In entrepreneurship every decision leads down a new path, filled with unexpected twists, challenges, and opportunities. Founders start with a vision but must make bold choices at every turn, often without knowing exactly what the next page holds.
There are moments of risk, detours, and triumphs, and no two journeys look the same. Just the classic books, entrepreneurs are the authors of their own story—navigating uncertainty with creativity, courage, and the belief that the best chapter is still ahead.
Oregon Entrepreneurs Network and Presenting Sponsors Cushman & Wakefield and Umpqua Bank invite you to step into a night of daring decisions and bold business moves at the 2025 Oregon Entrepreneurship Awards – Choose Your Own Adventure on Thursday, November 13th.
Navigate a dynamic ceremony where each twist and turn leads to unexpected surprises and inspiring stories. Honoring innovators who’ve blazed their own trails, each award reveals the unique journey behind the hustle.
Get ready to celebrate visionaries who didn’t follow the map — they drew their own.
2025 Oregon Entrepreneurship Awards
Thursday, November 13th
5:00 – 11:00 pm
D.A. Davidson invites you to join them in the Grand Ballroom for a vibrant welcome reception designed for networking, idea-sharing, and making connections that spark new journeys starting at 5:00 pm.
The Awards Ceremony will take place in the Pavillion 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!
There will be a lively celebration of all the finalists, winners and our amazing OEN community back in the Grand Ballroom following the Awards Ceremony.
Nominate A Company, Community Organization or Individual
Early, Development and Growth Stage Awards encompass a variety of criteria including financial achievement, traction, team and social impact.
- Early Stage
- Development Stage
- Growth Stage
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.
Entrepreneurial Achievement recognizes a founder or co-founding team who have led their company to success while demonstrating outstanding leadership.
Community Catalyst recognizes an individual or community organization that creates opportunities for connection, education and services in support of founders and entrepreneurs.
2025 Emcee
Oregon Entrepreneurs Network is delighted to welcome Dr. Kim Freeze Ecosystem Steward at Southern Oregon Innovation Hub, Professor at Rogue Community College, and Founder of The Seed Collective Catalyst.
With a unique blend of experience as an entrepreneur, clinical psychologist, and educator, Kim Freeze empowers audiences to connect purpose with action. Her work centers on transforming mindsets, building resilient communities, and advocating for mental wellness through the lens of entrepreneurship. Known for her engaging presence and practical insights, she inspires individuals to unlock their potential and lead with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
As a psychology professor at a community college, Kim integrates entrepreneurial thinking into education, helping students develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive. Outside the classroom, she leads initiatives such as 1 Million Cups, ideation workshops, and pitch events—creating platforms that equip entrepreneurs with the tools and connections to bring their ideas to life. Her holistic approach blends innovation with emotional intelligence, making her a trusted mentor and catalyst for change.
Through her work with The Seed Collective Catalyst, she explores the intersection of mental health and entrepreneurship, guiding startups and communities toward growth and healing. Whether she’s speaking to aspiring founders, educators, or community leaders, her message is clear: resilience, purpose, and connection are the foundations of sustainable success.
Ticketing Information
Individual Tickets
The 2025 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
REGISTER HERE
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.
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 2025 OEN Entrepreneurship Awards.
Thank You Sponsors
Community Builders
Bank of America
KeyBank
Miller Nash
Perkins Coie
Riverview Bank
Tonkon Torp
