Background 

The Launch Pod business accelerator is modeled after the City’s successful Opportunity Café business incubator at the Tigard Library.  These business support programs help entrepreneurs start their businesses by reducing start-up barriers and providing a business support network.

In 2022, Tigard purchased and outfitted two food carts with support from an AARP Community Challenge grant and Washington County’s economic development program.  Each cart is equipped as a class IV kitchen to support on-site food prep.

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What is a Launch Pod Business Accelerator?

Entrepreneurs selected to operate a cart at Universal Plaza (9100 SW Burnham Street) will receive initially reduced rent and customized business advising during a 16-to-24-month startup phase.

During this time, the rent for each food cart will increase as the entrepreneur tests their business model, grows their business, and builds a customer base. When the entrepreneur progresses to the next phase of their business and moves on from their cart, a new operator will be selected to fill the space. Then the process repeats, helping a new entrepreneur start their business.

Entrepreneur Benefits

Working together, Tigard’s economic development team and participating entrepreneurs will identify a business advising partner for each entrepreneur. The entrepreneur will receive business coaching that includes monthly consultations with a business advisor.

The Launch Pod is an opportunity for first-time business owners to start their business with a support network and low start-up costs. The Launch Pod is scheduled to open along with Universal Plaza in winter 2023.

Launch Pod Selection Process

Interested in becoming an entrepreneur?  Learn how to prepare for the Launch Pod selection process.

Launch Pod Entrepreneurs

In 2022, Tigard purchased and outfitted two food carts with support from an AARP Community Challenge grant. Each cart is equipped as a class IV kitchen to support entrepreneurs with on-site food prep. The carts are located at Universal Plaza in downtown Tigard, a new $8 million public plaza that opened April 15, 2023.

This business support program assists entrepreneurs by reducing start-up barriers and providing a business support network. After 16 to 24 months, the businesses will move on to the next phase, for example a brick-and-mortar restaurant. The process then repeats, with new entrepreneurs selected for the Launch Pod business incubator to help start two more food businesses.This program is ideal for entrepreneurs as they test their business model, grow their business, and build a customer base.”

Nunny & Pheebs

Entrepreneur Mia Selders, owner of local ice cream maker Nunny & Pheebs, will move into the green food cart selling beverages, sandwiches, and of course ice cream! Tigard residents have been asking for a downtown ice cream shop. Nunny & Pheebs at Universal Plaza on Burnham Street soothes that sweet tooth! Mia comes to the Launch Pod from the Tigard Farmers Market.  

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West Coast Tortas

Joshua and Alfredo Carreon of West Coast Tortas started their business at the Launch Pod in March 2023. They have now graduated and moved on to a brick and mortar location.  West Coast Torta Co. serves tortas made with fresh ingredients and authentic home cooked flavor. 

They will continue to offer fresh made ingredients and exciting collaboration with other local entrepreneurs.

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Harvest Moon Experience

Harvest Moon Experience (now located on Main Street in Tigard) offers a menu of seasonal comfort foods with carefully curated charcuteries. 

Juliana Moseley, owner of Harvest Moon Experience, was the first business owner enrolled in the City’s business incubator. She has launched to a commercial space on Main Street in downtown Tigard to open Harvest Moon Sangria Bar. In 2023, Juliana opened the first sangria bar in the State of Oregon in one of the City of Tigard’s Launch Pod food carts at Universal Plaza. After only nine months in Tigard’s food-focused business incubator, perfecting her craft and learning how to run her own business, Juliana is moving to a brick-and-mortar space at 12553 SW Main Street, below Senet Game Bar. “The City of Tigard’s Launch Pod helped me get started. With the support of this business incubator, I launched from an idea to an operating business so quickly!” said Juliana. “The community and the team at City Hall have been so supportive of what I’m doing. I’m glad I found a location in Downtown Tigard.”

Learn how to prepare for the Launch Pod selection process.