Local entrepreneurs will take center stage later this month as the Pop Up & Pitch Marketplace returns to downtown Salem on Friday, Nov. 21, offering the public a taste of Oregon’s growing food and beverage startup scene.
Hosted by the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) in partnership with SEDCOR (Strategic Economic Development Corporation) and Launch Mid-Valley, the event will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. in the lobby of The Grand Hotel. About 22 local food and beverage companies are expected to participate, providing samples, selling products, and delivering short business pitches to potential retailers, investors, and restaurant owners.
The Pop Up & Pitch Marketplace — part of OEN’s Oregon Angel Food program — is designed to connect small food and beverage makers with growth opportunities by giving them a platform to share their products and practice pitching their business ideas. The event will now include 10 selected entrepreneurs who will deliver three-minute pitches to an audience of industry professionals.
The marketplace offers an opportunity for small businesses to refine their presentations, gain exposure, and meet potential partners who can help them expand. It also provides the public a chance to sample local products and support Oregon-based entrepreneurs.
The event is part of a broader regional effort to strengthen Oregon’s food innovation ecosystem. Both SEDCOR, OEN, and Launch Mid-Valley have focused on helping emerging businesses expand their reach through networking and mentorship. “This event represents exactly what we’re building through Launch Mid-Valley — a connected ecosystem that gives entrepreneurs the resources and visibility they need to grow,” said Erik Andersson, president of SEDCOR. “We’re proud to see homegrown companies like Max’s Booch and Best Coast Bagels representing the creativity and momentum of the Mid-Willamette Valley.”
Cara Turano, president and executive director of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, added, “The Oregon Angel Food Marketplace is all about celebrating the makers and risk-takers who power our regional economy. Bringing this event to Salem highlights the incredible innovation happening beyond the Portland metro area.”
Last year’s marketplace led to one of the event’s standout success stories. Representatives from Burgerville attended and connected with Don Froylan Creamery, a Salem-based cheesemaker. Earlier this year, Burgerville introduced the limited-edition “Don Burger,” featuring Don Froylan’s locally made cheese — an example of the kind of partnership the event hopes to foster again this year.
By hosting the marketplace in Salem’s central business district, organizers aim to attract both community members and local industry leaders. The event is open to the public and free to attend, offering visitors a chance to sample products, meet founders, and purchase directly from participating vendors.
For more information or to RSVP, visit sedcor or learn more about OEN’s programs at oen.org.
2025 Pop Up & Pitch Marketplace Vendors
- Aliza Cooks, LLC (McMinnville)
- BennyBoy’s Soul Seeds – Savory Pumpkin Pepitas
- Dappled Tonic
- FreeWildShe (Dayton)
- Love in My Tummy Foods LLC / GoodPūD
- ManJa Creations Artisan Food Company, LLC
- Nathan Lee Bitters (Salem)
- Portal Tea & Happy Mountain Kombucha
- Scratch Treats
- Mother Tree Olive Grove (West Salem)
- Columbia Bar, LLC
- Best Coast Bagels, LLC (Salem)
- Fire Lily Coffee (Dundee)
- Flourish Spices and African food (Salem)
- Heartland Ciderworks (Rickreall)
- Max’s Booch (Salem)
a. SEDCOR’s 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year - Prismatic Coffee Co. (Salem)
- The Barreled Bee
- To Go Paleo, LLC (Salem)
- Well & Community (Salem)
- Chocolat-e Inc
- Salt Creek Cider House (Dallas)
○ SEDCOR’s 2025 Small Business of the Year