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Ever wanted to develop your idea into a plan? Sign up for this intensive entrepreneurship camp.

Bring your big idea to life.

3 Days

Oct. 11th - 13th, 2024

12 Speakers

Experience & Wisdom

1 idea

Practically Developed

The Idea Camp is for entrepreneurs wanting to develop their ideas into a plan. Attendees will learn from world-class entrepreneurs and collaboratively work directly on their idea.

Dive deep into honing your idea, understanding the customer, building an action plan, and establishing your business model.

45 campers will learn during all day camp sessions, test their ideas during class time, and work in collaboration with a small cohort.

Camp takes place in beautiful Portland, OR

Immerse yourself in the entrepreneurial spirit amidst the stunning backdrop of Portland's Pacific Northwest charm.

The idea camp is hosted at the headquarters of Instrument.

Idea Categories

Software

Explore your app idea and learn about the different stages of ideation and development to bring your idea to market.

Media

Looking to start a podcast or a full blown production company, you'll have the expertise to learn what's ahead and where to start.

Hardware

Hardware is hard as they say, but it can be a little easier with the help of folks who've built hardware companies in the past.

Non-Profit

All ideas are welcome, especially ones that are good for the world. Build a plan for your world-changing non-profit idea!

Service

Offering a service opens a world of opportunities. Nail down the economic approach and the service offering through our camp.

CPG

Consumer Packaged Goods can look like anything from deodorant to BBQ sauce. Dive into the different business models and product approaches.

Speaker Roster

Heather Lohmolder

Heather Lohmolder

Director/Chair of MU Business Department.

Ryan Buchanan

Ryan Buchanan

Founder & Chairman at the creative agency Thesis.

Laura Whipple

Laura Whipple

Co-Founder & CEO of printing company Scout Books.

Callie Christensen & Kelly Oriard

Callie Christensen & Kelly Oriard

Co-Founders of product & media company Slumberkins.

Jelani Memory

Jelani Memory

Founder & CEO of kids book publisher A Kids Co.

Tory Campbell

Tory Campbell

Founder of food company Felton & Mary.

Rajiv Harry

Rajiv Harry

Founder of CPG company Plant Bomb.

Sam Purvis

Sam Purvis

Co-Founder of coffee company Good Coffee.

Eleazar Ruiz

Eleazar Ruiz

Founder of design firm Odd Notion.

Stephen Green

Stephen Green

Former CFO, Non-Profit leader, and Founder of PitchBlack.

Our Partners

Working with some of the best Oregon has to offer!

Camp Activities

Developing your idea requires a lot. So the idea camp is filled with knowledge across the spectrum to help you out.

What will we do?

- Speaker Talks
- Class Sessions
- Cohort Time

Team
Product
Biz Model
Funding
Market
Brand
Sales
Growth
Mission
+ More

Apply for the
idea camp.

Camp Details

Camp goes all day (not overnight) for three full days and takes place in person in Portland, Oregon at Instrument headquarters.

October 11th - 13th

  • 45 Camper Spots
  • In Person Speaker & Class Sessions
  • Application Deadline September, 5th
  • Payment Due Upon Acceptance
  • Open to ages 18+

Student

Designed for college students looking to explore their idea post graduation.

$350/per camper

No additional fees

  • Lunch & Dinner Provided
  • All Speaker & Class Sessions
  • Cohort Collaboration

Applications closed September, 5th 2024

Professional

For professionals looking to build/create a new career opportunity.

$450/per camper

No additional fees

  • Lunch & Dinner Provided
  • All Speaker & Class Sessions
  • Cohort Collaboration

Applications closed September, 5th 2024

Scholarship

We've created space for a select few camp spots for folks to attend completely free.

  • Lunch & Dinner Provided
  • All Speaker & Class Sessions
  • Cohort Collaboration

Applications closed September, 5th 2024

Frequently asked questions

What stage should my idea be?

The idea camp is best designed for ideas that are still in the "idea stage", meaning you have an idea of what it could be but haven't presented it to the world yet. That being said, if you are already working on your idea and need help taking it to the next level, the idea camp can help.

What is the acceptance criteria for applications?

This isn't like a run of the mill conference where you hear some interesting talks and go home. We're looking for big and small ideas that we believe have a shot at working, and that we can be pivotal in helping you develop them. It doesn't have to be novel and it doesn't have to be new, it just needs to mean something to you.

Do I need business training before camp?

Absolutely not. Founding your own idea and making it a reality can be done by anyone.

Why does this cost money?

On top of the programming, meals provided, and cool swag you get, you're paying to work collaboratively on your big idea with some of the best to ever do it.

I have a co-founder, can they come to?

Yes! Come solo or with your co-founder or business partner, just make sure you submit two applications and mention your co-founder on your application.

I don't have my idea yet, is this still useful?

We think so! You might just have a big problem you want to try and solve by creating an innovative solution. The idea camp is perfect for coming up with that idea and a plan to pursue it.

When do I find out if I got in?

We'll let campers know on a rolling basis two weeks after applications open on June 1st. Everyone will be informed by September 10th.

I'm already working on my idea, can you help?

Entreprenuership isn't easy and it helps to be on the journey with fellow travelers who know what you're going through and can provide help and support. You can find that not only in the staff who put in the idea camp, but in the speakers and other attendees as well.

Do you have a refund policy?

Yes, if you decide you don't want to or can't attend The Idea Camp, you can receive a full refund for your camp fee if you cancel by September 15th 2024.

How can I get in touch with you?

Reach out to us at helloideacamp@gmail.com