The Oregon Startup Conference 2025, held at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon, brought together a dynamic group of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. This year’s event was a powerful catalyst for fostering innovation within Oregon’s startup ecosystem. Designed to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurial landscape, the conference offered opportunities for meaningful connections, knowledge-sharing, and growth.
Event Overview
Held on June 20, 2025, the Oregon Startup Conference took place under the theme “Where Innovation Meets Community.” The event’s mission was clear: to empower startups, increase access to resources, and cultivate an environment where innovative ideas could flourish. Organized by Launch Mid-Valley with support from SEDCOR (SouthEast District Economic Development Corporation) and Business Oregon, the conference attracted hundreds of attendees, ranging from budding entrepreneurs to seasoned investors.
The event kicked off with an empowering invocation by Tamika L. Herbert, a breast cancer survivor and empowerment advocate. Her opening remarks set a tone of resilience, encouraging attendees to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. Following her introduction, participants had the chance to engage in a variety of sessions and panels that covered key aspects of startup success, from storytelling to capital acquisition.
Key Sessions and Highlights
The conference featured a range of sessions, each offering valuable insights for the entrepreneurs in attendance. Here’s a look at some of the key discussions that took place throughout the day:
Success Panel #1: “How Startups Are Scaling with Story, Strategy & Social”
This panel explored how successful startups are using storytelling, strategic planning, and social media to scale their businesses. Panelists emphasized the power of narrative in building brand identity and customer loyalty. They also shared strategies for using social platforms to enhance visibility and engagement, while underscoring the importance of clear, targeted communication to drive growth.
Access to Capital Panel: “Funding the Future: What You Need to Know About VCs, Angels & Public Resources”
One of the most crucial aspects of any startup’s journey is securing funding. This panel offered a comprehensive overview of the different types of funding sources available to entrepreneurs, from venture capital and angel investors to government grants and public funding options. The discussion delved into how entrepreneurs can best position themselves to attract investors, as well as the key considerations when seeking funding from both private and public channels.
Success Panel #2: “How Did You Get There?”
In this session, founders of successful startups shared their personal stories, offering insights into the challenges they faced and the strategies they used to overcome them. From pivoting business models to navigating periods of uncertainty, the entrepreneurs in this panel shared valuable lessons learned along the way. Their stories were a reminder that success often comes through perseverance, adaptability, and the willingness to take calculated risks.
Pitch Willamette Competition
Arguably the highlight of the day, the Pitch Willamette competition featured eight Oregon-based startups competing in a “Shark Tank”-style event. Each startup had the opportunity to pitch their idea to a panel of judges, including prominent investors and business leaders. The competition allowed entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative concepts and gain exposure to potential investors, mentors, and partners.
The event culminated in an awards ceremony, where the most promising ventures were celebrated for their creativity, potential, and market readiness. For the startups that participated, it was an invaluable opportunity to receive feedback from industry experts and potentially secure funding or mentorship to help them scale.
Community Engagement and Networking
Throughout the day, conference attendees were encouraged to engage with the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. A Resource Fair provided access to a wide range of tools, mentorship, and funding opportunities. The fair was designed to connect startups with local and regional partners who could help them on their growth journey, from legal advisors to business development organizations.
In addition to the fair, a networking lunch provided an informal setting for attendees to share ideas, discuss potential collaborations, and form new partnerships. This opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations was a key component of the event’s success, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and support.
The Importance of Community and Innovation
The Oregon Startup Conference 2025 underscored the importance of community-driven efforts in driving innovation. By bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders, the event highlighted the collective strength of Oregon’s startup ecosystem. This gathering of minds demonstrated that the path to success in the startup world is rarely a solo journey—collaboration, mentorship, and shared resources play a vital role in helping businesses thrive.
Moreover, the event reinforced the value of inclusivity in the innovation process. With a diverse range of panelists, speakers, and attendees, the conference showcased the breadth of perspectives that contribute to Oregon’s thriving entrepreneurial community. From women in business to tech innovators and creative entrepreneurs, the conference provided a platform for voices from all backgrounds to come together and drive the state’s entrepreneurial future forward.
Conclusion
The Oregon Startup Conference 2025 proved to be a pivotal moment in the state’s entrepreneurial landscape. By offering a space for learning, networking, and collaboration, the event set the stage for new partnerships, funding opportunities, and innovative ideas to take root. As Oregon continues to grow as a hub for startups and entrepreneurs, events like this will be crucial in shaping the future of business and innovation in the region.
The lessons, connections, and inspiration shared at the conference are just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey for Oregon’s startup ecosystem. As the entrepreneurial landscape evolves, the spirit of community and collaboration championed by this event will remain a cornerstone for future growth.
