Award Categories

OEN Development Stage Company of the Year
Companies in this category are the purest of start-ups. They may be in the process of setting up, developing and testing the products, processes, or services they intend to market or are currently marketing. Projected revenues for the current year from sales of products or services are in the range of zero to $.5 million and the amount of invested capital in these companies is less than $5 million.

OEN Working Capital Stage Company of the Year
These companies are in the early stages of fully launching their businesses on the market. They are in the process of establishing their production, marketing, sales, distribution and administrative functions and may be hiring employees or contractors to support their operations. These companies have projected revenues for the current year in the range of $.5-$10 million and should either show a historical trend toward positive cash flow or have a credible plan to reach that objective in the near- to mid term. They may have any amount of invested capital.

OEN Growth Stage Company
These companies have a fully-marketable product or service, have earned a degree of market acceptance and have acquired a critical mass of customers. Their efforts are aimed not at remaining viable but at increasing market share, moving into new markets, adapting products or services to new uses and customers or increasing efficiency and cash flow. These companies have projected revenues for the current year in excess of $10 million and, if not profitable, are generating cash flow and are financially self-sustaining. They may have any amount of invested capital.

OEN Entrepreneurship Award for Individual Achievement
Individual entrepreneurs are considered eligible for the Award for Individual Achievement if they found and/or operate a new enterprise or venture, assuming material risk and personal accountability for the venture’s survival. Applicants for the Award for Individual Achievement do not need to be on the founding team, but do need to have assumed leadership of the organization at a time in which its survival or success was not assured and have assumed significant risk to their career and/or personal assets.

Lifetime Achievement
This award, which is given at the discretion of the OEN Board of Directors, goes to an individual who has had a long career of entrepreneurial achievements that place them in the top echelon of their peers. A nominee must have:

• Started and built an Oregon-based company (or companies) to major size. They must have been a co-founder or CEO early-on, and have taken significant personal financial risk, but they do not need to have been the “idea” person.
• Built a company that is held in the highest regard by its customers, employees, and vendors.
• Built a company that had a measurable impact on Oregon’s economy.
• Given back to the community in a significant way.
• Earned the highest reputation for integrity.
• Served as a mentor to other entrepreneurs.
• Invested in other entrepreneurial companies, either directly as an angel investor, or directly into a fund that then invests in early-stage companies.