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.

More from CWI

Connections Conference 2026 Logo (square)

College of Western Idaho will host its 11th annual Connections Conference on April 23, inviting students, faculty, staff, and community members to celebrate student achievement. 

Read more about Connections Conference 2026
Tutor working with students in front of a whiteboard

At CWI, Tutoring Services is available to help students stay on track, strengthen their understanding of course material, and build the skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.

Read more about Learning Commons: Tutoring Services
Grad Fest 2026 logo

Gather your friends, family, and classmates, and plan to join us for a good time and good food as we kick off the countdown to graduation with Grad Fest on Friday, May 8.

Read more about 2026 Grad Fest – Let’s Celebrate Our Grads!
Art painting

Join CWI Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist, Christine Atkinson, to the Nampa Campus Academic Building on March 27.

Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Christine Atkinson
Two students holding kestrel boxes

Raptor Day at CWI gave students hands-on experience building kestrel nest boxes and learning about the valley’s amazing birds of prey.

Read more about Raptor Day Highlights Birds of Prey on Campus
Person behind a set of books

Ada Community Library Bookmobile will visit CWI on Feb. 24, offering library cards, book checkout, and free resources for students and the community.

Read more about Library Bookmobile to Visit Ada County Center
Image of the Tempest Promotional flyer in front of a green backdrop

Join the College's Visiting Artist Series in welcoming Idaho Shakespeare Festival back to campus on Tuesday, Feb. 17, for a performance of The Tempest and an acting workshop.

Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes 2026 Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Headshot of Jill Storey
Jill Storey

Join CWI's Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist Jill Storey to campus on Feb. 26 – 27.

Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Jill Storey
Spring 2026 Club Fest

Club Fest is the gateway to discovering active Student Clubs, learning about upcoming initiatives, and finding out how to join groups that align with your interests.

Read more about Spring 2026 Club Fest
Group of people practicing yoga

Mindfulness Mondays with 2C Yoga are open to all College of Western Idaho students on most Mondays at noon at the Nampa Campus Academic Building.

Read more about Mindfulness Mondays Returns This Spring Offering Free Yoga on Campus
Three people chatting at a front desk

CWI has joined forces with Western Idaho Community Action Partnership to offer heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This program provides vital...

Read more about CWI Partners With WICAP to Support Heating Assistance

News QR Code

URL: https://cwi.edu/news/cwi-entrepreneur-lab-wraps-october-success<br>