CITY FOCUS
nation ’ s second-highest revenue on average in terms of businesses with average revenue below $ 10mn or with fewer than 250 employees . Portland has also been recognized as one of the last cities that hasn ’ t devolved into skyrocketing rents and other rising costs . For example , the median rent in the city sits at around $ 969 per month . This figure is about half of what a renter can expect to pay in San Francisco .
Diversity in Portland ’ s educational offerings adds to the development of innovative start-ups and the growth of others . In addition to Portland State University – the university with the state ’ s second-highest enrolment – other notable institutions of higher learning include the Oregon Health & Science University , Pacific Northwest College of Art , Lewis & Clark Law School and the National University of Natural Medicine . Portland businesses find themselves sprinkled throughout any list that highlights fast-growing , emerging or innovative companies . Technology is an important component of Portland ’ s economy , so much so that the city has earned the nickname of “ Silicon Forest .” This moniker is a nod to the rich number of trees that dot Portland as well as its similarity to the Silicon Valley area of Northern California . In addition to the more than 1,200 companies devoted solely to technology , the city is home to numerous resources and support networks . These include business incubators , as well as facilities for online startup companies and software businesses .
48 February 2018