July 26, 2010
The Portland Development Commission has partnered with Cascade (formerly known as Cascade Web Development) to help the Portland-based web marketing developer launch a new software technology venture, Brand Live, a live video broadcasting technology that allows companies to broadcast from anywhere with a video camera and to interact with clients using a built-in chat function.
“We’re excited to support Cascade’s expansion with Brand Live,” said Bruce Warner, PDC Executive Director. “It’s a perfect example of the emerging, entrepreneurial business that will create new jobs for Portland.”
PDC is providing a loan of $50,000 for the working capital needed to spin off Brand Live, using a loan fund designed to encourage job retention and business development in PDC’s targeted industry clusters and/or targeted areas. The primary objective is to spur development in distressed neighborhoods, build community wealth through local ownership of businesses, and creation of new jobs. The program also aims to assist expanding businesses to purchase equipment or real estate and to increase creditworthiness of marginal clients so they can attain private-sector financing.
“We are grateful to PDC for their support of our growth,” said Cascade President Ben McKinley.
Cascade will use the PDC resources to hire additional staff for product development, sales, and marketing. The business is housed in a repurposed 1930s rail car in the Central Eastside Urban Renewal Area.
