“Oregon is home to thriving communities across diverse landscapes, from the coast to urban centers, to the mountains and high desert. Our companies craft a wide array of incredible products from outdoor gear to semiconductors. We compete on high quality and competitive business costs, and our collaborative approach with our local partners stands ready to meet the needs of business projects large and small.”
— Sophorn Cheang, Director, Business Oregon
Portland is Oregon’s largest city with a population of 652,388. (Photo: Adobe Stock/Josemaria Toscano)
TARGETED GROWTH SECTORS
High Tech: Home to the Silicon Forest, the state’s concentration of high-tech companies has made a name for Oregon across the globe. Today there are more than 7,000 high-tech businesses statewide that provide nearly 82,000 jobs.
Forestry & Wood Products: Oregon is the largest softwood lumber producer in the U.S. With 30.5 million acres of forestlands, about 50% of the total landmass of the state is covered in forest.
Food & Beverages: Oregon is an iconic location for craft beer and wine, with the state’s pinot noir and IPAs recognized as some of the finest in the world. Building on Oregon’s diverse range of agricultural products, employment in the industry has grown quickly, increasing 34% over the past decade.
JOB GAINS IN 2023
In fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023), there were 542 direct jobs created and 8,438 direct jobs retained at companies receiving financial assistance from Business Oregon.
Business Oregon also provides financial assistance to community development organizations and municipalities for community and infrastructure projects that benefit residents, businesses, and spur economic growth. In FY23, the agency funded more than 700 business, community, and infrastructure development projects totaling nearly $460 million.
FAST FACTS
Population (July 2022 est.): 4,240,137¹
Largest Cities (2020): Portland (652,388); Salem (175,806); Eugene (174,802); Gresham (114,637); Bend (99,533)¹
Real GDP (2022): $234.8 billion²
¹U.S. Census Bureau ²Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Dept. of Commerce
MANUFACTURING SUPPORT, STEM EDUCATION
OMEP (Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership) is a program designated to grow businesses in the manufacturing industry. OMEP exists to provide skill-sharpening educational events, fuel strategic partnerships, and act as the entry point to an ecosystem of manufacturing resources.
Oregon Tech, Oregon Institute of Technology is a four-year polytechnic university with campuses in Southern Oregon and the Portland Metro area. Voted a top three public university by U.S. News and World Report, Oregon Tech responds to industry demand for the next generation of STEM workers.
TOP BUSINESS FACILITIES RANKINGS
Top 5 Semiconductors
2024 State Rankings
#1 Sustainable Cities: Portland
2024 Metro Rankings
Top 10 Best Business Climate (Small): Bend-Redmond
