Umpqua Economic Development Partnership

05/28/2026

Our last event brought out such amazing community energy 💛 Ready to be part of the next one?

This is your moment. If you’ve been building your business and are ready to take it to the next level, step into the spotlight and share your story with the community!

Applications are open NOW through June 10

Take the stage on August 13 for your chance to win up to $2,500 to grow your business!

All selected to pitch will also receive valuable training from UCC’s Small Business Development Center.

We’d love to see what you’ve been building and cheer you on!

Apply today: umpquagrowthtalks.com

04/22/2026

Our first Pitch Night of 2026 is just around the corner! Join us at Backside Brewing Co. on April 30th to support five local entrepreneurs as they step up to the mic to pitch for a $2,500 grand prize.

Meet the Entrepreneurs Pitching:
- Manami Lee | Kuma’s Table – Authentic Japanese cuisine
- Michaila Drake | Fang and Paw – Mobile pet grooming
- Virginia Wright | Paper & Twine Homeschool Supply – Specialized homeschool supplies
- Sierra Shivers | The Nook Spa Studio – Health and wellness spa
- Andy Abbott | Abbot Catering – Full-service catering

Join us a night of innovation and fun (plus delicious food and beverages available)

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: Doors open at 5:00 PM for socializing and meeting the contestants | Pitches start at 6:15 PM
Location: Backside Brewing Co., 1640 NE Odell Ave, Roseburg
Cost: FREE

🎟️ Get your tickets today: April302026PitchNight.eventbrite.com
(Be sure to register so we know how many pizzas to order!)

04/13/2026

🚀 DREAM. PITCH. GROW. 🚀
The 2026 Umpqua Growth Talks Pitch Night Series is BACK!
Join us at Backside Brewing Co. on April 30th for the first Pitch Night of the year. This is a FREE event, but space is limited, so you’ll want to snag your ticket early! 🎟️
Watch local entrepreneurs step up to the mic for a shot at a $2,500 grand prize. Whether you’re there to pitch your own big idea or just want to grab a beer and cheer on Douglas County’s brightest minds, you don’t want to miss this energy!

✨ RSVP for your free ticket here: https://April302026PitchNight.eventbrite.com

🍺 Great brews. Big ideas. Better community.
📅 April 30th | 5:00 PM
📍 Backside Brewing Co.

02/27/2026

🚀 Applications are officially OPEN for the 2026 Umpqua Growth Pitch Night Series! 🚀

Ready to take your business to the next level? We’re looking for bold entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and compete for cash prizes at our next event

This year, we are hosting three signature events starting April 30th at Backside Brewing Co.. We’re looking for early-stage, local small businesses focused on growth and expansion to compete for serious prizes:

🔗 Ready to Pitch?
Apply today through the Umpqua Growth Talks Official Website www.umpquagrowthtalks.com

⏳ Deadline: Apply by March 20th to be considered for the April 30th Pitch Night at Backside Brewing Co.

🌟 Become a Sponsor:
Want to support local innovation? Help us fuel the future of Douglas County by viewing our Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities.

06/27/2025

We are proud to serve as host and organizer of Pitch Night!

06/12/2025

Pitch Night Lineup Is Set for June 26

Six local entrepreneurs take the stage at Backside Brewing in Roseburg

(Roseburg, OR) – Small business owners specializing in duck calls, refurbished furniture, Japanese cuisine, chocolate fondue, painting classes, and event design will be in the spotlight at the next Umpqua GrowthTalks Pitch Night event from the Umpqua Economic Development Partnership.

The contestants will take turns at the mic Thursday, June 26 at Backside Brewing in Roseburg. Each finalist will have five minutes to present their business or business idea to a panel of judges in front of a live audience. Judges will also have five minutes to ask questions of each entrepreneur before deciding the winners.

The top three presenters will share $2,000 in prize funds to help their business grow. The top two pitchers will advance to the Pitch Night Finals – and a chance to compete for their share of $10,000 – on October 23, 2025.

The six contestants that have been chosen for this round are: Buddy Bradley – Wyatt’s Waterfowl Company; Shawn Garrett – Serendipity; Jessica Salg - Create & Sip Studio; Eric Sklarew – Upscale Resale; Jill Fay - Better Together Events & Rentals; and Manami Lee - Kuma's Table.

Pitch Night is a program of the Umpqua Economic Development Partnership. “Investing in the entrepreneurial ecosystem is a proven strategy for economic development,” said Brian Prawitz, Executive Director of UEDP. “Successful small businesses stimulate our economy, create jobs, foster innovation, and enhance economic resilience. We look forward to seeing these businesses succeed and expand.”

The Partnership received 16 applications from business owners throughout Douglas County through the Pitch Night website www.umpquagrowthtalks.com. Each small business owner has been paired with a personal coach, and will meet again a week before the big night to practice their presentations in front of one other and all six coaches. The goal is for each owner to further develop the focus and messaging of their business for future success beyond their pitch night experience.

Since its inception in 2019, Pitch Night events have generated over $80,000 for local entrepreneurs. Participants also benefit from valuable guidance and feedback from Pitch Night coaches, who assist with pitch preparation and offer business advice during a practice session held one week prior to each event.

Audience registration for the June 26 event is now open. Tickets are free, but attendees are asked to RSVP.
For more information on how to apply, sponsor, or attend Pitch Nights, visit www.umpquagrowthtalks.com.

05/21/2025

I was on the air with a recap of the Summit yesterday on KQEN radio.

Umpqua Economic Development Partnership Executive Director Brian Prawitz talks about last week's Economic Summit event.

05/16/2025

That’s a wrap on the SOE Summit for 2025!

What an unforgettable three days! This year’s conference was filled with energy, inspiration, and action—all driven by a shared commitment to the future of our community.

Our speakers and panelists were nothing short of phenomenal. From thought-provoking keynotes to deep-dive breakout sessions, they brought experience, innovation, and heart to every conversation. Whether they were addressing housing challenges, AI integration, regional development, or the power of philanthropy, each speaker challenged us to think bigger, collaborate deeper, and take bold steps forward.

To every leader who shared your insight—thank you. You sparked new ideas, empowered local voices, and reminded us that lasting change begins with courageous conversations.

A huge thanks to all attendees, partners, and community members who made this event a true success. The momentum we’ve built here doesn’t end—it grows from here.

05/15/2025

Umpqua Indian Development Corp – Economic Development Innovations

This session highlighted the powerful role of Umpqua Indian Development Corporation in driving regional growth through business diversification, renewable energy exploration, and forward-thinking project development.

With insights from Travis Hill and Cam Campman, moderated by Rich Rader, attendees gained a deeper understanding of how innovation and cultural vision are fueling long-term economic impact in Southwestern Oregon.

05/15/2025

Workforce Housing Wins – Sutherlin and Rogue Workforce Partnership

This breakout session explored the success story behind Oak Street Commons in Sutherlin—a collaborative workforce housing project overcoming complex barriers in land use, financing, and community engagement.

Keith Tymchuk, Greg Watson, and Heather Stafford shared how partnerships and persistence made this vision a reality—offering a powerful model for other communities facing similar challenges.