For the purposes of these rules, additional definitions may be found in Procedural Rules, OAR 123-001. As used in this division of administrative rules, the following terms shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

1. (1) “Economic Development District” has the meaning given that term in ORS 285B.636.
2. (2) “Eligible Projects” are projects that work to support one or more of the components listed in 123-076-0010(3)(a)-(h).

3. (3) “Entrepreneurial Ecosystem” means a collaborative network of people, organizations and institutions who interact to convene, connect, and deploy resources within a given geography. The strength of the entrepreneurial ecosystem correlates with the degree to which its components are interconnected and support business growth. Commonly recognized components of an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem include:

   1. (a) Financial capital (the capital and lending options available to business);
   2. (b) Business support (the individuals, institutions and organization that help businesses start and grow);
   3. (c) Public policy (the laws and regulations that impact the ability to start and grow a business);
   4. (d) Markets (the consumers interested in a defined set of products and services);
   5. (e) Human capital (skilled workforce);
   6. (f) Infrastructure (physical spaces, institutions and online resources that help entrepreneurs connect with each other);
   7. (g) Research and Development; and
   8. (h) Culture (a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem culture is characterized by inclusivity, trust and collaboration that allows entrepreneurs to quickly find what they need at each stage of growth).
4. (4) “Lead Applicant” means an entity that submits an application for a Program award to complete a Project. Lead Applicants must satisfy the requirements set forth in OAR 123-076-0050. After receiving a Program award, Lead Applicants will be referred to as a “Recipient.”
5. (5) “Rural Area” has the meaning given that term in OAR 123-001-0050.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 285A.227

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 285A.227

History

OBDD 6-2025, adopt filed 06/25/2025, effective 06/25/2025