Incubator Program

Center for Rural Livelihoods incubates promising and achievable projects with motivated individuals or teams. Incubator participants advance small businesses, non-profit projects, right livelihood endeavors, or other mission-aligned efforts. We are excited about projects that complement and develop our ecologically-based “entrepreneurial ecosystem” and an inclusive vision of a cooperative economy in and around Cottage Grove. 

Projects that combine our two emphases of regenerating landscapes and remaking society via an eco-municipalist strategy are most eligible for support. 

Specific Projects:

• We are looking for a resident with skills and interest in taking leadership (leadership in the sense of service and listening / “lead by obeying” as it’s translated from Spanish) in developing a land stewardship cooperative with our friends, colleagues, alumni, and students.

• We are looking for someone with the technical and/or administrative skills and entrepreneurial spirit who will support the development of a local community radio station. 

• We are looking for someone who will develop our event center and gain skills in hospitality, event management, and outreach. 
  

The range of support CRL can provide varies significantly depending on the project, the project-lead, and the available resources. In recent years, we have provided or offered low-rent working space, land, some support labor, tools, business consultation, trainings, and initial clients. These resources are all contingent on changing availability. The initiative, trajectory, resource and support acquisition, and follow-through all ultimately depends on the project-lead. 

CRL welcomes residential or non-residential incubator participants – residents live in a rustic 800 sq. ft. two-story cabin and have access to garden beds, 35 acres of forest, and a workshop.  that provides a unique experience living and/or working in an ecologically-friendly, cooperative environment in rural Oregon for up to two years.

All residents contribute to stewarding the campus and event center at CRL. 

If you would like to incubate your own mission-aligned business or project, are interested in helping care for the CRL campus, and would like to pitch in to support our Regenerating Landscapes and/or Remaking Society programming, reach out to learn more about our Incubator Program!

Program alumni contribute to regional rural development and become part of a network that generates social and ecological benefits. Alumni have left their mark in and around Cottage Grove by starting plant nurseries, construction companies, nonprofits, a local radio station, a Permaculture design company, a bar and music venue in Cottage Grove, eco-forestry businesses, and much more.