Bootstrapped Founders
Podcast

Share your bootstrapped startup journey with our Portland entrepreneurship community. A collaboration between FirstCityFoundry, StartupGrind Portland, and Upstart Collective to inspire and connect founders.

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Why Share Your Story?

The FirstCityFoundry Bootstrapped Founders Podcast is a collaboration between FirstCityFoundry, Portland StartupGrind, and Upstart Collective. Together, we showcase the real stories behind self-funded startups and strengthen Portland's entrepreneurship ecosystem. Your experience can inspire and guide other entrepreneurs on their bootstrapping journey.

Share Your Journey

Tell the Portland startup community about your bootstrapping experience, from the initial idea to where you are today.

Inspire Others

Your story can motivate other entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and learn from your successes and challenges.

Build Your Brand

Gain exposure for your startup and establish yourself as a thought leader in the Portland entrepreneurship community.

What We'll Discuss

Our conversations dive deep into the real experiences of bootstrapped founders

Your Origin Story

How did you come up with your idea and decide to bootstrap?

Early Challenges

What obstacles did you face in the early days?

Growth Strategies

How did you grow without external funding?

Current Struggles

What are you working through right now?

Financial Management

How do you manage cash flow and reinvestment?

Team Building

How do you build a team on a bootstrap budget?

Lessons Learned

What would you do differently if starting over?

Advice for Others

What wisdom can you share with other founders?

Our Community Partners

The FirstCityFoundry Bootstrapped Founders Podcast is proud to partner with Portland StartupGrind and Upstart Collective to bring you authentic founder stories and strengthen our local entrepreneurship ecosystem.

FirstCityFoundry, StartupGrind Portland, and Upstart Collective Partnership

FirstCityFoundry

Portland's global startup incubator supporting bootstrapped founders with resources, mentorship, and community connections.

StartupGrind Portland

Part of the global StartupGrind community, fostering entrepreneurship through events, education, and connections in Portland.

Upstart Collective

Building stronger startup communities through collaboration, shared resources, and collective growth initiatives.

This partnership brings together Portland's most active startup organizations to create meaningful content and support for our entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Visit StartupGrind Portland Learn About Upstart Collective

Apply to be a Podcast Guest

Share your bootstrapped startup story with our community

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Personal & Company Info

Tell Us About You and Your Company

Your Bootstrapping Journey

Podcast Participation