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Igniting innovation across Oregon's Mid-Willamette Valley.

Powered by SEDCOR with funding from Business Oregon, Launch Mid-Valley, the Mid-Willamette Valley Regional Innovation Hub, delivers resources, education, and support to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties.

 

Big Ideas, Bold Moves, and a Weekend of Startup Magic 🚀

Startup Bootcamp Weekend at Linfield Keck Science Center

The energy from Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend is still buzzing! Last month, 21 startup teams came together at Linfield University to turn bold ideas into reality. With the support of mentors, speakers, and a powerhouse community, these entrepreneurs transformed their visions into actionable business models.

🎉 Congratulations to our Top 10 winners!

From innovative food ventures to tech-driven solutions, these founders are making waves:

🥇 Jamie Akers – Local Flow

🥈 Denise Ker Waldron, Ben Franson & Henry Ker – Life2Launch

🥉 Jason Staats – Where to Eat Guide & Associates

🏅 Matthew Hawkins – Mac Clay  

🏅 Saumay Narayan – Pour Up  

🏅 Caitlin Grey – Pure Light Botanical Beauty

🏅 Josh LaPoint – Standard Nursery

🏅 Megan Ujakovich – Heretics & Hedonists Community Kitchen 

🏅 Doris Towery – Culinary Collective 

🏅 Ryan Schwecheimer – Digital Dawn Technologies

But here’s the real headline: every single founder who showed up and put their ideas into motion is a winner.

From deep-dive mentor sessions to candid discussions on the realities of startup life, this weekend was about more than just pitching.

It was about building something that lasts.

A Standing Ovation for Our Startup Champions 🎉

None of this would have been possible without the powerhouse team that fueled Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend. To our mentors, guest speakers, and supporters—you are the backbone of this ecosystem. Your dedication, wisdom, and generosity shaped an unforgettable experience for our entrepreneurs.

A heartfelt thank you to our Startup Champions:

Bob Dalton (Sackcloth & Ashes), Dr. Sean Muir (Linfield University), John Mead (Solid Carbon), Eric J. Tweed (Saalfeld Griggs), Deven Paolo (Solid Form Fabrication), Hannah Sandmeyer (Up and Over Advisors), Brad Kleiner (Cedar Root Consulting), and Helen Anderson (HelloCare), Carr Biggerstaff, Deven Paolo, Patrick Crowley, Eunice Makinde, Lisa Francolini, Beverly Wells, Eric Kornblit, Helen Anderson, Paul Jensen, Dean Craig, Ty Davison, Dr. Sean Muir, Laura Kubisiak, Alex Paraskevas, Marianne Cursetjee, and Roanna Gingrich.

And to Abigayle Tarsches, Josh Lopez, Heather Hadley Blank, Taylor Spencer, Holly Tate, and Mike White—your tireless behind-the-scenes work made everything run seamlessly.

 

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors 🙌

A huge shoutout to Linfield University, Saalfeld Griggs, Solid Carbon, Chapul Farms, and Catherine Summers of Bella Casa Real Estate Group, for their generous support in bringing this vision to life! Your contributions played a pivotal role in making Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend a success.

We’re also grateful for our incredible partners: SEDCOR, Chehalem VIA, George Fox University, MEDP, Chemeketa SBDC, Indy Commons, Brenda Ray Scott, Buildable, Willamette Workforce Partnership, White’s Restaurant, Summon Coffee, Sacred Fire Creative, Local Flow, To Go Paleo, Local Oregon Legacy Builders, and Biscuit and Pickles Catering. Your support strengthens our entrepreneurial ecosystem and empowers local startups to thrive! 🚀

 

The Journey Doesn’t End Here: Check Out the Coffee Clubs for Startups and Entrepreneurs

If you missed the Startup Bootcamp but still want to be part of this dynamic community, our Coffee Clubs for Startups and Entrepreneurs are waiting for you.

These informal gatherings bring together founders, dreamers, and doers to swap stories, share insights, and build connections.

Right now, we have Coffee Clubs in Salem, Independence, McMInnville, Stayton, Woodburn, Silverton, Dallas, and Newberg. And we’re launching in more locations soon, so stay tuned!

 

Join Indy Hub Talk: How to Fund Your Business

A brilliant business idea is just the beginning. Securing the right funding is what brings it to life.

Join us for Indy Hub Talk: How to Fund Your Business on March 13 from 4:30 to 6:00 PM at Indy Commons in Independence.

Whether you’re in the early stages of your startup or looking to expand, this event will equip you with valuable insights, practical funding strategies, and a network of fellow entrepreneurs who are on the same journey.

Admission is FREE, but space is limited. RSVP now and take a bold step toward funding your business’ future.

 
Launch Mid-Valley Gift Guide Home Page

Looking to elevate your business? The Business Boost Program is here to help 25 local businesses with expert assessments, a free 90-day growth plan, and access to top-notch resources.

Who can apply? Businesses in North Marion County (Aurora, Silverton, Woodburn & more)
What you get: A custom strategy to grow and strengthen your business
Cost: FREE—because we’re here to support you!

📅 Deadline: February 14 – Apply now!

 

Bob Dalton, known for his mission-driven work with Sackcloth & Ashes, is now turning his focus to LOCL, a platform built to bridge the gap between digital connection and real-world community.

In an era where social media connects us globally but often isolates us locally, LOCL is designed for the people who shape culture, support small businesses, and bring communities together. It’s about reclaiming what matters—real relationships, vibrant local economies, and a sense of belonging.

Bob believes that humans are built for connection, not isolation. With LOCL, he’s on a mission to help communities engage, thrive, and grow—both online and offline. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning. 🚀

 

Startup Champion Highlight: Cayla Catino

1-1 Advising
 

Ready to Scale Your Startup?

1-1 Advising
Launch Mid-Valley Innovation Hub offers 1:1 business advising for traded-sector, scalable startups ready to grow—let’s turn your vision into success! Apply for FREE Advising today! 
 

Stay Connected with Launch Mid Valley!

Follow us on social media to connect with entrepreneurs, innovators, and resources in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/launchmidvalley

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/launch-mid-valley

LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14063016/
Coffee Club for Startups

Power up your hustle with Coffee Clubs for Startups and Entrepreneurs in the Mid-Willamette Valley! Sip, connect, and spark game-changing ideas.

Don’t wait—secure your spot today!

Stay Connected with Launch Mid-Valley! Join our LinkedIn Group to connect with entrepreneurs, innovators, and resources in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties.

Let’s grow together!

 

Got questions? Email Malee Ojua, Innovation Navigator for the Launch Mid-Valley Innovation Hub, at malee@sacredfirecreative.com.