Submit your application
May—June
Trailmix applications open in late May and run through June. Share your company’s story and your plans for growth, and finalists selected to compete will be notified in July.
From farmer's market to supermarket
Every fall at Boise Entrepreneur Week, Idaho’s food and beverage founders take the Trailmix stage, pitching their products to judges for a shot at funding and shelf space at Albertsons.
What is Trailmix?
Since 2018, Trailmix has helped Idaho food and beverage brands take their next step toward store shelves. In the weeks before BEW, finalists go through a prep workshop series led by Idaho founders who have built and placed brands of their own, with one-on-one mentorship alongside it.
On finals day, they set up at the Trailmix Food Expo to share samples with the BEW crowd, then take their pitch to the judges in the Pioneer Room at JUMP.
Workshop your strategy
Aug—Sept
Before taking the stage, Trailmix finalists participate in three workshops led by established food and beverage founders who know firsthand what it takes to bring a CPG product to market. Along the way, finalists build a close-knit community with their cohort while sharpening their pitch for the big night.
Share your product
October
During Boise Entrepreneur Week, finalists set up shop at the Trailmix Food Expo, where BEW attendees can taste and buy their products while hearing the stories behind them.
Compete at Trailmix
October
To close out the experience, finalists take the stage in front of hundreds of BEW attendees and a panel of judges. Each finalist has 10 minutes to pitch their product and answer the judges’ questions, and the judges’ scores determine who takes home the grand prize package.
Brands that took the Trailmix stage...
From pet treats to pantry staples, finalists have come from every corner of the food and beverage aisle. Your product could be next!
...and the sponsors that made it possible.
Trailmix 2026 Sponsors
Watch the 2026 Trailmix Finals
Seven Idaho food and beverage brands took the stage at JUMP on September 30 during Boise Entrepreneur Week, pitching to a panel of judges for funding and a spot on grocery store shelves. Catch every pitch from the finals and see what Idaho’s food and beverage founders are building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trailmix is open to Idaho-based food and beverage companies with a product that’s ready to sell. To qualify, your company must have less than $1M in annual revenue and less than $1M in funding raised.
In 2026, 1st place received $25,000 shelf space at Albertsons, and a marketing package from the Boise Co-op. 2nd place received $5,000. (2027 prizes TBD)
Trailmix welcomes food and beverage founders from across Idaho. Finalists can join the prep workshops remotely via Zoom if based outside of the Treasure Valley, but the Food Expo and the live pitch during Boise Entrepreneur Week must be attended in person.
