Gratitude, Growth, and Grit: A Look Back at the Oregon Startup Conference
On June 20, 2025, Sacred Fire Creative had the honor of facilitating the Oregon Startup Conference on behalf of Launch Mid-Valley, an initiative that supports entrepreneurial growth in the state’s Mid-Willamette Valley region.
Emceed by Launch Mid-Valley’s Venture Catalyst Mike White and Innovation Navigator Malee Ojua, this year’s Conference was more than a gathering. It was a vibrant showcase of innovation, resilience, and community. Entrepreneurs, thought leaders, investors, and local changemakers filled Canyon Commons in George Fox University, all united by one mission.
And that is to champion small business success across Mid-Willamette Valley and beyond.
At its core, the Conference is about building bridges. It’s about giving early-stage founders access to the tools, mentors, and resources they need to take the next steps.
It’s about telling the stories of entrepreneurs who are doing the work, making an impact, and reimagining what’s possible together.
Pitch Willamette: Spotlighting Tomorrow’s Leaders
One of the most anticipated moments of the day came during the Pitch Willamette competition, where ten bold startups took the stage to share their visions for the future.
These startups are: PourUp, Communal, Where to Eat Guide, Dayo Technologies, Pure Light Botanical Beauty, Pour Soul Systems, NerdNode, Rising Wine Collective, Accent Innovations, and Life2Launch Institute.
After an inspiring round of pitches, Dayo Technologies emerged as the grand prize winner, earning a $30,000 investment to accelerate their growth. Their app attempts to transform the way people utilize social media by rewarding them when they minimize the time they spend on these platforms.
The People’s Choice Award, a $1,000 prize voted on by attendees, went to Life2Launch Institute. Life2Launch is an app focused on educating and guiding young people as they prepare for college and transition into adulthood.
These two winners exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in our region: resourceful, mission-driven, and deeply committed to solving real-world problems.
Last year’s winner, Revino, also returned to the stage to share updates on what they have accomplished since.
A Firestarter Keynote
Another highlight of the Oregon Startup Conference is a powerful keynote address by Bob Dalton, founder of Sackcloth & Ashes. Sackcloth & Ashes is a company that operates on a 1:1 model, where for every blanket sold, a blanket is donated to a homeless shelter. He also recently launched LOCL, an app that promotes intentional, hyper-localized, and community-centered social connections.
Bob’s story of social entrepreneurship, compassion, building a brand rooted in purpose, and empowering grassroots movements capped the tone of the Conference. His message reminded everyone in the room that business can be both a tool for innovation and a force for good. He also emphasized that the most impactful ventures often begin with one person choosing to care.
The Resource Fair: Where Innovation Meets Community
Throughout the day, attendees explored the Resource Fair, a cornerstone of the Oregon Startup Conference experience. Each section was designed to meet startups where they are and connect them with the people and tools they need to grow.
These sections are:
- Hands-On Tech Lab, which showcased local tech innovation in action
- Startup Lounge: Meet the Mentors, a welcoming space for one-on-one conversations with seasoned founders and business leaders
- Startup Support Central, which provided direct access to incubators, business development organizations, and funding resources
- Rest and Recharge, a space where attendees were able to take a break and just breathe
- The Marketplace, where local entrepreneurs showcased their products and services, building visibility while creating meaningful connections
Three Panels, Countless Insights
The day was also filled with powerful storytelling through three thoughtfully curated panels.
The morning’s Success Panel, moderated by Yalda Moshiri of Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN), focused on the challenges of launching a startup. The panel included:
- Emily Cadiz of Finnegan the Dragon
- Jamie Bianchini of Purpose in Expenses
- Keiran Bailey of Saije Esthetics
- Kristy Runge of HelloCare
- Pallavi Pande of Dtocs
- Tracy Camp of UpSight Security
This panel was shortly followed by the Access to Capital Panel. Led by moderator Catherine Summers of The Bella Casa Group, it offered a deep dive into funding strategies for startups. Joining this panel are:
- Jeff Hilderbrand of Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments
- Nicci Walker of Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon
- Quinn Millegan of Woodworth Contrarian Fund
- Ricardo Lopez of Business Oregon
- Scott Bossom of WaFd
- Steve Eichenlaub of Portland Seed Fund
The afternoon Success Panel, moderated by Sacred Fire Creative’s own Malee Ojua, brought a heart-centered perspective on entrepreneurship and the role of storytelling in its growth. The panel is made up of:
- Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard of Slumberkins
- Joan Fleishman
- John Mead of Solid Carbon
- Patrick Crowley of Chapul Farms
- Rachel Dreilinger of NeuraMedica
- Rita Hansen
Each panelist brought their own story of grit, vision, and purpose, highlighting the diversity of paths to success and the common thread of mission-driven leadership.
Community-Fueled, Mission-Aligned
The Oregon Startup Conference is a project of Launch Mid-Valley (LMV), the Mid-Willamette Valley Regional Innovation Hub. Funded by Business Oregon and overseen by Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR), LMV supports entrepreneurial innovation and growth in Oregon’s Polk, Marion, and Yamhill counties.
As a collaborative initiative, LMV works closely with partners such as the Chemeketa Small Business Development Center, Chemeketa Community College, McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), Latino Business Alliance, Indy Idea Hub, George Fox University, Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and the Chehalem Valley Innovation Accelerator.
The Conference is also made possible by the generous support of WaFd Bank, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Oregon, Catherine Summers, and Dr. Nicole Villegas of Sensory Conscious Institute.
Sacred Fire Creative is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community through the Oregon Startup Conference on behalf of Launch Mid-Valley. It aligns with our mission to uplift small business owners, amplify their authentic voices, and use brand storytelling as a bridge to reach and inspire others. The Conference was a living expression of that mission.
To everyone who showed up – to pitch, to speak, to mentor, to learn, or to cheer from the sidelines, thank you. Your presence made this gathering transform into a movement.
If you’re a founder looking to find your authentic voice and use your stories to build powerful connections with your audience, contact us today. Let’s see how we can collaborate.