Bill Kalivas
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Co-founder and Executive Director, providing long-term ecosystem context, regional relationships, and strategic leadership for InnovateINW.
LinkedIn profile →Our Purpose
No one should have to build—or grow—a company alone.
InnovateINW is a regional innovation initiative and a guide for founders, researchers, and business leaders to solve problems and accelerate growth.
Guide
We connect people with experienced advisors, mentors, industry experts, and peer networks.
Connect
We bring together technology, university research and talent, capital, and regional partnerships.
Grow
We support commercialization, business development, market expansion, and sustainable growth.
INW Team
The people helping founders, businesses, universities, and regional partners move from connection to practical action.
Allen Battle
Co-Founder and Board Member
Co-founder and board member, supporting special initiatives and regional program delivery to expand access to innovation resources across the Inland Northwest.
LinkedIn profile →Kevin Keohane
Brand & GTM Advisor
Advises on brand strategy and go-to-market, supporting positioning, growth, and ecosystem alignment across InnovateINW programs.
LinkedIn profile →Tim Krauss
Director of Springboard
Directs the Springboard program, helping founder teams move through coaching, readiness work, and practical next steps toward commercialization.
LinkedIn profile →Becky LeBret, MBA, MSHR
Managing Director, Powered by People
Leads people and organizational strategy, helping founders and regional businesses build the teams and structures needed to grow.
LinkedIn profile →Ed Reese
Digital Marketing Strategy
Provides digital marketing, growth, and advisory support for founders and businesses preparing to build stronger market traction.
LinkedIn profile →Steve Neff
Springboard Development and Board Member
Supports Springboard development and serves on the board, helping Inland Northwest founders build readiness and move toward commercialization.
LinkedIn profile →Paige Ford
Program Manager
Manages program coordination and delivery, keeping InnovateINW programs, events, and founder support moving day to day.
LinkedIn profile →Meet the team supporting InnovateINW programs, events, partnerships, and founder development.
The Launchpad Innovators Podcast
Conversations with Inland Northwest innovators.
Hear founders and regional leaders share practical lessons about building companies, leading change, creating partnerships, and strengthening the Inland Northwest innovation economy.
Founder journey
Pete Chase on Building, Scaling, and Starting Again
A conversation about entrepreneurship across multiple stages—from building and scaling to deciding when it is time to begin again.
Watch on YouTube →
Brand strategy
The Path of Brand Strategy: Insights from Kevin Keohane
A discussion of brand strategy, the thinking behind effective positioning, and how organizations create a clearer path to growth.
Watch on YouTube →
Regional collaboration
From Downtown Spokane to STCU: Marty Dickinson’s Blueprint for Collaboration
A conversation about leadership, community partnership, and the collaboration required to create regional opportunity.
Watch on YouTube →Tell us how to route you.
Share who you are, what you are building or supporting, and what kind of connection would help. We’ll route you to the right program, event, or partner path.