Community

Welcome!

Built companies benefit from a variety of workshops and information sessions, connections with major local retailers, and intensive mentoring when needed. In addition, founders can connect with other similar companies in the community to share experiences and pursue common goals.

Programs To Bridge the Gap

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Farmer’s Market Program
Farmer’s Market Program

More than just marketplace locations, these are platforms where Oregon founders connect directly with consumers, fostering authentic relationships and immediate feedback that drive continuous improvement and brand awareness while earning direct sales, at no cost to them.

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Demo Days
Demo Days

Because brand building doesn’t end with just getting on the shelf, it requires raising brand recognition within the retail spaces, educating consumers and staff, we sponsored demo days for founders in our program to raise awareness and brand recognition in the stores.

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Catering Pitch Program
Catering Pitch Program

Our catering pitch program opens new revenue channels with catering companies, enabling founders to scale their food and beverage offerings for larger events and opportunities.

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Retail Pitch Program
Retail Pitch Program

Built Oregon’s Retail Pitch Program connects emerging consumer brands with top regional retailers like New Seasons, Market of Choice, World Foods, and Tender Loving Empire.

Through hands-on coaching and pitch development, founders gain the tools and guidance needed to successfully launch into brick-and-mortar retail and secure shelf space in competitive markets.

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Accelerate Your Growth

Learn more about companies in our previous cohorts.

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Accelerator Interest Form
Accelerator Interest Form
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Built Oregon Program History

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2019 Cohort
2019 Cohort
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2021 Cohort
2021 Cohort
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2022 Black Business Accelerator
2022 Black Business Accelerator
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2022 Cohort
2022 Cohort
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2023 Bridges Accelerator
2023 Bridges Accelerator
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2023 Cohort
2023 Cohort
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Mentors

Built Oregon’s mentor network brings together a dynamic mix of industry leaders, creative thinkers, and seasoned entrepreneurs committed to supporting Oregon’s growing innovation economy.

Our Mentor roster includes seasoned executives and entrepreneurs who bring expertise across critical business functions -from marketing and operations to finance and manufacturing. Many have direct experience working with early-stage companies, which means they truly understand the challenges our entrepreneurs face. These mentors aren’t just offering their expertise - they are deeply committed to Oregon’s growth and are willing to engage in multiple ways, from one-on-one coaching to public speaking.

Built mentors posing together on stage

Black Community Work

We organize community events in partnership with organizations like Camp Yoshi and Soul River, aiming to connect Black founders and leaders through these events. Learn more about this, pitch black competition, community events, and other direct support by click the button below.

a group of Black founders at a Pitch Black event

Founders Stories

Member companies benefit from a variety of workshops and information sessions, connections with major local retailers, and intensive mentoring when needed. In addition, member companies can connect with other similar companies in the community to share experiences and pursue common goals.

Hear from our founders about how our community has helped their businesses.

Featured
Hot Mama Salsa
Hot Mama Salsa

When Nikki Guerrero moved from the Southwest to the Pacific Northwest, she brought with her a passion for authentic flavors and a dream of creating handmade products using fresh, local ingredients. What started as an 'art project' in 2008 with three fresh salsas has grown into a thriving business that now operates from a 9,000- square-foot facility, producing not just their signature salsas but also the best tortilla chips in town.

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Nico’s Ice Cream
Nico’s Ice Cream

From an igloo cooler on NE Broadway to a multi-state ice cream empire, Nico Vergara's entrepreneurial journey embodies the spirit of determination and community support.

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Join the Community

Being part of the Built Oregon community provides consumer products companies with the resources, connections and knowledge they need to thrive. This is especially true for early stage companies and those whose founders have limited business experience.

If you are interested, please fill out the form. We look forward to meeting you!