CAL POLY CIE SBDC

The Cal Poly CIE SBDC promotes the development of technology-focused ventures by providing high-quality business assistance to start-ups and established companies in San Luis Obispo County. We are hosted by the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) located at the HotHouse, an innovative home for entrepreneurs located in the heart of Downtown San Luis Obispo.

Join us at Cabernet & Conversation July 16th

This month, Coffee & Conversation gets a summer twist with a special evening edition: “Cabernet & Conversation” featuring Gretchen Roddick, Executive Vice President of Hope Family Wines and a leader in the Paso Robles wine community.

Gretchen’s story is one of vision, grit, and community. Since joining Hope Family Wines in 1997, she has played a pivotal role in its transformation from a small, family-run business to a nationally recognized winery producing nearly one million cases annually. Along the way, she has helped the winery earn national awards, including Wine Enthusiast’s 2022 American Winery of the Year, and has become a champion for the Central Coast wine region.

Join us to hear Gretchen’s journey from Cal Poly grad and seasonal cellar assistant to executive leadership and industry mentor. She will share behind-the-scenes insights into building a successful winery, lessons learned from decades in the business, and her thoughts on what makes Paso Robles such a special place for entrepreneurs and makers. The evening will be relaxed and interactive, with plenty of time for audience questions and informal networking over local wine.

Whether you work in the wine industry, own a business, or simply want to learn from one of our region’s most respected leaders, you are invited to be part of the conversation.

Sign Up!

  • Untitled design

    The Caffeinated Cat Cafe

    Jaime Pierce turned her love for cats and coffee into The Caffeinated Cat Cafe, a unique community hub in Grover Beach. The cafe offers visitors the chance to enjoy a warm cup of coffee while bonding with adoptable cats in a cozy, home-like setting. With a mission to enrich lives and help cats find forever…

    Read Complete Story

To top