are becoming indispensable in both personal and professional spheres. You could tap into the diverse needs of Oregon's residents—whether it’s outdoor recreation, health and wellness, or productivity tools—to create an app that serves them well. Discover more about the potential of this business idea here, and get inspired by these successful case studies from others who have walked this path.

We Started A $6M/Year Bachelorette Party App

BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.

Read by 11,002 founders

30. Build an ai tool ($3.57M/year)

Starting an AI tool business in Oregon could be a strategic move given the state's burgeoning tech industry and the increasing demand for AI-driven solutions. You could leverage the local talent pool, bolstered by top-tier universities and a vibrant startup ecosystem, to develop innovative AI tools tailored to various industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail.

Additionally, Oregon's supportive business environment and access to various funding opportunities make it an ideal place for tech startups. By focusing on creating AI tools like chatbots or machine learning platforms, you could cater to the growing need for automation and efficiency in businesses. For more details on this business idea, check out this article on AI tools. Or gain inspiration from other entrepreneurs who have found success with AI tools by exploring our success stories on AI tools.

How I Started A $40K/Month AI-Powered Recruiting App

SkillSoniq, the world's first AI-powered recruiting app, connects companies with skilled freelancers on a trial basis, saving companies 60%+ in hiring costs and earning $350,000+ in gross revenues in its first year, with a current average of $40,000 a month, and plans to raise a second round of seed funding to achieve escape velocity and continue to form a world-class company.

Read by 9,548 founders

31. Start a software business ($2.51M/year)

Starting a software business in Oregon could be an excellent opportunity, given the state's thriving tech ecosystem and supportive infrastructure. With tech hubs like Portland, you could tap into a dynamic network of talent and potential customers who are open to innovative digital solutions.

Moreover, Oregon offers a business-friendly environment with various incentives for startups, such as tax breaks and grants for tech innovation. Building a software business allows you to create scalable products that can be distributed globally, potentially yielding high profit margins. To get inspired by successful entrepreneurs in this field, you could explore more details on starting a software business or check out inspiring success stories from others who have thrived in this space.

Diesel Laptops: From Selling on eBay to Making $20M/Year

Diesel Laptops, a B2B company that sells diesel diagnostic hardware, software, and services, successfully doubled revenue each year to make $20 million annually within three years, grew from its founder's garage and dining room table to a 21,000 square foot facility with over 90 employees by listening to customer pain points and offering the bundled products, technical support and repair information to attract and retain diesel technicians and repair shop owners.

Read by 18,834 founders

32. Start a technology consulting business ($1.64M/year)

Starting a technology consulting business in Oregon could be a highly lucrative endeavor, thanks to the state's burgeoning tech industry and its reputation as a hub for innovation. With numerous startups and established companies in cities like Portland and Eugene, the demand for IT expertise and technological guidance is consistently high. Entrepreneurs in Oregon who lack a tech background could benefit significantly from your services to help navigate the complexities of new technologies.

By offering technology consulting, you could support local businesses in leveraging technology to drive growth and solve critical challenges. If you're skilled in IT and have experience in the tech sector, this could be your opportunity to establish a successful and impactful business. For more details, you can check out our comprehensive guide on starting a technology consulting business as well as success stories from other entrepreneurs who have thrived in this field.

How I Designed And Patented A $40K/Month Agile Framework

How a Ph.D. in computer engineering created a patented agile framework and turned it into a profitable training and consulting business, after realizing that his accumulated technology knowledge was losing value over time.

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meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.