Companies don’t grow in isolation. They grow in the right conditions, where ideas are supported, connections are real, and momentum builds across an entire community. In Oregon and Southwest Washington, that fertile ground has been cultivated over decades, creating a place where entrepreneurs can take root, collaborate, and scale.
Here, growth is collective. It is shaped by mentors, investors, partners, and a network that shows up. It is fueled by a culture that values creativity, resilience, and the willingness to build something bigger than yourself. From early traction to breakout success, this region continues to prove what is possible when the ecosystem is strong.
Oregon Entrepreneurs Network and Presenting Sponsor Columbia Bank invite you to celebrate a milestone year at the 2026 Oregon Entrepreneurship Awards, marking the 35th Anniversary with the theme Deep Roots. Bold Growth. on Thursday, November 12th at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland.
Join us for an evening that honors the ecosystem that makes it all possible and the founders who are growing within it. Together, we will celebrate the people, companies, and community that continue to strengthen this region and push it forward.
Come celebrate what happens when innovation is planted in the right place and given the space to grow.
2026 Oregon Entrepreneurship Awards
Thursday, November 12th
5:00 – 10:00 pm
Sentinel Hotel
614 SW 11th Ave
Portland, OR 97205
Nominate an Oregon or SW Washington startup, entrepreneur, and individual or community organization that creates opportunities for connection, education and services in support of founders and entrepreneurs for a 35th Annual Oregon Entrepreneurship Award.
Category information and nomination links can be found below.
Questions about nominations can be directed to Sarah Norris (sarah@oen.org)
Early, Development and Growth Stage Awards encompass a variety of criteria including financial achievement, traction, team and social impact.
Early Stage, Development and Growth Stage Nominations Due Monday, July 13th
Trailblazer will be awarded to an individual company that has demonstrated creativity, originality, and entrepreneurial spirit in its pursuit of new ideas and innovative solutions. Successfully paving a new way in existing markets, or creating new ones, through their strategies, products, services or approaches in their industries.
Trailblazer Finalist Nominations Due Monday, July 13th
Entrepreneurial Achievement recognizes a founder or co-founding team who have led their company to success while demonstrating outstanding leadership.
Entrepreneurial Achievement Finalist Nominations Due Monday, July 13th
The Tom Holce Community Catalyst Award recognizes an individual or community organization that creates opportunities for connection, education and services in support of founders and entrepreneurs.
Community Catalyst Nominations Due Monday, July 13th
CLICK THIS LINK TO NOMINATE AN INDIVIDUAL OR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
D.A. Davidson invites you to gather in the Grand Ballroom for a vibrant Welcome Reception. Starting at 5:00 pm, join fellow founders, leaders, and innovators to plant new ideas, strengthen relationships, and spark the kind of bold growth that carries far beyond the room.
The Awards Ceremony will take place in the Pavilion starting at 6:30 pm featuring a dynamic awards ceremony honoring trailblazing founders and visionary leaders across industries.
Don’t rush off right after the awards!
Meet back in the Grand Ballroom for a lively close to the evening, filled with conversation, connection, and the energy that keeps great ideas growing.
Oregon Entrepreneurs Network is delighted to welcome our 2026 Emcee Dr. Jackie Wirz, Executive Director of Link Oregon, the state’s nonprofit research and education network, where she works at the intersection of technology, education, and public service to strengthen digital infrastructure. Her work focuses on advancing high-performance connectivity, supporting research and innovation, and expanding equitable access to technology for communities statewide.
With a PhD in biochemistry and more than 20 years of experience spanning research science, nonprofit leadership, and public-private collaboration, Jackie brings a systems-level perspective to complex challenges in technology and workforce development. She is a frequent speaker and facilitator on topics including digital equity, leadership, and the social impacts of emerging technologies.
Jackie is deeply committed to mentorship and talent pipelines for women and underrepresented groups in STEM and technology. Through her leadership, she has helped build cross-sector partnerships that connect students, educators, industry leaders, and policymakers. She is an avid reader, terrible runner, and believes that the best connections are made over a cup of good coffee or pinot noir.
Ticketing Information
Individual Tickets
The 2026 OEN Entrepreneurship Awards will include a Welcome Reception and After Party with heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There will be no sit-down dinner.
- OEN Member: $125
- Non-Member $150
Underwriting Tickets
Help underwrite the Oregon Entrepreneurship Awards as a Community Builder or by purchasing a Party Pack. Contact Sarah Norris (sarah@oen.org) to coordinate your Awards engagement.
- Community Builder: $2,000
Includes eight (8) tickets to the Awards, complimentary tickets gifted to regional entrepreneurs on your behalf, and recognition on the website, in the event program, and on signage at the Awards. - Party Pack: $1,500
This opportunity includes eight (8) tickets to the Awards and recognition in the event program.
35th Annual Oregon Entrepreneurship Awards Sponsorship
CLICK HERE to find available sponsorship opportunities, and contact Sarah Norris (sarah@oen.org) if your organization would like to discuss sponsoring the 2026 OEN Entrepreneurship Awards.
Thank You Sponsors
Community Builders
Bank of America
Merrill Lynch
Miller Nash
Perkins Coie
Portland Seed Fund
Riverview Bank
University of Portland
