Meet the Inaugural Cohort of Built Oregon’s Retail Performance Accelerator
Oregon is already a well-known hub for the world’s best consumer products; all over the state, entrepreneurs are crafting exceptional products — artisanal mustards, fermented garlic paste, dairy-free butter, authentic chai and so much more. But creating a great product is just the beginning. Getting it into retail shelves and keeping it there? That’s where things can get complex.
That is exactly why Built Oregon launched its new Retail Performance Accelerator — and we’re thrilled to introduce you to the eleven brands in our inaugural cohort.
The Brands
Al Xile is bringing the heat with their chili crisp in olive oil, adding bold flavor to Oregon tables.
BeLoved Health is tapping into wellness with their shilajit products, bringing traditional remedies to modern consumers.
Garlicki has taken fermented garlic paste to new heights, offering depth of flavor that home cooks and chefs alike are discovering.
Holm Made Toffee, based in Bend, crafts artisanal confections that prove small-batch can compete with big brands.
Iliana Maura is revolutionizing the dairy-free space with butter that doesn’t compromise on taste or performance.
Ka Chai & Coffee brings authentic Indian chai and coffee to Oregon, honoring traditional recipes while building a modern brand.
Manny’s Choice is bringing healthy and digestible European Wheat to everyone with their All-Purpose Flour, Baking Mixes and Sourdough Starters using The Good Gluten®.
Salsas del Barrio serves up salsa macha that connects heritage recipes with contemporary palates.
Scratch Treats has found a unique niche with dog treat baking kits — because our four-legged friends deserve homemade goodness too.
Tanglewood Beverage Company from Oregon City is bottling coffee and tea with a focus on quality and convenience.
We Must Mustards proves that even a condiment as humble as mustard can be extraordinary when crafted with care.
Why This Accelerator Matters
These brands represent more than just great products. They represent Oregon’s entrepreneurial spirit, our commitment to quality, and the incredible diversity of our maker community. But talent and passion alone aren’t enough to navigate the complex world of retail. ”The journey in the first year on the retail shelf is complex,” notes Lori Spencer, the accelerator’s mentor-in-residence, who brings extensive CPG industry experience and deep knowledge of local brands to the program. “I’m excited to share insights from my experience to help these brands navigate that path successfully.”
The program runs from February 25 through the end of April 2026, providing structured curriculum, mentorship, and — critically — connections within Oregon’s retail landscape. New Seasons, Market of Choice, Tender Loving Empire, and World Foods have all contributed content and expertise, giving participants direct access to the buyers and decision-makers who can help them scale.
Building Community, Not Just Businesses
Participants will have a safe space to openly share challenges, celebrate wins, and learn from each other’s experiences. Because sometimes the best mentor is the founder who’s one step ahead of you on the same journey. ”This accelerator represents an evolution in our programming,” said Katharine Reinhold, Executive Director of Built Oregon. “While we’ve supported Oregon’s brands for years, this focused approach with a structured curriculum for founders just starting out in retail fills a critical gap for growing brands ready to scale their retail operations.”
The program is fully funded through a scholarship from a Built Oregon alumnus who understands firsthand the financial challenges of scaling a brand, along with support from Prosper Portland’s Inclusive Business Resource Network (IBRN), which funds Built Oregon’s programs to ensure access across the entrepreneurial community.”
The Built Oregon mentor community has really stepped up for this program,” Katharine added. “Their willingness to share expertise and networks demonstrates the collaborative spirit that makes Oregon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem so special.”
Learn more about Built Oregon and how we support consumer brands at