Mid-Columbia Innovation Hub

05/29/2026

And the winner is... Vibe Consignment!

Even a power outage couldn't stop us -- Kaahreena walks away as the Grand Prize winner with a $10,000 check!

Second place was awarded to Iliana Maura, walking away with $2000.

Our three runners up walked with $1000 each, and a hour consultation with Narwhal Law and Business Strategy. A special mention to Tenn Tools for our crowd favorite and an extra $1000! Great work to Brick City & Games and Hilltopados for their pitches and accomplishments at the finals!

See you all next year! Gorge PitchFest 2026

05/12/2026

Two makers. Two different roads from craft to commerce.
Join us for a HubTalk panel with Tonia Farman (Farman Creative) and Dyana Fiediga (The Clay Commons) — a conversation for anyone who's wondered whether their craft could be a business, or is already in it and stuck on what comes next. Pricing, pivots, and the parts of the story that don't make the highlight reel.

05/06/2026

We're so excited to announce the finalists for Gorge PitchFest 2026!

Brick City & Games
Hilltopados
Iliana Maura
Tenn Tools
Vibe Consignment

Come see them pitch live at the Granada Theatre - The Dalles, Oregon on May 28th!

03/17/2026

The wait is over: applications for Gorge PitchFest 2026 are officially open! For more information and to apply, visit our website at https://midcolumbiainnovationhub.org/gorgepitchfest26/

01/06/2026

Meet the panelists for Go For It.

Different paths, different businesses, one shared decision: starting before everything was figured out.

Join us this Thursday for an honest, inspiring conversation about taking the leap.

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/goforithubtalk

Kaizen Small Business Solutions Solstice Wood Fire Pizza Hookumgood

05/25/2025

We’ve been keeping these judges under wraps, but it’s finally time to introduce them. They’ll be pushing our finalists with thoughtful questions and supportive feedback. Join us at Gorge PitchFest 2025 to see the future of the Gorge startup ecosystem in action!

05/02/2025

Please join me in a virtual round of applause for our finalists for this year's PitchFest! The competition was fierce -- we had nearly 30 entries, with every business showing creative ambition to make the Gorge better through their ventures. The selection committee agreed -- there's a lot to be excited about in our community.

Check out these businesses ahead of PitchFest, and join us on May 8th in Hood River for our HubTalk where we will meet these finalists on a more personal level, including what brought them where they are, why they love the Gorge, and what they hope to do in the future. And of course, see their pitch LIVE at the Granada Theatre on May 29th!

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Antelope Market & RV Park
Emerald Systems LLC
PupPod
Second Summit Sneakers
WYLDE WIND & WATER

04/01/2025

🚨 Applications are now open for Gorge PitchFest 2025!
Got a big idea or a business on the rise? Step into the spotlight, share your story, and compete for real cash prizes. Whether you're looking to grow, connect, or just see how your pitch stacks up—this is your moment.
👀 Bonus: the room might have a few people worth impressing...
📅 Deadline: April 29 at 5:00pm
🔗 Apply now: https://bit.ly/2025gorgepitchfestapp
🔗 En Español: https://bit.ly/2025gorgepitchfestappSP

Apply for 2025 Gorge PitchFest! What is Gorge PitchFest—and is it for you? If you’ve got a business idea, a growing venture, or even just a prototype you believe in, this is your stage. Gorge PitchFest is a high-energy, community-driven event where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a live audie...

03/27/2025

Applications for Gorge PitchFest 2025 begin on May 1st! Now's the time to start thinking about how to present your idea or business.

Watch our feed for the link when it drops!

03/18/2025

The March HubTalk was one of the best yet! Delighted to host Greg Davis from Overwatch Imaging, Cara Turano from Oregon Entrepreneurs Network and Salvatore D'Auria from UBX Systems Inc.

We covered every aspect of investment, (whether you're looking to provide it or seeking it for your own company) and connected with other founders and businesses in the community. So thankful for our awesome panelists and everyone that attended!

Next month we're in Maupin to hear about what's happening in South Wasco County -- grab your free ticket now!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1284404832429?aff=oddtdtcreator