Twelve companies across four categories are finalists for this year’s OEN Entrepreneurship Awards that will be handed out at a gala Nov. 6.
Three founders are finalists for the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award.
The annual awards are organized by Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, a nonprofit that offers education, support and funding to entrepreneurial companies across the state. The group had 205 nominations for the program. The evening's emcee will be Gabriel Flores, co-founder and president of the board for Latino Founders.
“Announcing the OEN Entrepreneurship Award finalists this year is extra special coming on the heels of Oregon’s recognition as the best state for entrepreneurs in the country,” said OEN Executive Director Cara Turano in a written statement. “Every company, individual, and entrepreneur support organization nominated for an award contributes to the state’s vibrant entrepreneurial community.”
Here’s who made the cut:
Early Stage finalists:
- On-demand work space marketplace Radious and co-founders Amina Moreau, Brian Hendrickson and iLan Epstein.
- Small production winery discovery tool Rising Wines Collective and co-founders Cori Omundson and Sandra Everingham.
- Small travel trailer manufacturer 360Sierra and co-founders Paola Restrepo and Andres Vallejo.
Development Stage finalist:
- Reusable food service and packaging company Bold Reuse and co-founders Jocelyn Quarrell and Heather Watkins.
- Home building and design software maker Digs and co-founders Ryan Fink and Ty Frackiewicz.
- Payments and contract management software maker Rock Paper Coin and co-founders Elizabeth Sheils and Nora Sheils.
Growth State finalists:
- Performance women’s innerwear brand Branwyn and founder Jeff Shafer.
- Cybersecurity company Eclypsium and co-founder Yuriy Bulygin and Alex Bazhaniuk.
- Technology consultant for nonprofits Idealist Consult and founder Rob Jordan.
Trailblazer Award:
- Children’s media company A Kids Company and founder Jelani Memory.
- Electric outboard motor maker Photon Marine and co-founders Marcelino Alvarez, Charles Stenback and Nick Schoeps.
- Video game maker Wicked Saints Studios and co-founders Jessica Murrey and Alicia Clifton.
For the individual Entrepreneurial Achievement Award the finalists are:
- Jelani Memory, founder of A Kid’s Company
- Seth Tibbot, founder of plant-based meat company Tofurky.
- Ellen Yin, founder of business podcast and newsletter Cubicle to CEO.
The awards event will be held at the Sentinel Hotel in downtown Portland.
