EmpowerPitch
EmpowerPitch is a free, five-week pitch coaching program designed to support women entrepreneurs who are ready to raise capital and grow their businesses.
Now accepting applications for the 2026 cohorts, email Caitlin Vargas to get started.
What You’ll Gain
- Sharpen your pitch so you can clearly communicate your company, vision, and opportunity
- Understand the fundamentals of fundraising, including how angel investment works
- Build confidence in investor conversations and how to navigate feedback and questions
- Connect with Oregon’s startup and investment ecosystem, including mentors and community partners
- Access next-step capital pathways through Oregon Entrepreneurs Network’s Angel Oregon programs, with EmpowerPitch covering the cost of participation for graduates who apply
- Explore industry-specific investment tracks including Technology, Consumer Packaged Goods, and Life & Bioscience
Who It’s For
EmpowerPitch is for female founders across Oregon who want to strengthen their pitch, understand fundraising, and prepare to pursue angel or early-stage investment.
Because women founders routinely face bias in fundraising and pitching environments, EmpowerPitch is designed to build investor readiness, confidence, and connections so participants can engage investors, pursue capital pathways, and access Oregon’s investment ecosystem with momentum.
Questions?
Contact Caitlin Vargas at caitlinv@collaborativeedo.org.
Program Schedule
2026 Dates
Weekly virtual classes for four weeks, plus an optional in-person finale!
Cohort One:
- June 8, 15, 22, 29
- Weekly virtual classes (Zoom)
- Mondays 6–7 PM
- July 9 – Celebration & Spotlight
- In-person
- Optional, supportive pitch event
- Learn more >
Cohort Two:
- September 14, 21, 28 and October 5
- Weekly virtual classes (Zoom)
- Mondays 6–7 PM
- October 8 – Celebration & Spotlight
- In-person
- Optional, supportive pitch event
- Learn more >
5-Week Program Arc
Celebration & Spotlight
EmpowerPitch concludes with Celebration & Spotlight, a supportive community gathering that celebrates the progress you’ve made throughout the program. This finale is designed to highlight growth, connection, and momentum rather than competition. You can choose whether you’d like to present your pitch or simply attend, support your cohort, and connect with the community.
At Celebration & Spotlight, you can:
- Share your refined pitch in a welcoming, low-pressure environment
- Connect with Oregon investors, ecosystem partners, and technical assistance providers
- Build visibility for your company and expand your network within Oregon’s startup community
- Receive encouragement and feedback as you continue preparing for fundraising conversations
- Access special opportunities for standout presentations, including complimentary technical assistance and pro bono legal support from Cliff DeGroot (Holland & Knight)
- Take advantage of optional professional headshots from an on-site photographer
Whether you choose to pitch or simply participate, Celebration & Spotlight marks an exciting milestone and a chance to step forward with greater confidence, connections, and momentum.
Email Caitlin to Get Started
Your Instructors
Want to learn more? Ready to apply?
EmpowerPitch is funded by Oregon Community Foundation. OCF partners with communities, nonprofits, donors and volunteers to improve lives in every corner of Oregon.