• About ROI

As part of an effort that first began in 1988 as the Rural Oregon Diversification Program providing technical assistance for rural manufacturers, ROI was reestablished in 2005 under a new name and with a more clearly defined and expanded focus. Partnerships with several members of the Oregon University System, other West Coast universities, and numerous community-based organizations, enable ROI to assist rural communities in the following three major areas: entrepreneurship, innovation, and industry cluster development.

ROI’s resources increase rural economic diversification and the capacity of rural communities and businesses to take full advantage of economic development opportunities. ROI works closely with the Eastern Oregon Rural Alliance, Oregon Rural Development Council, EDA-designated economic development districts, Oregon Industry Clusters Network Leadership Council, Connecting Oregon for Rural Entrepreneurship, (CORE), Program, and the Governor’s
Office on Rural Policy.