Incubator Program
Your Dreams.
Our Community.
Let's Build Something Amazing Together! 🌈
Do you have a business idea that keeps you up at night with excitement? Or maybe you've already started building something amazing and are ready to take it to the next level? Whether you're at the "what if..." stage or the "let's scale this thing!" phase, we see you, we believe in you, and we're here to help make it happen!
Here's What We're Excited to Share With You:
Your very own executive mentor who genuinely cares about your success
Expert friends in business planning, marketing, finance, and legal stuff (we make it fun, promise!)
A cohort of fellow dreamers who totally get it
Real help with funding conversations and investor introductions
Hands-on support (yes, we'll help with your LLC paperwork or growth planning!)
Marketing strategy that actually works
Connection to our amazing statewide LGBTQIA2S+ business family
Read on to learn what makes this program special, and what we’re looking for in program participants.
Incubator Program FAQs
What Makes This Program Special?
Duration: 9 amazing months together (January through September 2026)
Format: The best of both worlds...virtual connection plus in-person magic
Your Cohort: 1-3 other incredible entrepreneurs who'll become your business family
Bonus Gifts: 1 year free ORPIB Chamber membership plus LGBTBE certification if eligible (worth over $1,000!)
Where: All across Oregon and SW Washington...we come to you!
What business phase is this program for?
We'll customize your program based on exactly where you are and where you want to go!
For Early-Stage Entrepreneurs: We'll start by turning your idea into a rock-solid business model. Then we dive into market research and go-to-market strategy (way more fun than it sounds!). Next, we build all your business systems and get everything set up. Finally, we do the final prep and celebrate your amazing launch!
For Growth-Stage Entrepreneurs: First up is strategic planning and growth opportunity assessment. We move into market expansion and customer acquisition optimization. Then comes operations scaling and advanced systems development. We wrap up with next-level growth strategy and implementation planning.
What are you looking for in a program participant?
We're looking for amazing humans who have a business idea that's bubbling with potential OR an existing business ready to grow. You feel deeply connected to our LGBTQIA2S+ community and want to help it thrive. You're genuinely excited to dive in and do the work (we're thinking 10-15 hours per week of good stuff). You love the idea of learning alongside other entrepreneurs and want to build something sustainable and meaningful.
Perfect for:
Dreamers with game-changing ideas just waiting to come to life
Early launchers who've started but need guidance to really take off
Growing early-stage businesses ready to scale and expand their impact
Pivoting entrepreneurs looking to take their business in a new direction
We Especially Want to Hear From You If: You're BIPOC and ready to break barriers. You're transgender, non-binary, or gender-expansive and building something authentic. You identify as a woman or femme and have big dreams. You're in a rural area and could use some extra support. You've faced challenges that make traditional business resources feel out of reach.
Your story matters. Your perspective is needed. Your business deserves to thrive.
Incubator Application
Let’s get to know each other!
Time Investment: This application will take about an hour of thoughtful reflection. Grab your favorite beverage and let's do this!
Tell Us About You
The basics (contact info, where you're located, pronouns if you'd like to share) and a little about your background and what makes you, you!
Your Amazing Business
What's your business concept or current venture? (250 words...paint us a picture!) What problem are you solving? Who needs this? What makes your approach special? Where are you right now? (Idea stage? Just launched? Growing and ready to expand on your first offering?)
Ready, Set, Go!
How many hours weekly can you dedicate to taking your business to the next level? Who's your support crew cheering you on in life? What current challenges are you facing, and how are you thinking about them? What do you hope to achieve during these 9 months with us?
Community Love
How do you show up for our LGBTQIA2S+ community right now? How does your business align with lifting up our community? How do your identities shape your entrepreneurial vision? How do you imagine supporting other community business owners?
Your Why and Your Vision
Why now? What makes this the perfect moment for your next business chapter? Paint us a picture of what winning looks like for you in 2 years! What are you hoping for, and what awesome things will you bring to the cohort?
Your People
Two references who can tell us about your dedication and readiness (professional or community connections work great!)
How We'll Choose Our Cohort
We'll be looking at viability and excitement (25%), readiness to rock this journey (30%), how your business loves and lifts up our community (25%), and the potential for growth and impact (20%).
Special love for entrepreneurs from the intersections of our community who bring unique perspectives, rural entrepreneurs who are building community where resources are scarce, businesses that create wealth and opportunity within our community, and a mix of business stages that creates rich peer learning opportunities.
Your Timeline to Awesomeness
Applications Open: Now!
Application Deadline: December 7th, 2025
Let's Chat (Interviews for top applicants): Dec 8-19, 2025
Announce participants December 22nd, 2025
Program Launch Party: January 13th, 2026
Our Promise to You
We know that stepping into entrepreneurship as an LGBTQIA2S+ person takes incredible courage, especially if you're also BIPOC, trans, rural, or facing other challenges. We see that courage, and we're here to honor it.
This program is built on love, safety, flexibility, and real community support. We're not just helping you build a business. We're building a movement of LGBTQIA2S+ economic power, one amazing entrepreneur at a time.
Your dream deserves to exist. Your voice deserves to be heard. Your business deserves to thrive.
Ready to turn your "what if" into "what's next" or your "growing" into "thriving"? Let's do this together!
Oregon Pride in Business and The ORPIB Foundation celebrate and welcome entrepreneurs of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We're committed to creating a space where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.