Oregon Entrepreneurs Network

Meet Built2Buy, a company out of Ashland, Oregon that is changing the way wholesale businesses operate. Built2Buy is helping businesses stop wasting time on manual order entry and start focusing on what actually drives growth. With a zero training ordering portal, dealers can place orders seamlessly while teams reclaim hours every week. For many businesses, that means eliminating up to 100 percent of time spent on order and invoice data entry and saving tens of thousands of dollars each year. The result is simple. More dealers, more orders, larger orders, and less administrative work. From sales teams to reps in the field to administrators behind the scenes, Built2Buy makes ordering faster, easier, and smarter across the board. Less typing. More shipping. More growth. Find out more at built2buy.com

New episode from @darwoft 🎙️ On this week’s #DAREwithDarwoft, Ned Hayes is joined by Charity Andrews, founder of Stellify, for a grounded look at why so many teams struggle after new tools are introduced. Rather than focusing on software features, the discussion zooms in on what actually drives success: how people work, how processes are designed, and why adoption often breaks down long before the tech becomes useful. Charity unpacks how organizations can move past operational friction by aligning behavior, structure, and systems in a more intentional way. It is a practical conversation about turning complexity into clarity and building workflows that support real work instead of adding to it. /@darwoftcompany /podcasts https://amzn.to/3Nm3WJO https://apple.co/3RCcU8y

When HR runs well, you barely notice it. When it doesn’t, it slows everything down. This new blog from @insperity highlights a truth many growing businesses learn the hard way: operational friction often comes from unclear processes, inconsistent practices and reactive decision-making - not big, obvious problems. A few takeaways: • Small HR inefficiencies add up to major distractions • Consistency builds trust and saves time • Clear processes free leaders to focus on growth - not firefighting Strong HR administration isn’t about bureaucracy. It’s about creating the structure that keeps your business moving forward without constant interruptions. If your team is spending more time reacting than planning, it might be time to strengthen what’s happening behind the scenes. Find out more here >>> /2026/04/30/how-strong-hr-admin-reduces-friction-behind-the-scenes/

📣 Big opportunities are coming this summer through @oregonbusinessacademy and Business Week 2026! 🎉 High school students from across Oregon will have the chance to build leadership skills, explore entrepreneurship, and experience college life at Oregon State University during two immersive summer sessions: 📅 June 21–27 📅 July 26–August 1 Families, educators, and community members are encouraged to help spread the word so more students can take part in this transformational experience. Learn more and enroll here: /enroll Community leaders, professionals, and mentors are also invited to get involved as volunteers and help inspire the next generation of Oregon business leaders 💼✨ Share your experience, support student growth, and make a lasting impact: /volunteer Learn more here: /partners

Portland get ready! @jupiterhotel is hosting an @oenorg Marketplace this June and it is bringing all the flavor with it! Join us Thursday June 18 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the Dream Tent at the Jupiter Hotel for a one day tasting experience you do not want to miss. ✨ 18 incredible food and beverage vendors ✨ Endless samples of crave worthy bites and sips ✨ Meet the makers behind your next favorite obsession Come hungry! Bring a friend! Stay curious! Leave with something delicious! And BIG THANKS to sponsors @amazon , @prosperportland and Yoshida Group! Find out more and check out the list of vendors here: /event.jsp?event=530&

ICYMI: On June 2 @xceleratewomen , @oenorg , @latino_founders , and the @pdxmetrohub , are offering women entrepreneurs a chance to get a clearer picture of how to actually fund and grow your business. Capital Literacy for Women Entrepreneurs brings together experienced founders, investors, and advisors to talk through what works, what doesn’t, and how to navigate it all without the jargon. If you’ve ever wondered which funding path makes sense for your business or how to take the next step with confidence, this session is built for you. Expect honest conversations, small group discussions where you can ask real questions, and a room full of women building ambitious things. Good conversations, great connections, and yes, food and drinks included. Whether you're just starting to explore or already thinking about raising, this is a space to learn, connect, and move forward with clarity. Find out more and register here >>> /e/capital-literacy-for-women-entrepreneurs-tickets-1988200110050?aff=oddtdtcreator

A simple idea from pediatric care is now helping families rethink hydration 🍑💧 @ellypopnaturals was born from the firsthand experience of Dr. Amanda Watters, who saw the need for gentle, natural hydration options for kids. What started as a recommendation for homemade herbal tea pops evolved into something much bigger with the collaboration of Dr. Jackie Kirihara. In 2025, EllyPop officially launched its Wild Cherry and Sweet Peach freezer pops, bringing a ready to enjoy option to families looking for clean ingredients and thoughtful nutrition 🍒 Made with organic fruit juice, herbal tea blends, and essential electrolytes like sea salt, EllyPop keeps things simple with no artificial dyes, no unnecessary additives, and no added sweeteners. A Portland founded company turning everyday care into something a little more refreshing 🌿 Grab some EllyPops for yourself at ellypop.com

On Wednesday, May 13th at 5:00 pm join a dynamic panel at @upstartpdx in Big Pink as healthcare founders and supporters discuss the future of innovation in Oregon. The conversation, hosted by Erin O’Brien of Chemistry: Healthcare Marketing | Communications, will dive into the challenges of building healthcare companies in the state - what’s working, where Oregon needs to improve, and what’s at risk if the ecosystem doesn’t evolve. Panelists include: Holly Rockweiler, CEO of Madorra Corin Tucker, CoFounder of Neurosom Philip Barish, New Ventures at OHSU Dave Sanders, MD, Founder of CodyMD Event includes panel discussion, audience Q&A, and post-panel networking. Find out more and register here >>> /event/the-prescription-for-oregon-building-a-better-healthcare-startup-ecosystem

What does it really take to keep AI running when the stakes are high? On the latest episode of #DARE with @darwoft , Ned Hayes talks with Tim Hysell, Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor of @zincfiveinc , about the technology powering today’s data centers behind the scenes. From handling split-second energy spikes to keeping systems online during outages, this conversation explores the critical role batteries play in the future of AI. Tim also shares how ZincFive evolved from supporting traffic infrastructure to becoming a key player in global energy solutions, and why performance, safety, and sustainability can go hand in hand. If you are curious about what keeps the digital world moving, this episode is worth a listen. /@darwoftcompany /podcasts https://amzn.to/3Nm3WJO https://apple.co/3RCcU8y

💡 Quick cash now… or long-term stress later? Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) are popping up everywhere and while they can feel like a fast fix, they often come with hidden costs that can seriously impact your business over time. Here’s the reality 👇 MCAs are not traditional loans. That means fewer protections, less transparency, and repayment structures that can drain your cash flow fast. Daily or weekly withdrawals don’t pause when business slows down and what starts as a quick solution can turn into a cycle that is hard to break. One advance leads to another, and suddenly growth takes a back seat to survival. There are better, more sustainable options out there that are designed to support your business not strain it. Business Impact NW is a mission driven community lender committed to supporting entrepreneurs, especially those who have been historically underserved. They offer affordable small business loans, one on one advising, and financial coaching. And provide guidance to help strengthen your business finances and make informed decisions about funding. Check out their blog post on Merchant Cash Advances: What Small Business Owners Should Know and connect with their team if you need support. /merchant-cash-advances/

What if the batteries powering AI's future were also the safest ones on the planet? ⚡ In this episode of #DAREwithDarwoft in collaboration with @oenorg , Ned Hayes sits down with Tim Hysell, co-founder & CEO of Zinc Five Inc., the world leader in nickel-zinc battery technology with over 80 patents and nearly 2 gigawatts deployed globally. Tim breaks down what makes nickel-zinc batteries uniquely suited for #DataCenters: fastest discharge in the market, zero fire risk, the smallest footprint, and over 90% recyclability. Because when AI systems spike in milliseconds, the infrastructure behind them has to be just as fast, and just as resilient. This isn't just a battery story. It's a story about building the foundation that makes the #AI revolution possible.🤖⚙️ 🎧 Watch and listen to the full episode on all platforms. https://bit.ly/DARE-YouTube https://bit.ly/DAREPodcast https://amzn.to/3Nm3WJO https://apple.co/3RCcU8y #Darwoft #podcast #tech

Something special is coming together behind the scenes, and now it’s time to share what’s next. Meet the 2026 @oenorg Angel Oregon CPG finalists ✨ A standout group of founders reimagining the future of consumer products across Oregon and SW Washington. From what we eat and drink to how we care for ourselves, these companies are bringing fresh ideas to life with grit and intention. After weeks inside the Angel Oregon Program, they’re ready for the spotlight. @hotmamasalsa - Portland Founder: Nikki Guerrero @kyrasbakeshop - Lake Oswego Founder: Kyra Johnson @luxeflybasecamp - Eugene Founder: Sara Willis @mannyschoiceflour - Oregon City Founder: Cindy Anderson @pureovercoffee - Portland Co-Founders: Etai Rahmil & Nate Ebrahimoon @squarebabyfood - Bend Co-Founders: Katie Thomson & Kendall Glynn On Monday, June 1st, join us, and Presenting Sponsor @tonkontorp , at McMenamins Mission Theater in Portland for a night where it all comes together. Each founder will pitch live in front of the Angel Oregon investor group, building toward one unforgettable finale. The Big Check Moment 💸 One company will walk away with an over $115,000 equity investment, but every founder on that stage represents the momentum of our region. If you care about startups, innovation, or just want to feel the energy of what’s being built right here in our community, this is the room to be in. /event.jsp?event=450&