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Entrepreneur Lab

Introducing Ģ��Ƶ��'s (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab, your ultimate resource for your entrepreneurial journey! From sparking an idea to starting or expanding your small business, our events and classes are here to inspire and guide you every step of the way.

the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Entrepreneur Lab space

Events

Ignite your passion and elevate your business skills. From monthly workshops like Business Basics and First Steps, to major events like Nampa Business Day and our biannual Showcase and Competition, the Entrepreneur Lab offers hands-on learning and real opportunities to win prize money to support your business. Connect with local entrepreneurs, sharpen your ideas, and take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey!

Event Information & Registration

Cohorts

Elevate your entrepreneurial journey with tailored classes designed to help you turn your passion into profit, refine business concepts, and achieve the next level of success. Classes are held at the Entrepreneur Lab. Not sure which cohort is the best fit?!

Exploration Cohort

Do you have a hobby, skill, or passion that you love doing in your spare time? Join this 2-week cohort to learn how to monetize it and turn it into a successful side hustle. We will teach you the first steps of starting a side hustle and show you the path to turn it into a full-blown business someday!

Date: April 3 & 10
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Location: Entrepreneur Lab, (NMEC)

Idea, Set, Go

Do you have an idea for a new business? Join this 4-week cohort to help you validate your business idea to see if it is ready to launch. Before spending a lot of time and energy on an idea, this cohort will guide you through experiments and information to help you determine the best direction to go with your idea.

Date: Fridays, Feb 20 – March 13
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Location: Entrepreneur Lab, (NMEC)

Next-Level Accelerator

Do you have a business already started or validated? These 8-week one-on-one coaching sessions will empower you to take your business idea to the next level. We will work side-by-side with you to dig into your business details, strengthen your value proposition, and conduct hands-on experiments to help you reach the next level.

Connect with us to schedule your one-on-one meetings from Feb. 2 – April 3
Location: Entrepreneur Lab, (NMEC)

CWI Staff at Boise Entrepreneur Week

Partnerships

Interested in supporting the Entrepreneur Lab as a member of the community? Partner with us for events, mentorship, or donations.

Connect with Us

Entrepreneur Lab

208.562.2600

entrepreneurlab@cwi.edu

Kenton Lee

Director, CWI Entrepreneur Lab

208.562.2691

kentonlee@cwi.edu

Emily Chandler

Assistant Director, Entrepreneur Lab

emilychandler1@cwi.edu

News

Start Here Conference graphic

Take the Next Step at Start Here Conference

Start Here Conference is designed to inspire entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders across the Treasure Valley.

Winners with a giant check

Spring 2026 OtterTank Showcases and Celebrates Entrepreneurs

Students, employees, and community members pitched business ideas, side hustles, and early-stage ventures through to win prize funding and audience support.

Jared Lopez leans on a wall

Lopez’s OtterTank Win Strengthens Programs Serving Idaho Youth

Jared Lopez won the $1,000 OtterTank grand prize for The Idaho Underground, supporting at risk youth and strengthening local student programs through mentorship and enrichment.

Judge speaking with Jared Lopez in front of presentation

Entrepreneur Lab Invites Community to Spring 2026 OtterTank, Presented by First Federal Bank

CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab will host the next OtterTank April 22, presented by First Federal Bank, inviting the community to pitch ideas and support local entrepreneurs

Group of people sitting and talking in the Entrepreneur Lab

Explore, Learn, and Grow at the CWI Entrepreneur Lab in Spring 2026

CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab helps students and community members explore, learn, and grow their ideas through workshops, cohorts, and more.

Group of people cheering in front of projector screen

Fall 2025 OtterTank Highlights Innovation

CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab hosted OtterTank, where entrepreneurs pitched ideas, got coaching, and connected with the community to turn creativity into action.

Students at desks with presenter in front of projection screen

CWI Entrepreneur Lab Wraps October with Success

October was full of energy at the CWI Entrepreneur Lab, from workshops and cohorts to record-breaking events. November will bring more speakers, pitch competitions, and opportunities.

Daniella Jenson receiving award from Kenton Lee at a CWI Entrepreneur event

Entrepreneur Lab Highlight: Daniella Jenson

With support from Ģ��Ƶ��’s Entrepreneur Lab, Daniella Jenson is working to help students and families see how gap years can foster growth, success, and self-discovery.

Student Success

Ģ��Ƶ�� Entrepreneur Lab

CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab Kicks Off Its Second Year

After a busy summer of sponsorships and community events, Ģ��Ƶ��’s Entrepreneur Lab has another exciting year planned for students and community members.

Students listen to a presentation in an Entrepreneur Lab.

Entrepreneur Lab Builds on First-Year Success, Sets Bold Goals for Year Two

CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab celebrates a successful first year supporting hundreds of entrepreneurs and awarding funding, while setting ambitious goals to expand opportunities and partnerships...

Group of students posing for a photo looking at the camera

Summer Bridge Sparks Passion for Skilled Trades and Technology

Ģ��Ƶ��’s CTE Summer Bridge Program welcomed 22 high school juniors for a week of hands-on learning, industry exploration, and college preparation across skilled trades...

Winners celebrate

Innovation at the Entrepreneur Lab Spring Showcase

The Ģ��Ƶ�� Entrepreneur Lab hosted the Spring Showcase and Competition during the 2025 Connections Project on April 24, with winners taking home prizes up to $1,000.