Get ready for a month filled with exciting opportunities to learn, connect, and grow your business with College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab. November is packed with events designed to spark your entrepreneurial spirit and equip you with valuable knowledge.
Nov. 8 – First Steps: Learn What it Takes to Start a Business
Join the Entrepreneur Lab in welcoming Cheri and Jonathan Hoeger, founders of Saalt, as they share their inspiring journey of launching a business with sustainable products in a casual, interview-style event where questions are welcome. Enjoy pizza while gaining insights from these local entrepreneurs as they discuss the challenges, successes, and the unique path they took to create a brand that champions sustainability. Plus, attendees will have the chance to win prize money to fund their business ideas.
Friday, Nov. 8
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center, Room 100B
Nov. 12 – Business Basics: Resources for Entrepreneurs
Join us for an engaging Business Basics session, featuring Karen Applegren from Zions Bank, who will share her invaluable insights on resources available to new entrepreneurs. This event offers expert training from an industry leader on essential business resources, and attendees can enjoy pizza while having the chance to win prize money to fund their business idea!
Tuesday, Nov. 12
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center, Room 100B
Nov. 21 – Nampa Business Day: Keynotes & Workshops for Growth
Nampa Business Day is a unique opportunity for local entrepreneurs and business owners to come together, gain expert insights, and build meaningful connections within the Nampa community. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with a keynote address by Brian Jorgenson, Chief Investment Officer at Capital Eleven, who brings decades of experience in strategy, fundraising, and investment insights, including his work at Microsoft and advisory roles for both startups and established businesses.
Following the keynote, attendees can participate in interactive focus sessions from 10:45 a.m. to noon. These workshops, led by local experts, provide actionable insights on key business skills:
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Chloe Hanson of Flying M Coffee: Practical strategies for effective retail sales.
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Beatrix Westmoreland of The Syringa: How to raise funds and secure financing for new or expanding businesses.
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Oscar Diaz of Relentless Owl Stills & Video: Social media strategies to grow your business’s reach.
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TBD Workshop: Stay tuned for an additional workshop to be announced soon!
Thursday, Nov. 21
Belle Event Center in Nampa
Nov. 21 – Showcase & Competition: Showcasing Your Venture
Showcase your idea, side hustle, or business and compete for a $1000 grand prize or a golden ticket to the Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge with the opportunity to win even more seed money for your business idea. CWI students will have the opportunity to present their ventures with a quick 30-second elevator pitch to a group of local entrepreneurs who will be acting as judges. Entrepreneurs from all stages are invited to participate, whether you have an idea or an already blooming business.
Thursday, Nov. 21
Participants should arrive at 6:15 p.m. The event will run from 7– 8 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 122
Showcase/Competition Application
Field Trip: In Time Tec
A unique behind-the-scenes tour of In Time Tec in Meridian, ID, where students and professionals interested in entrepreneurship, business, software development, IT solutions, and project management can connect with industry leaders, explore innovative software development, and gain firsthand insights into the company’s operations. This field trip offers a close look at the intersection of technology and business, showcasing real-world applications of project management, IT solutions, and team workflows that drive efficiency and success. Transportation from the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center is available for those who sign up.
Friday, Nov. 22
In Time Tec in Meridian*
*Transport from Nampa Micron Education Center to In Time Tec is available to those who wish to sign up.
Sign Up: In Time Tec Field Trip
If you have any questions or need further information, reach out to entrepreneurlab@cwi.edu.
