CWI OtterTank Now Presented by First Fed!
02/26/2026
College of Western Idaho Entrepreneur Lab Invites Community to Showcase Innovation at OtterTank, now Sponsored by First Federal Bank
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab is inviting students, staff, and community members to share their big ideas at the next OtterTank Showcase and Competition on Wednesday, April 22, from 4–5:30 p.m. at the Academic Building on CWI’s Nampa Campus.
Hosted twice each year, OtterTank is an energetic showcase inspired by the hit reality TV show Shark Tank, where participants pitch business ideas, side hustles, and early-stage ventures through elevator pitches, interactive displays, and live presentations. Finalists take the stage for a chance to win prize money to help bring their ideas to life, with winners selected by audience vote.
“This competition really captures what we’re all about at CWI - giving people the space to explore ideas, feel supported, and try something new,” said Kenton Lee, Director of the CWI Entrepreneur Lab. “OtterTank shows just how much talent and creativity there is in our community when we give entrepreneurs the right tools and encouragement.”
The Entrepreneur Lab works closely with participants leading up to the event, providing mentorship and hands-on guidance to help refine business plans, strengthen value propositions, and test new concepts.
Previous OtterTank winners demonstrate the meaningful impact of the competition and the Entrepreneur Lab’s support. Jared Lopez, a CWI Admissions Counselor, was the grand prize winner in November 2025 for his venture focused on afterschool educational programming designed to support students experiencing socioeconomic hardship. His program aims to create accessible, high-impact learning opportunities that help close educational gaps and build confidence.
Another memorable venture came from Seth Hoover and Meagan Ruped, who developed the Powerport Sweater, a functional and stylish garment designed for women undergoing cancer treatment.
Ruped’s breast cancer diagnosis in 2023 inspired the idea after the couple recognized a lack of comfortable, fashionable clothing designed to accommodate medical devices like chemotherapy power ports.
CWI is proud to announce that First Federal Bank has partnered with OtterTank as a title sponsor for three years, helping expand opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. This partnership aligns with First Federal Bank’s mission and vision of building our community in the Treasure Valley.
“We are proud as well as excited to be the presenting sponsor of OtterTank,” shared Jason Meyerhoeffer, President and CEO of First Federal Bank. “Like CWI, First Federal believes in the spirit of entrepreneurship – it is what drives our great state and nation. The opportunity for us to be involved in helping individuals fulfill their dream – from inventing to starting a business – is truly rewarding.”
Applications are now open for anyone interested in pitching their idea, side hustle, or business at the April event. Community members are also invited to attend, explore venture displays, and vote for their favorite pitches.