Douglas County EDC

05/06/2026

Save the date! 🚀 The second launch of Vision to Venture is coming in March 2027!

Building on the success of our inaugural program, Vision to Venture is a no-cost entrepreneurial bootcamp designed to help turn ideas into action and support the growth of new business in Douglas County. Whether you’re just starting to explore a business idea or ready to take the next step, this program will walk you through what it takes to plan, launch, and grow a successful business.

Participants will receive hands-on guidance in developing a business plan, learning from local experts, and gaining real-world insight into entrepreneurship and small business operations. Plus, the program includes access to grant opportunities designed to help bring your vision to life.

More information and registration details will be available soon—so start thinking about those ideas and get ready to take the next step toward your future business!

Stay tuned for updates!

04/10/2026

Congratulations to Jim Means, owner of Echoasis, on being selected as the recipient of Vision to Venture's $2,500 Rebranding Grant! Jim attended all 4 classes and pitched his proposal to judges Brian Moody and Bill Wagoner.

Echoasis opened in 2025, and Jim shared that during the first year, his focus was heavily on outreach and building connections within the community. This marketing grant will support the next phase of growth—enhancing promotion efforts and expanding awareness of the unique services Echoasis provides.

Douglas County Economic Development Corporation is excited to see what’s ahead for Echoasis and proud to support local businesses investing in their future and in Douglas County.

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

Personality colors, emotional intelligence, how to have difficult conversations, public speaking…we learned a lot! LeaderUp Douglas leadership training

04/09/2026

Seven says of interactive learning about ourselves, others and the environment he community! LeaderUp Douglas just the beginning!

04/09/2026

The LeaderUp Douglas inaugural class has just finished and it was amazing! Thank you so much to our incredible facilitator Jeanne Dau of Dau Consulting for building such a great curriculum!

04/08/2026

What a busy six weeks it has been—truly a labor of love!

Last night, program facilitators Stepheny McMahon, Mick Howrey, and Hannah Myers presented certificates of completion to participants who finished our very first Vision to Venture business start-up program.

We hope participants walked away with valuable support, knowledge, skills, resources, and meaningful connections to help move their ideas forward.

Programs like this highlight the importance of having strong resources available in our small communities and across our county. The Douglas County Economic Development is proud to host and support initiatives like this that invest directly in our people and our future.

Stay tuned as we release dates for our Spring 2027 class—yes, it’s happening! With so much great feedback, we can’t wait to do it again.

03/20/2026

Artists in Douglas County, our new work group, "Canvas Douglas County" is seeking feedback to support area artists. If you are an artist in any capacity please take a few minutes to complete this online survey. Your answers will help us in developing programs to promote and support your work.

Please click the link to complete this form.

03/09/2026

After a great kickoff, the first Vision to Venture class is officially in the books! 🎉

A big thank you to Amy Patrick with the SBDC, who absolutely knocked it out of the park with the 360 Business Assessment. Amy challenged participants to think deeply about their businesses by asking important questions like “How is your wheel?” and exploring how strengthening one area of a business can positively impact the others. It was an eye-opening session that really got our entrepreneurs thinking about the bigger picture.

We also heard from Mick Howrey, who shared valuable insight on what it really takes to be a business owner—from mindset to commitment and everything in between.

The energy in the room and the willingness to share ideas made for a fantastic first class. We’re excited to see these entrepreneurs continue building momentum.

Tomorrow for Class #2, participants will dive into the practical side of launching and running a business, including bookkeeping, government licenses and permits, and the legal must-haves every business owner should know.

03/03/2026

Today is the day. ✨

For us organizers — the day has come to support our entrepreneurs, promote networking, and create space where ideas can grow into something real.

For our students — this could be the beginning of incredible friendships, future collaborations, new businesses, and opportunities that shape what comes next.

There’s something powerful about a room full of dreamers, doers, and people willing to invest in their community.

Can’t wait to see everyone tonight at City Hall. 🙌