Springboard

We help startups validate their idea and get traction.

Springboard is a 90-day, hands-on sprint for Inland Northwest founders who need structure, customer discovery, business model clarity, and a practical path toward momentum.

What it is

A founder sprint built around validation.

Springboard helps early-stage tech and life science companies in the Inland Northwest test the business, learn from customers, and prepare for the next right step.

The goal is not to make founders look busy. The goal is to help companies gain traction and become more investable through a clear process, expert feedback, and community support.

Springboard is for founders who need:

  • Problem and customer validation
  • Lean canvas and business model development
  • Go-to-market thinking and early traction
  • Pitch, advisor, and investor readiness
Process

From idea to traction.

The process moves founders through foundation building, customer discovery, and business development — using InnovateINW colors and a clearer sequence.

Phase 1

Foundation Building

  1. Initial meeting and approval
  2. Lean canvas development
  3. Customer discovery
  4. Problem / solution fit
Phase 2

Build, Measure, Learn

  1. MVP or early product learning
  2. Market and customer testing
  3. Go-to-market strategy
  4. Traction milestones
Phase 3

Business Development

  1. Financial, legal, and operations review
  2. Pitch deck development
  3. Advisor pitch sessions
  4. Program graduation
Learning Loop

Build. Measure. Learn.

Springboard keeps founders focused on the loop that matters: build the smallest useful experiment, measure what customers actually do, and learn what to change next.

That rhythm keeps the work practical. Founders leave with evidence, not just opinions.

BuildMVP / experiment
MeasureCustomer evidence
LearnNext decision
Validated
Learning
Founder Testimonial

“Springboard has been an invaluable partner in turning my vision into reality.”

“As a nurse with no prior business experience, I was overwhelmed by the complexities of launching a startup. Springboard guided me every step of the way—from refining my idea with the lean canvas method to developing a fully functional app that is already making a difference in ER nurse training. Their support in securing funding and connecting me with the right advisors has been instrumental in the early success of WildeCare Education. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Jennifer Wilde — Springboard Client

Founder Community

Build with people who understand the path.

Springboard surrounds founders with mentors, operators, peers, and regional partners who can help test assumptions, open doors, and keep the work moving.

Apply

Tell us how to route you.

Use the Springboard application to share where you are, what you are building, and how InnovateINW can help route you to the right next step.

This embedded Copper form captures the Springboard application directly for follow-up.