Entrepreneur Lab Events

Ignite your passion and elevate your business skills at events hosted by College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab. From a showcase and competition to hands-on workshops and exclusive field trips to local businesses, there's something for everyone. Connect with leaders, learn key topics, and celebrate innovation — don't miss these opportunities to grow and network!

First Steps
Take part in inspiring gatherings where you will learn from the personal stories of local entrepreneurs and their journeys to starting successful businesses. Hear about the highs and lows of their early steps, and discover the unique paths each entrepreneur has taken. Connect with remarkable local leaders as they share their experiences.

Friday, Feb. 7
Jimmie and Cheryl Wisler, Owners of the International Minute Press

Wednesday, March 12

Wednesday, April 16

Check back soon for March and April speakers.

First Steps Registration
Business Basics
Experience hands-on training with local entrepreneurs covering essential business topics to elevate your skills in key areas. Engage with other business leaders and operators as we learn from some of the industry's top experts together.

Friday, Feb. 14
Joe Welker, Essentials for Entrepreneurs: Business Setup, Record Keeping, and Tax Filing

Wednesday, March 19

Friday, April 11

Check back soon for March and April topics and speakers.

Business Basics Registration
Field Trips
Explore the wonders of local businesses with us as we meet with leaders, tour their facilities, and see their craft in action. Uncover the hidden gems in our community on these hands-on field trips, and gain firsthand insights into the amazing work happening right here at home.

Friday, March 21
Unbound at the Meridian Library

Friday, April 18
Check back soon for location

Field Trips Registration
Connections Project: Entrepreneur Lab Showcase and Competition
The Entrepreneur Lab is teaming up with the Connections Project for our Spring Showcase and Competition. Apply below to show off your idea, side hustle, or business and even have a chance to win prize money to help support your venture! CWI students, staff, and community members are invited to highlight their ventures through elevator pitches, displays, and more at the Spring Showcase. The finalists will be presented with their prizes on the big stage later that night. Come for an inspiring evening and be surrounded by amazing ideas!

Event Details

Date: Thursday, April 24
Location: Nampa Campus Academic Building

Check back soon for participant set-up and event times.

Participation Details

Participants will present one-on-one with attendees and judges and create presentation diagrams to highlight their idea. Top finalists will be expected to share their business idea on stage in front of a crowd.

Apply to the Entrepreneur Lab Showcase

Have a 15-minute conversation with an Entrepreneur Lab staff member to confirm details.

Have a side hustle, personal venture, or business idea.

Ideas could include things like selling flowers at a farmers market booth, creating a YouTube page featuring your expertise on skateboarding, or starting a restaurant in downtown Nampa.

From your idea, create presentation materials that will be featured on 3x2 tabletop.

Items could include poster boards, physical prototypes, brochures, audio/visual displays, etc.

Create a 30-second elevator pitch describing your idea.

Be prepared to answer questions and talk in depth about your idea.

Remote Participation:
Offered only to students needing it for grading purposes. Remote participants will not be eligible for the cash prizes. If you would like to participate remotely, apply below and specify your participation preference on the application.

Remote Student Submission Guidelines:

Submit a 30-Second Elevator Pitch Video for your business idea

Include Supporting Materials (any documents or presentation materials you would have used at the Showcase i.e. slides, images, or other display elements)

Participate in a Feedback Call with Kenton Lee where he will review your materials and schedule a phone call to provide feedback and give you a score based on the same criteria used for in-person participants

Submit materials by April 4 to entrepreneurlab@cwi.edu. All feedback calls will be scheduled to take place before the Showcase and Competition on April 24.

Apply for the Spring Showcase
Mentor Monday
Join us for Mentor Monday, where entrepreneurs come together to share ideas, tackle challenges, and gain inspiration in a supportive community. Led by our Entrepreneur Lab Director, Kenton Lee, this event is a chance to connect with fellow innovators while benefiting from Kenton’s expertise and guidance. It’s not only about learning from a mentor—it’s also about building relationships, exchanging insights, and growing as part of a vibrant entrepreneurial network. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, Mentor Monday is the perfect place to collaborate and thrive with like-minded individuals.

Monday, May 5

Monday, May 12

Mentor Monday Registration
Ask the Expert
The Entrepreneur Lab presents Ask the Expert, an engaging event where participants can sit around the table with a seasoned local expert to gain valuable insights and guidance. This interactive session provides an intimate setting to ask questions, discuss challenges, and gather practical advice tailored to your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're refining a business idea or navigating growth strategies, Ask the Expert offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from an experienced professional in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Thursday, May 1

Thursday, May 8

Check back soon to learn who the experts will be!