Get ready for an immersive three-day experience designed to jumpstart your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re a new founder, have an early-stage idea, or simply want to learn more about the startup world, this bootcamp will provide the insights, connections, and hands-on learning you need to succeed.
Keynote Speaker
Bob Dalton is a social entrepreneur and the founder of Sackcloth & Ashes, a mission-driven company that donates a blanket to homeless shelters for every blanket sold.
MENTOR
Dean Craig serves as the Business Services Director at Willamette Workforce Partnership (WWP).
SPEAKER
Helen Anderson, founder of HelloCare, combines her nursing expertise and entrepreneurial background to create personalized care plans and lead skilled caregiver teams, empowering seniors to maintain health, independence, and dignity in their homes.
MENTOR
Ty Davison is the founder and president of MacAtoZ LLC, an Apple technology consulting company based in Salem, Oregon.
JUDGE
Patrick Crowley is the CEO and founder of Chapul Farms, a company pioneering the use of insect agriculture to promote sustainable food systems.
SPEAKER
John Mead is the CEO and co-founder of Solid Carbon, a company focused on creating carbon-neutral concrete to help reduce the construction industry’s environmental impact.
Judge
Carr Biggerstaff is a seasoned professional with experience across high-tech, manufacturing, legal, finance, transportation, hospitality, and entertainment industries.
MENTOR
Kate Schwarzler is a passionate builder of thriving communities. As Executive Director of Indy Idea Hub, she believes that empowered people, clear vision, and the right tools create lasting transformation and growth.
MENTOR
With a Ph.D. in materials chemistry and a passion for innovative environmental technology, Sean brings extensive expertise in developing carbon-sequestering materials.
MENTOR
Laura Kubisiak serves as a Venture Catalyst at TiE Oregon, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting and mentoring early-stage entrepreneurs.
JUDGE
Paul Jensen is the President and Managing Member of High Five Advisors, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in wealth management, business strategy, and operational improvements.
SPEAKER
Eric Tweed is a partner at Saalfeld Griggs PC, where he specializes in business law, including business sales, acquisitions, corporate governance, and trademark issues.
Speaker
Brad Kleiner is the founder of Cedar Root Consulting, where he connects business leaders through peer advisory groups. Brad helps business owners and their teams enhance communication and leadership skills to drive growth.
Judge
Lisa Francolini is a Certified Body Code & Emotion Code Practitioner, and an acupuncturist with over 25 years of experience.
JUDGE
Bev Wells is the CEO of RiverWest Acupuncture Clinic in Portland, OR.
JUDGE
With over 10 years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Eunice Makinde is a passionate and strategic leader who aims to create positive and lasting change in organizations and communities.
MENTOR
Alex Paraskevas is the Business Retention & Expansion, Rural Innovation Catalyst at SEDCOR.
SPEAKER
Hannah Sandmeyer, founder of Up & Over Advisors, helps entrepreneurs plan exit strategies by connecting them with partners who align with their values and amplify their impact.
JUDGE
Eric Kornblit leverages over 20 years of experience managing $14 billion in global construction projects at Intel and now serves as Sr. Director of Strategic Sourcing for Commercial Operations at Amentum.
MENTOR
Marianne Cursetjee is the CEO and co-founder of Alibi Cannabis, a Portland-based company known for high-quality, hand-crafted cannabis products.
MENTOR
Roanna Gingrich is the founder of CreativiTEE in Downtown Salem, OR, a creative space where people design custom T-shirts while building community.
HOST
Mike White is the Venture Catalyst for Launch Mid-Valley and a Strategic Advisor who has helped thousands of entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
HOST
Malee Ojua, CEO of Sacred Fire Creative, helps leaders build authentic brands. She’s also the Innovation Navigator for Launch Mid-Valley, supporting Oregon’s entrepreneurs.
4:45 pm - 5:15 pm
An opportunity for attendees to check in, mingle, and network with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and partners before the main event begins.
5:15 pm - 6:00 pm
A special thank you to Catherine Summers, Principal Broker with The McCreith Team of the Bella Casa Real Estate Group, for providing a delicious dinner, supporting our event, and bringing everyone together for a memorable evening.
6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Helen Anderson, founder of HelloCare, combines her nursing expertise and entrepreneurial background to create personalized care plans and lead skilled caregiver teams, empowering seniors to maintain health, independence, and dignity in their homes.
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
An overview of the Startup Bootcamp Weekend, outlining expectations, key deliverables, and the opportunity to meet mentors and form teams for the weekend’s collaborative sessions.
8:00 am - 8:30 am
Brad Kleiner is the founder of Cedar Root Consulting, where he connects business leaders through peer advisory groups. His expertise highlights the critical importance of building strong support networks with the right people to foster success in leadership and business. Special thanks to White's Restaurant for today's breakfast and to Summon Coffee for today's coffee.
8:30 am - 9:00 am
With nearly 20 years of experience, Hannah Sandmeyer will share how businesses can grow ethically while amplifying social and environmental impact, and how the right strategies can align with mission-driven values to foster long-term, sustainable success.
9:00 am - 11:30 am
A session focused on team collaboration and refining business models, where participants will work closely with mentors to develop and strengthen their strategies, ensuring a solid foundation for growth and success.
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Special thanks to Saalfeld Griggs PC | Business Lawyers for today's lunch, from Local Flow on 3rd Street, McMinnville.
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Eric J. Tweed, business attorney at Saalfeld Griggs, will guide entrepreneurs through the essential legal steps for building strong, sustainable partnerships, from selecting the right structure to protecting intellectual property and navigating key contracts.
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Discover how to leverage resources and expertise from publicly funded labs to accelerate product development, access facilities, collaborate with researchers, and turn cutting-edge innovations into market-ready solutions.
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Teams will collaborate with diverse mentors to refine their ideas, gaining fresh perspectives and expert guidance to strengthen their business models, business plans, and pitch decks.
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join John Mead, co-founder and CEO of Solid Carbon, as he shares his journey in transforming the concrete industry by developing carbon-negative solutions that not only revolutionize construction but also contribute to a sustainable future. Special thanks to John Mead of Solid Carbon and Patrick Crowley of Chapul Farms for tonight's dinner.
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
In this session, participants will fine-tune their pitches with last-minute feedback, followed by closing remarks that highlight key takeaways and next steps for continued success.
8:00 am - 8:30 am
Can you build a thriving business by putting your people first? If you ask Deven Paolo of Solid Form, the answer is a solid yes. Special thanks to White's Restaurant for today's breakfast and to Summon Coffee for today's coffee.
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Refine your pitch with a professional coach! Get personalized feedback, polish your message, and practice delivering with confidence. Perfect for entrepreneurs ready to make an impact!
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
A lunchtime session for startups and entrepreneurs to rest and enjoy a meal while connecting with peers. Special thanks to Dustin and Allie of Biscuit and Pickles Catering. After lunch, we’ll head over to the auditorium.
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Bob Dalton is an entrepreneur, designer, and speaker. He founded Sackcloth & Ashes, a mission-driven company that donates a blanket to a homeless shelter for every blanket purchased. Recognized as a Forbes Changemaker and CNN Champion for Change, Dalton advocates for innovative solutions and local impact.
2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
A showcase event where startups and entrepreneurs deliver their pitches to a panel of judges and an audience, aiming to gain feedback, recognition, and potential opportunities.
We are proud to collaborate with these amazing organizations that share our mission of supporting innovation and growth in our community.
