Upcoming Events
•
Upcoming Events •
Mark Your Calendars
Our calendar is brimming with exciting opportunities tailored for professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts passionate about the natural CPG industry here in Bend. Join us at these engaging events to connect, learn, and contribute to the flourishing community of conscious businesses.
CPG Coffee + Coworking
CPG Coffee + Coworking
A new monthly CPG community meetup!
MAY 12TH @ Watershed Coffee | 9:00-11:00AM
Grab your laptop and your coffee — this is your new monthly CPG meetup! Join fellow founders and operators for a casual coffee and coworking session where ideas get sharpened, challenges get workshopped, and real connections get made. Whether you’re heads-down building or need a sounding board, come work alongside people who understand the space and share your struggles. We’re taking our meetups on the road to local coffee shops as we support and spotlight small businesses in our community.
**Registration opening soon!!
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
JUNE 2ND HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
CPG Coffee + Coworking
CPG Coffee + Coworking
A new monthly CPG community meetup!
JUNE 9TH @ TBD | 9:00-11:00AM
Grab your laptop and your coffee — this is your new monthly CPG meetup! Join fellow founders and operators for a casual coffee and coworking session where ideas get sharpened, challenges get workshopped, and real connections get made. Whether you’re heads-down building or need a sounding board, come work alongside people who understand the space and share your struggles. We’re taking our meetups on the road to local coffee shops as we support and spotlight small businesses in our community.
**Registration opening soon!!
Women in CPG Morning Workshop: Develop a Channel Pricing Strategy
June 23rd Women in CPG Morning Workshop
Business Financial Support: Develop a Channel Pricing Strategy
Bring COMPLETED or work-in-progress one-channel finance model spreadsheet
(An example model will be provided if you don’t have one)
Who Should Attend: CPG women founders in early- to mid-stage of business or those who want support with their financials.
*This group is open to marginalized genders including women, women-identifying individuals, and non-binary and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women leading CPG (natural products) companies and CPG-supporting companies in Central Oregon.
Why is this Important? The purpose is to tackle our financial questions, challenges, and ideas in order to support each other and the profitability of our businesses.
Goal of Event: To help women CPG founders be more confident with their business finances.
Attendees will be able to:
Do a cost build up for a sales channel
See how pricing affects your channel margin/profit
Attendees will leave with:
One channel cost model
Knowing your true channel margin and profit
An analysis of channel pricing so you can increase your profitability
**Registration coming soon!
Event Agenda
8:45-9:00AM
Check-in, Coffee, and Networking
9:00-10:00AM
Topic Presentation and Group Q&A
10:00-11:00AM
Individual Work Time and Feedback
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
JULY 7TH HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
CPG Coffee + Coworking
CPG Coffee + Coworking
A new monthly CPG community meetup!
JULY 14TH @ TBD | 9:00-11:00AM
Grab your laptop and your coffee — this is your new monthly CPG meetup! Join fellow founders and operators for a casual coffee and coworking session where ideas get sharpened, challenges get workshopped, and real connections get made. Whether you’re heads-down building or need a sounding board, come work alongside people who understand the space and share your struggles. We’re taking our meetups on the road to local coffee shops as we support and spotlight small businesses in our community.
**Registration opening soon!!
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
AUGUST 4TH HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
CPG Coffee + Coworking
CPG Coffee + Coworking
A new monthly CPG community meetup!
AUGUST 11TH @ TBD | 9:00-11:00AM
Grab your laptop and your coffee — this is your new monthly CPG meetup! Join fellow founders and operators for a casual coffee and coworking session where ideas get sharpened, challenges get workshopped, and real connections get made. Whether you’re heads-down building or need a sounding board, come work alongside people who understand the space and share your struggles. We’re taking our meetups on the road to local coffee shops as we support and spotlight small businesses in our community.
**Registration opening soon!!
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
SEPTEMBER 1ST HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
CPG Coffee + Coworking
CPG Coffee + Coworking
A new monthly CPG community meetup!
SEPTEMBER 8TH @ TBD | 9:00-11:00AM
Grab your laptop and your coffee — this is your new monthly CPG meetup! Join fellow founders and operators for a casual coffee and coworking session where ideas get sharpened, challenges get workshopped, and real connections get made. Whether you’re heads-down building or need a sounding board, come work alongside people who understand the space and share your struggles. We’re taking our meetups on the road to local coffee shops as we support and spotlight small businesses in our community.
**Registration opening soon!!
Women in CPG Morning Workshop: Understand Your P&L
September 22nd Women in CPG Morning Workshop
Business Financial Support: Understanding Your P&L
Bring your completed profit & loss statement to the event!
(An example will be provided if you don’t have one)
Who Should Attend: CPG women founders in early- to mid-stage of business or those who want support with their financials.
*This group is open to marginalized genders including women, women-identifying individuals, and non-binary and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women leading CPG (natural products) companies and CPG-supporting companies in Central Oregon.
Why is this Important? The purpose is to tackle our financial questions, challenges, and ideas in order to support each other and the profitability of our businesses.
Goal of Event: To help women CPG founders be more confident with their business finances.
Attendees will be able to:
Understand what a P&L statement tells you
Know your channel and business margins
Identify where to decrease costs and increase revenue
Attendees will leave with:
A customization plan for your P&L
A plan for tracking all expenses and income
Ideas for where to cut costs and increase profitability
**Registration coming soon!
Event Agenda
8:45-9:00AM
Check-in, Coffee, and Networking
9:00-10:00AM
Topic Presentation and Group Q&A
10:00-11:00AM
Individual Work Time and Feedback
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
OCTOBER 6TH HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
CPG Coffee + Coworking
CPG Coffee + Coworking
A new monthly CPG community meetup!
OCTOBER 20TH @ TBD | 9:00-11:00AM
Grab your laptop and your coffee — this is your new monthly CPG meetup! Join fellow founders and operators for a casual coffee and coworking session where ideas get sharpened, challenges get workshopped, and real connections get made. Whether you’re heads-down building or need a sounding board, come work alongside people who understand the space and share your struggles. We’re taking our meetups on the road to local coffee shops as we support and spotlight small businesses in our community.
**Registration opening soon!!
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
NOVEMBER 3RD HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
CPG Coffee + Coworking
CPG Coffee + Coworking
A new monthly CPG community meetup!
NOVEMBER 10TH @ TBD | 9:00-11:00AM
Grab your laptop and your coffee — this is your new monthly CPG meetup! Join fellow founders and operators for a casual coffee and coworking session where ideas get sharpened, challenges get workshopped, and real connections get made. Whether you’re heads-down building or need a sounding board, come work alongside people who understand the space and share your struggles. We’re taking our meetups on the road to local coffee shops as we support and spotlight small businesses in our community.
**Registration opening soon!!
Women in CPG Morning Workshop: Plan for Sustainable Growth
November 17th Women in CPG Morning Workshop
Business Financial Support: Plan for Sustainable Growth
Bring a monthly year-to-date profit & loss statement in an Excel or Google Sheets format.
(An example model will be provided if you don’t have one)
Who Should Attend: CPG women founders in early- to mid-stage of business or those who want support with their financials.
*This group is open to marginalized genders including women, women-identifying individuals, and non-binary and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women leading CPG (natural products) companies and CPG-supporting companies in Central Oregon.
Why is this Important? The purpose is to tackle our financial questions, challenges, and ideas in order to support each other and the profitability of our businesses.
Goal of Event: To help women CPG founders be more confident with their business finances.
Attendees will be able to:
Use historical data to plan for future growth
Attendees will leave with:
A simple forecasting template
**Registration coming soon!
Event Agenda
8:45-9:00AM
Check-in, Coffee, and Networking
9:00-10:00AM
Topic Presentation and Group Q&A
10:00-11:00AM
Individual Work Time and Feedback
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
DECEMBER 1ST HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
CPG Coffee + Coworking
CPG Coffee + Coworking
A new monthly CPG community meetup!
DECEMBER 8TH @ TBD | 9:00-11:00AM
Grab your laptop and your coffee — this is your new monthly CPG meetup! Join fellow founders and operators for a casual coffee and coworking session where ideas get sharpened, challenges get workshopped, and real connections get made. Whether you’re heads-down building or need a sounding board, come work alongside people who understand the space and share your struggles. We’re taking our meetups on the road to local coffee shops as we support and spotlight small businesses in our community.
**Registration opening soon!!
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
Bring a friend!
MAY 5TH HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
Built to Grow Workshop
Growing sales but cash still tight?
Learn how margins and sales channels impact cash flow and profitable growth.
How product margins and sales channels shape cash flow, debt, and sustainable growth.
For many founders, adding new sales channels or expanding wholesale feels like progress — but without the right margins, it can quietly create cash flow strain and increase reliance on debt.
In this Built to Grow Founder Working Session, food finance expert Sarah Delevan, Workshop Leader and founder of The Good Food CFO, will walk through how product margins and channel decisions directly impact profitability, cash flow, and the ability to scale.
You’ll learn practical ways to evaluate opportunities before committing time, inventory, and capital — so growth actually strengthens your business.
CPG Coffee + Coworking
CPG Coffee + Coworking
A new monthly CPG community meetup!
APRIL 8TH @ TBD | 9:00-11:00AM
Grab your laptop and your coffee — this is your new monthly CPG meetup! Join fellow founders and operators for a casual coffee and coworking session where ideas get sharpened, challenges get workshopped, and real connections get made. Whether you’re heads-down building or need a sounding board, come work alongside people who understand the space and share your struggles. We’re taking our meetups on the road to local coffee shops as we support and spotlight small businesses in our community.
**Registration opening soon!!
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
APRIL 7TH HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
Women in CPG Morning Workshop: Know Your True COGS
March 31st Women in CPG Morning Workshop
Business Financial Support: Know Your True COGS
Bring a COMPLETED or work-in-process COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) spreadsheet for one of your SKU's.
(An example COGS spreadsheet will provided if you don’t have one)
Who Should Attend: CPG women founders in early- to mid-stage of business or those who want support with their financials.
*This group is open to marginalized genders including women, women-identifying individuals, and non-binary and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women leading CPG (natural products) companies and CPG-supporting companies in Central Oregon.
Why is this Important? The purpose is to tackle our financial questions, challenges, and ideas in order to support each other and the profitability of our businesses.
Goal of Event: To help women CPG founders be more confident with their business finances.
Attendees will be able to:
Know what to include and not include in COGS calculations
Identify “hidden” costs that affect your COGS
See how pricing affects your product margin/profit
Attendees will leave with:
One SKU costed out with confidence
Knowing your true product margin and profit
An analysis of product pricing so you can increase your profitability
Event Agenda
8:45-9:00AM
Check-in, Coffee, and Networking
9:00-10:00AM
Topic Presentation and Group Q&A
10:00-11:00AM
Individual Work Time and Feedback
CPG Coffee + Coworking
CPG Coffee + Coworking
A new monthly CPG community meetup!
MARCH 11TH @ Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe | 9:00-11:00AM
Grab your laptop and your coffee — this is your new monthly CPG meetup! Join fellow founders and operators for a casual coffee and coworking session where ideas get sharpened, challenges get workshopped, and real connections get made. Whether you’re heads-down building or need a sounding board, come work alongside people who understand the space and share your struggles. We’re taking our meetups on the road to local coffee shops as we support and spotlight small businesses in our community.
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
MARCH 3RD HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
Collab Night with Special Guest: James Kelley PH.D
No agenda—just show up, grab a drink, and connect with others in the industry. This Happy Hour is a special Collab Night with James Kelley, Ph.D. (you may recognize him from our Office Hours event last October). James is consumer psychologist and entrepreneur who will be mingling and available for casual conversations about consumer psychology, brand building, and AI. No registration or membership required—bring your friends and feel free to connect with him and explore his expertise while you hang out.
EDCO’s Central Oregon PubTalk: Cultivate Bend Spotlight
Join us at EDCO’s February PubTalk as Cultivate Bend takes the spotlight featuring a CPG industry keynote and live pitches from member brands highlighting their natural products.
4:30 PM Networking | 5:30 PM Program
Program Agenda:
Keynote Presentation:
Elliot Begoun, Founder, TIG Brands
Company Pitch: Good Friend
Jerek Lovey, CEO
Company Pitch: Mmor Waffles
Ken Langdon, Founder
Update: Cultivate Bend, Katie Thomson, CB Vice President & CEO of Square Baby
CPG Coffee + Coworking
CPG Coffee + Coworking
A new monthly CPG community meetup!
FEBRUARY 10TH @ THE HAVEN COWORKING | 9:00-11:00AM
Grab your laptop and your coffee — this is your new monthly CPG meetup! Join fellow founders and operators for a casual coffee and coworking session where ideas get sharpened, challenges get workshopped, and real connections get made. Whether you’re heads-down building or need a sounding board, come work alongside people who understand the space and share your struggles. We’ll kick things off at The Haven, then take future meetups on the road to local coffee shops as we support and spotlight small businesses in our community.
*Please note that we will be gathering downstairs at The Haven. Once you walk in the main doors of the office building, you will see a Cultivate Bend sign. Please head left and you will see us down the hallway near the back patio. A CB board member will greet you at the front doors to help guide you, as well!
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
FEBRUARY 3RD HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
JANUARY 6TH HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
DECEMBER 2ND HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
Women in CPG November Meet-Up
November 18th Meet-Up
Topic: Profitability
Guides: Cindy Hayes of Freestyle Financials, Amanda Bedell of BCC Business Consulting, Meghan Toso of Luxe Accounting
What to Bring: Bring your PnL, COGS, and finance questions
Hosted by Barb Meyers of Fixa Foods
9:00-9:45
CPG Leaders Coffee
Are you a CPG founder, or do you work in a CPG business? This is a time to connect with each other.
9:45-10:00
CPG Leaders & Industry Partners Networking
Time for all CPG leaders and adjacent partners to mingle and connect.
10:00-11:00
Think Tank
Think Tank is a time where anyone can ask questions and get feedback on a specific topic. We will have expert guides to give insight as well as support from the entire group.
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
NOVEMBER 4TH HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
Cultivate LIVE!
A One-Day Growth Summit for Natural Product Brands
Tuesday • October 14th, 2025
12:00pm - 5:00pm @ Unitarian Universalist
61980 Skyline Ranch Road • Bend, OR
Build a better CPG business—without the guesswork. Join Central Oregon’s most ambitious founders for a high-impact day of strategy, networking, and real answers to your toughest growth challenges
WHAT TO EXPECT
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
A battle-tested CPG founder shares how to grow in uncertain times—what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next.PITCH SLAM
Watch local brands pitch to industry pros. Learn what gets attention and tips on growing your own brand.COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE
Sample, taste, and purchase a wide assortment of local natural products from Cultivate Bend members.HAPPY HOUR
Close out the day with an unmissable opportunity to network, inspire collaboration, and cultivate growth in Central Oregon’s thriving natural products community!
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
OCTOBER 7TH HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
Office Hours with James Kelley
Office Hours with
James Kelley
Prior to Happy Hour on Tuesday, October 7th, industry leader James Kelley Ph.D., will be available for one-on-one meetings to answer questions and share his expertise on all things consumer psychology.
Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity!
HOW IT WORKS
4 x 30 minute sessions are available by reservation between 2:15-5:30pm at Crux Fermentation. This opportunity is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so sign up quickly!*
SAMPLE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
In what ways can I strengthen my brand’s community and deepen consumer engagement?
What are some practical ways I can motivate my target market’s behavior?
How can AI accelerate product innovation, consumer research, or go-to-market within the CPG space?
How can AI help increase my business’ health by lowering long-term costs, in a field with tight margins?
In what ways does materialism and consumer identity shape loyalty to my products?
How does consumer psychology concepts like brand value, cosmopolitanism, or ethnocentrism influence purchase decisions in CPG?
*Please note that these office hours are available to Cultivate Bend Members only. Learn more about memberships here.
Meet James
Consumer Psychologist & Entrepreneur
James Kelley, Ph.D., is a researcher and entrepreneur with deep expertise in consumer psychology. His work explores how brand communities, perceived brand value, and concepts like materialism, cosmopolitanism, and consumer ethnocentrism shape consumer engagement and identity. A two-time founder, James now helps organizations harness AI to accelerate growth, drawing on his background in brand research and self-determination theory. Today, he blends academic insight with entrepreneurial practice to guide leaders in building stronger, more resilient connections with their customers through the use of A.I.
Women in CPG September Meet-Up
September 30th Meet-Up
Topic: Design & Branding
Guide: Shiloh Wisham of Graphic Heart
What to Bring: Bring your branding, labels, and design questions
Hosted by Barb Meyers of Fixa Foods
9:00-9:45
CPG Leaders Coffee
Are you a CPG founder, or do you work in a CPG business? This is a time to connect with each other.
9:45-10:00
CPG Leaders & Industry Partners Networking
Time for all CPG leaders and adjacent partners to mingle and connect.
10:00-11:00
Think Tank
Think Tank is a time where anyone can ask questions and get feedback on a specific topic. We will have expert guides to give insight as well as support from the entire group.
EDCO’s Central Oregon PubTalk (Copy)
EDCO’s Central Oregon PubTalk is a happy hour aimed at bringing together different facets of the business community in one place to network, share ideas and further local businesses.
4:30 pm Networking | 5:30 pm Program
Program Agenda:
This high-energy entrepreneurial event showcases the Bend Venture Conference (BVC) Early Stage semifinalists as they deliver fast-paced, three-minute pitches to a live crowd. The audience, along with an expert panel of judges, will vote to decide which companies advance to present at the Tower Theatre for the 22nd annual Bend Venture Conference (BVC) on October 16-17, 2025.
Join us for a high-energy event at Worthy Brewing's outdoor stage, and cast your vote to help a local Oregon startup win a $3,000 cash prize!
Agenda:
10 Semi-Finalists will be announced on September 8th.
Bend Emerging Talent Social
Enjoy relaxed networking in a cozy environment with beverages, appetizers, activities and a raffle.
Cultivate Bend will be highlighted along with a few of our members and their brands!
$15 Bend Chamber Members | $25 Non-Chamber Members | FREE for Passport Holders.
Online registration closes at 12pm on September 9th.
You may cancel your ticket for a full refund, up to 48 hours before the date and time of the event. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will not receive a refund. When you register for an event, you agree to these terms.
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
SEPTEMBER 2ND HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
Office Hours with Amanda Bedell
Office Hours with Amanda Bedell
Prior to Happy Hour on Tuesday, September 2nd, Amanda Bedell, Founder and Business Profit Strategist at BCC Business Consulting, will be available for one-on-one meetings to answer questions and share personalized finance strategy advice. Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity!
HOW IT WORKS
4 x 30 minute sessions are available by reservation between 2:15-5:30pm at Crux Fermentation. This opportunity is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so sign up quickly!*
SAMPLE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why am I making money but not seeing it in the bank?
What should my margins be in CPG?
How do I price profitably without scaring off buyers?
How do I clean up financials to prep for investment or exit?
*Please note that these office hours are available to Cultivate Bend Members only. Learn more about memberships here.
Meet Amanda Bedell
Founder and Business Profit Strategist at BCC Business Consulting
Cultivate Bend Board Member
Amanda Bedell is a visionary entrepreneur and self-proclaimed “Business Chaos Sorter” committed to empowering small business owners. Drawing from her firsthand experience building and scaling a successful bakery business, she understands the challenges CPG and service-based businesses face as they grow. Amanda helps founders fix profit leaks and build financially sound companies— fast. She has a proven track record of helping companies generate $150,000 or more in revenue in just 90 days, with the ultimate goal of transforming the world through the success of small businesses.
Women in CPG August Meet-Up
August 26th Meet-Up
Topic: E-Commerce
Guides: Katie Thomson of Square Baby / Cassidy Sullivan of SideDish and Hilma
What to Bring: Bring your questions about DTC online, payment processing, and Amazon sales.
Hosted by Barb Meyers of Fixa Foods
9:00-9:45
CPG Leaders Coffee
Are you a CPG founder, or do you work in a CPG business? This is a time to connect with each other.
9:45-10:00
CPG Leaders & Industry Partners Networking
Time for all CPG leaders and adjacent partners to mingle and connect.
10:00-11:00
Think Tank
Think Tank is a time where anyone can ask questions and get feedback on a specific topic. We will have expert guides to give insight as well as support from the entire group.
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
AUGUST 5TH HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
Connect W’s Cocktail Connections
Connect W’s Cocktail Connections
Date: Thur, July 31st
Time: 5:00-6:30pm
Location: Keller Williams Realty
Hosted by Brandie Foster of Keller Williams, join Connect W to mix, mingle, and unwind with a dynamic group of women.
Women in CPG July Meet-Up
Jen brings over 20 years of record success as a business development strategist and entrepreneur who is passionate about advancing preventative medicine, resiliency, regenerative leadership, and environmentally responsible practices. She has diverse experience within the medical, health, and wellness industries ranging from roles as a young nurses aide, a respiratory therapist, a director of education, health and wellness education director for Hewlett Packard, hospitals, and functional medicine practitioners.
In 2009, Jen successfully launched JEM Organics, an organic and environmentally sustainable food manufacturing company. Today, Jennifer engaged in business development for MindClick, an environmental health product intelligence company that drives transparency and innovation across organizations and their supply chains to help meet global demand for healthier products and healthier environments.
With her background in working with hospitals and preventive medicine, Jennifer understands first-hand the many challenges hospitals and providers face today. This allows her to help them identify opportunities for creating healthier, more efficient and sustainable environments for their patients, clinicians, staff and the communities they serve.
9:00-9:45
CPG Leaders Coffee
Are you a CPG founder, or do you work in a CPG business? This is a time to connect with each other.
9:45-10:00
CPG Leaders & Industry Partners Networking
Time for all CPG leaders and adjacent partners to mingle and connect.
10:00-11:00
Brand Story with Jen Moore from JEM Organics
Jen Moore, Co-Founder of JEM Organics, will share her CPG journey and discuss Regenerative Leadership.
Bend Emerging Talent’s Monthly Social
Bend Emerging Talent’s Monthly Social
Date: Tue, July 15th
Time: 5:00-7:00pm
Location: The Barrel Room at UPP Liquids
Mingle, connect and learn at this engaging event. Join Bend ET as they highlight the work and mission of Rimrock Trails!
Monthly Happy Hour
Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour
First Tuesday of Every Month!
JULY 1ST HAPPY HOUR
No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!
$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!
Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project
Women in CPG June Meet-Up
June 24th Meet-Up
Topic: Know Your Worth: Business Valuation Basics
Guides: Su Embree
What to Bring: If possible, bring your 2024 Income Statement or P&L, and Balance Sheet.
Su Embree is the founder of Saute, a sauce and marinade brand for Asian-inspired meals. She is the former CEO and owner of DHM Research, a well-respected public policy research firm in Portland and Seattle. She sold and exited the business in 2021 to her dream buyer. She is also a cofounder of the nonprofit, The Script, a premier network for underrepresented communities to build leadership skills and generational wealth.
Su serves as a trustee and board member of multiple organizations including the Oregon Community Foundation, the Children’s Institute, IWF Oregon, and she is an advisor to several emerging entrepreneurs. She served as the past President of the Entrepreneur’s Organization - a peer group of over 160 founders in Portland, and she’s a former trustee of OMSI - one of the most innovative science museums in the country.
Su is an investor and owner of several James Beard nominated restaurants in Portland. She has called Oregon home for 30 years with her husband and two daughters.
9:00-9:45
CPG Leaders Coffee
Are you a CPG founder, or do you work in a CPG business? This is a time to connect with each other.
9:45-10:00
CPG Leaders & Industry Partners Networking
Time for all CPG leaders and adjacent partners to mingle and connect.
10:00-11:00
Brand Story
Have you ever wondered how much your business is worth?
Determining a fair market value of your business can be hard to figure out at the early stages of growth, but it's essential in partnership agreements and decisions around strategic direction. One of our Cultivate Bend members, Su Embree, will discuss how to value your business using your financial statements. As an owner of several businesses, she'll share her experiences through a Founder’s lens.
2025 Summer Party
Our most fun party of the season is filled with real conversations with people who are actually building big brands in Bend. No panels, no pressure, just a chance to meet the incredible people who make this community what it is.
It’s connection, celebration, and community-building — all in the sunshine at Alpenglow Park.
Early Bird Pricing Until June 10th
Grab your ticket early and save a few bucks — because thoughtful planners deserve the win.
$10 Members / $15 Non-Members (through June 9th)
$15 Members / $20 Non-Members (starting June 10th)
*Kids under 18? Free. We love future founders too.
What to Expect:
Wine, Beer, Kombucha, and other NA beverages
Food from Longboard Louie’s
A pop-up marketplace with Cultivate Bend brands you’ll love supporting
Casual convos that lead to real relationships
Music, fresh air, and maybe a little dancing
Families welcome — bring the kids, let them explore
Think picnic meets founder meet-up — laid back, high energy, full of possibility.
Who It’s For:
New members ready to meet the faces behind the Slack threads
Founders who want to be seen, heard, and supported
Community-minded folks looking to grow their circle
Anyone wondering if they belong here (spoiler: you do, 100%)
Why It Matters:
This community is about showing up for each other.About building something bigger than ourselves.About choosing connection over competition.
So let this be your sign — to get outside, meet someone new, and celebrate how far we’ve come.
Reserve your ticket now and join us in creating what’s next — together.
We can’t wait to see you at the park.
Reserve a Vendor Booth
Are you a Cultivate Bend member and interested in participating in the summer party marketplace? Reserve a space to share, sample, and sell your products!
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
Become A Member
Join the community that will help you grow your business!