CWI Entrepreneur Lab Wraps October with Success

Published: October 30, 2025

October was another high-energy month at the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab, packed with learning, inspiration, and hands-on opportunities for student innovators. The month kicked off with the Lab’s Open House, welcoming a strong turnout from across campus to celebrate the start of a new semester.

The Lab also proudly sponsored Boise Entrepreneur Week, leading the Youth Challenge to engage young innovators in pitching creative solutions and exploring entrepreneurship early. Cohorts were in full swing, with the Next Level Accelerator providing one-on-one coaching from Entrepreneur Lab Director, Kenton Lee, and the Idea Set Go group meeting weekly to refine promising business ideas.

Two sessions drew large crowds and excitement, Business Basics with Board of Trustees Chair, Jim Reames, which set a record with 43 attendees (even in a larger room, it was standing room only), and First Steps with Brandon Vilcapoma, which brought together a strong group of engaged entrepreneurs eager to learn from his journey.

Looking ahead, the Entrepreneur Lab offers several events to continue the momentum:

First Steps with Payton McGriff

CEO of Style Her Empowered and CNN Hero award winner, Payton McGriff, will share her journey building a mission-driven organization that empowers girls through education and opportunity. Pizza, raffle, and prizes included.

Friday, November 7
4 p.m.

Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Entrepreneur Lab (Room 100B)

Sign Up Here

Business Basics with Andy Crossman

Founder of Journeys, Andy Crossman, will offer practical insight on maximizing your business idea, showing how thoughtful entrepreneurship can make a meaningful impact.

Friday, November 14
4 p.m.

Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Entrepreneur Lab (Room 100B)

Sign Up Here

OtterTank

Entrepreneurs can pitch their ideas for a chance to win cash prizes, while attendees can cheer on innovators and explore new business concepts.

Friday, November 21
4 p.m.

Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Entrepreneur Lab (Room 100B)

Apply to Pitch

Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to grow an existing idea, the Entrepreneur Lab is buzzing with opportunities to connect, learn, and create. Learn more and be part of the action.

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