At the Entrepreneur Lab at College of Western Idaho (CWI), your ideas matter. Whether you’re dreaming of your first business or just curious about entrepreneurship, this is a place to explore, connect, and grow. From hands-on workshops and networking events to OtterTank, CWI’s exciting pitch competition, students and community members have opportunities to build skills, gain confidence, and bring ideas to life. Even if you’re not sure where to start, the Entrepreneur Lab is here to help you discover what’s possible.
First Steps
First Steps focuses on the earliest stages of the entrepreneurial journey. Attendees hear personal stories from local entrepreneurs about how their ideas took shape, the challenges they faced, and the moments that turned concepts into thriving businesses. By sharing these real and often messy beginnings, the event inspires participants to explore their own ideas and connect with experienced community leaders.
March 6
Noon
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 122
April 10
4 p.m.
Entrepreneur Lab, Nampa Micron Education Center (NMEC), Room 100B
Business Basics
Business Basics helps entrepreneurs take the next steps in building and scaling a business. Led by local business owners and industry experts, sessions cover practical skills like taxes, market research, and business operations. Participants leave with a clearer understanding of how to strengthen their ventures and connect with others committed to growth.
March 27
4 p.m.
Entrepreneur Lab, Nampa Micron Education Center (NMEC), Room 100B
April 17
4 p.m.
Entrepreneur Lab, Nampa Micron Education Center (NMEC), Room 100B
Cohorts
Cohorts at the Entrepreneur Lab meet participants wherever they are in their journey. Programs range from exploring a hobby in the Exploration Cohort, validating a new concept in Idea, Set, Go, to scaling an existing business through Next-Level Accelerator, which includes one-on-one coaching. Held at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center, cohorts provide structured guidance, practical tools, and feedback to help participants move from passion to profit with confidence.
Exploration Cohort
Do you have a hobby, skill, or passion that you love doing in your spare time? Join this 2-week cohort to learn how to monetize it and turn it into a successful side hustle. We will teach you the first steps of starting a side hustle and show you the path to turn it into a full-blown business someday!
April 3 & 10
2 – 4 p.m.
Entrepreneur Lab, Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
Idea, Set, Go
Do you have an idea for a new business? Join this 4-week cohort to help you validate your business idea to see if it is ready to launch. Before spending a lot of time and energy on an idea, this cohort will guide you through experiments and information to help you determine the best direction to go with your idea.
Fridays, Feb. 20 – March 13
2 – 4 p.m.
Entrepreneur Lab, Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
Next-Level Accelerator
Do you have a business already started or validated? These 8-week one-on-one coaching sessions will empower you to take your business idea to the next level. We will work side-by-side with you to dig into your business details, strengthen your value proposition, and conduct hands-on experiments to help you reach the next level.
Feb. 2 – April 3*
Entrepreneur Lab, Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
*through scheduled one-on-one meetings
No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, the Entrepreneur Lab at CWI offers the support, skills, and connections to help your business ideas thrive.
