EMERGE
IDEAS INTO BUSINESSES THAT WORK
With Practical Tools to Launch and Make Your First Sales
The Emerge program helps aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs go from business idea to a functioning business. Over six months, you’ll learn the essential steps for validating your idea, setting your prices, getting legally set up, and making your first sales.
Entrepreneurs learn together in a cohort, with live classes, online discussion, and office hours. Beyond the how-to, Emerge helps you build confidence and a clear plan, so you can launch with purpose and grow with intention.
IS EMERGE RIGHT FOR YOU?
You have an idea, or you’ve just started, and you’re ready to make it real. But with so much to figure out (registrations, pricing, funding, marketing), it’s hard to know where to begin. Starting without a plan often feels like building in the dark: overwhelming, and easy to put off.
That’s where Emerge comes in.
Key benefits to you:
- Clear, step-by-step path from idea to first sale
- Hands-on help with pricing, legal setup, and financial basics
- A $100-in-10-days sales challenge to build early momentum
- A cohort of fellow founders to learn from and lean on
- Live classes plus office hours for support when you’re stuck
You could be a good fit for the
Emerge program if:
- You have a business idea, or you’re just getting started and haven’t made your first sale
- You want a clear path from idea to first sales
- You can attend live sessions and complete homework between classes
- You’re ready to learn alongside others and share feedback kindly
Emerge is open to everyone, with no income or location requirements.
WITH EMERGE, YOUR BUSINESS IS JUST BEGINNING...
Emerge cohorts begin twice a year, in January and August. Applications are open year round, so you can start any time and we'll get you ready for the next cohort.
Joining Emerge takes three steps:
- Submit your enrollment form. Tell us about you and your business idea.
- Attend an Emerge info session. If you're placed in Emerge, you'll learn what to expect and have your questions answered. Info sessions are held about once a month.
- Pay your $150 enrollment fee. Payment is made securely through Circle. Once it's complete, you're enrolled and ready to start with your cohort.
Questions about enrolling? Email mesointake@mesopdx.org
MEET YOUR EMERGE INSTRUCTOR
ERICA BALDWIN JACKSON
Erica Baldwin Jackson is a MESO Business Advisor with six years of experience helping entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Erica has started five small businesses since her senior year of high school: themed cupcakes, vinyl stickers, pet sitting, screen printing, and, most recently, a catering and bartending business she runs with her mom. She knows firsthand how exciting and overwhelming it is to start something new, and she meets every client where they are.
What Erica loves most about working with new businesses is the moment someone realizes they can make their idea real, and that it doesn’t have to just live in their head.
Outside of MESO, Erica is a licensed bartender, and she’s currently writing her first book. She’s also a self-described nerd who spends her free time playing video games and attending comic book and anime conventions with her husband.
FAQ'S
Who is the Emerge program designed for?
Ambitious, soon-to-be entrepreneurs that have the time and willingness to commit to building a business that works.
Emerge may not be the right fit if you have limited time to commit, or if you're expecting someone else to do the work for you. We take a holistic approach to business, so if you can't currently make time to build your business and do the work, or if you're struggling to meet your personal needs right now, this might not be the right moment. You're always welcome to come back when the timing is better.
What does the Emerge program include?
Emerge is a 6-month experience with bi-weekly cohort sessions, open office hours, and hands-on support. Expect about 10 to 15 hours of homework over the six months, completed in Circle between sessions.
If I don't live in Oregon, can I still qualify?
Yes. Emerge is open to participants outside Oregon. Eligibility requirements differ for each MESO program.
Where does the $150 enrollment fee go?
Emerge is intended to be a self-funded program so we can operate without the restrictrions of grant funding. The $150 enrollment fee is an investment in your own education and in consistently showing up for it. If Emerge isn't the right fit, you can be refunded any time before the third session of the cohort, which is approximately mid-February for the January cohort and mid-September for the August cohort.
What if I can't afford the $150 fee? Are there scholarships?
The $150 fee is the lowest amount we can charge and still cover the cost of running the program, so we don’t offer a sliding scale or scholarships. We also want to be honest: starting a business almost always takes some money up front, for things like registration, supplies, and marketing. If $150 is a stretch right now, it may be worth saving up first and joining a later cohort, when you can focus on building your business without added financial strain. Applications are open year round, and cohorts begin in January and August, so you can join when the timing works for you. Questions? Email mesointake@mesopdx.org.
What if I'm not sure I'm ready?
Early in the program, you'll take an entrepreneurship assessment that helps you look honestly at your readiness. A lower score doesn't disqualify you. It simply helps you decide whether now is the right time.
Should you decide you aren't ready, you can be refunded any time before the third session of the cohort.
What comes after the Emerge program?
Emerge is a foundation for what's next. In your final session, you'll complete an intake to see which program fits next.
Empower is an 18-month, curriculum-based program with a $250 fee, including one-on-one advisor support, starting with a free, 12-week "landing pad." You'll work one-on-one with a business advisor to take stock of your business and see whether Empower is the right fit.
Empower participants get:
• Free access to MESO classes
• Exclusive access to our IDA (Individual Development Account) matched-savings program
• First pick for events and grant opportunities
Empower is currently open to businesses located within the City of Portland or the City of Beaverton, and to entrepreneurs whose income is under 80% of Portland's Median Family Income.
You can learn more about all of our program levels at https://www.mesopdx.org/business-assistance.
