It felt like more than just another event. On Tuesday June 2nd, over 130 women gathered at Rain’s beautiful Pearl District offices for a gathering that was buzzing with energy, intention, and a shared desire to break down barriers around capital.

Together with our co-hosts — Latino Founders, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) and Metro Region Innovation Hub — we set out to create a space where women could show up fully, ask bold questions, and walk away with practical insights on how to fund and grow their businesses. And that’s exactly what happened.

A Panel Full of Power Moves

The night kicked off with a dynamic conversation moderated by longtime Xcelerate Women coach Mia Birk (Rogues Women’s Fund and Fabulous Female Founders), who guided a brilliant panel featuring Mel Strong (NEXT VENTURES), Melanie Marconi (VIDA Coworking), Brianne Mees (Tender Loving Empire), Sadie Lincoln (barre3), and Lucy De Leon (Salsas Locas, La Patroncita, and Madrina Cocina Mexicana).

No topic was off limits — from bootstrapping and bank loans to building relationships with investors and avoiding pitfalls.

The crowd wasn’t just listening. They were leaning in. Hungry for knowledge. Ready to do the work.

Breakouts That Buzzed

After the panel, the space transitioned into small group breakout sessions matching founders with funders and covering VC, angels, crowdfunding, franchise models, grants, lending, and of course - cash flow. Thanks to our capital mentors Kyle Lovell (Business Impact NW), Charlene LaFountain (Business Oregon), Cristal Finley (Prosper Portland), Yalda Moshiri (OEN), Yesenia Gallardo Avila (Latino Founders), Jennifer Peterson (WaFd), Carla Titus (Wealth & Worth Within), Melissa Sanger (PNC Bank), Glitter Gloria (Exit Bliss), and Melinda Archuleta (Bar Carlo). These intimate conversations were full of generosity, encouragement, and clarity.

As Faith Dionne, CEO/Founder of Dappled Tonic shared: 

“I really appreciated the conversation centered around real funding stories, especially focusing so much on debt financing. 

In CPG, most every brand relies on debt due to low margins and high inventory but we are inundated with dreams of angels and grants. I attended breakouts on SBA loans and CDFI’s, two very practical and probable paths for my business. These sessions are exactly what our founder ecosystem needs. Thanks for facilitating these conversations around debt financing for small businesses”

And, of Course, the Vibes

We couldn’t have done it without our incredible co-hosts and sponsors, who infused the event with joy, flavor, and celebration—from delicious tamalitos by La Patroncita and cocktails by STRAiGHTAWAY Cocktails, to beautifully crafted hemp beverages by Tropink and wine from our friends at Sokol Blosser Winery and Ponzi Vineyards. Guests mingled, connected, and raved about the food and drinks — and the deeper sense of community that filled the room.

What We Heard (And Felt)

“I loved that everyone was able to get deeper on specific topics with such a quality pool of panelists/speakers that were all so honest and helpful with what they shared and how they answered questions…It was one of my favorite events I’ve attended in a while. Just wanted to share! Great job!” - Alex Gamboa Grand, Way of Being
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“I learned from all of you and needed this kind of rad support just as much as anyone!” - Sadie Lincoln, barre3

Across every conversation, the message was clear:
There’s no single path to funding, but there are many ways to access capital that fits your business and goals. When we create space for women to explore those options — without judgment, with community — powerful clarity and confidence follow.

Read Mia’s 5 Lessons from 5 Remarkable Founders takeaways on her Fabulous Female Founders Substack. 

What's Next

Interested in diving deeper into your capital growth plan? Join our Capital Literacy Peer Group this fall. Fill out this form to be the first to know when registration is live.

Thank You

A huge thank you to Xcelerate Women’s Annual Partners whose generous support makes events like this possible: Business Oregon, Prosper Portland, Washington County, City of Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability, U.S. Small Business Association, eBay, Oregon Community Foundation, Henry Lea Hillman, Jr. Foundation, PGE Foundation, OnPoint Community Credit Union, KeyBank, PNC Bank, WaFd, Port of Portland, Verizon, Market of Choice, House of Commons, and VIDA Coworking.

Browse through our photos below to relive Capital Literacy for Women Entrepreneurs with us!

Photography by Andrea via FLI Media

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