Four finalists will battle it out in this year’s Oregon Angel Food investor conference. They will make their community pitch on the main stage Sept. 17.
Here’s who made the cut:
- One Stripe Chai, which makes chai and other South Asian beverages.
- GoNanas, which makes vegan, gluten-free and allergen friendly banana bread mix
- Mickelberry Gardens, makes herbal home remedies with infused honey and beeswax
- Saena Baking, makes baking mixes for at-home bakers and professionals along with silicone mats and powdered food coloring
OregonAF is an educational and investment program run by Oregon Entrepreneurs Network. Companies started the program earlier this summer with education sessions and those that are ready for investment moved on for evaluation by the investor group.
The finalists have been through due diligence and the winner will be announced at the public event. The investment is expected to be around $200,000. Tickets are on sale now for the public marketplace.
Additionally, OEN announced that the winner will be working with ice cream retailer Salt & Straw on specialty flavor collaboration as well as mentorship from the executive team. The winner will also receive a year of shelf space at Market of Choice and services from L2M Brands and Tonkon Torp.
The big finale will feature roughly 50 vendors offering samples and sharing their stories with attendees. The event has become an important mixer in the food and beverage community where consumers can find new local products and companies can make connections with grocer buyers.
This year’s marketplace is also slated to include some of the region’s bigger names with Smith Tea, Olympia Provisions, Brazi Bites, Freeland Spirits, Pan’s Mushroom Jerky and B-Line.
