About the Program
The Portland Business Journal is seeking driven, high-potential professionals who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. Often nominated by an executive sponsor, these individuals are recognized as rising talent within their organizations and are eager to expand their impact through meaningful, hands-on engagement with fellow PNW business leaders.
Ideal candidates bring a few years of professional experience and a clear trajectory toward leadership. They may be early to mid-career professionals, or emerging leaders who consistently demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to growth. This program is designed for those ready to accelerate their development while building lasting connections within the regional business community.
Program Details
Over the course of this six month program, running from August 2026 through January 2027, Career Accelerator Fellows will participate in six interactive, in-person sessions designed to build practical leadership skills and meaningful professional connections.
Each session is centered around a panel of accomplished regional business leaders who will share real-world insights on topics such as leadership growth, resilience, building your network, strengthening your presence in the business community, and leveraging the power of relationships.
These 2.5 hour monthly sessions are intentionally designed to be highly engaging. Fellows will have the opportunity to connect with one another while learning directly from leaders who have navigated their own career growth and are eager to share their experiences.
In addition to panel discussions and guided conversations, each session will incorporate real-world business challenges, creating space for collaborative discussion and hands-on leadership development. Fellows will leave each session with practical takeaways they can immediately apply within their own roles and organizations.
Attendance Expectations
Fellows are expected to attend at least four of the six in-person sessions, held on the following dates:
-
Thursday, August 27, 2026
-
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
-
Thursday, October 15, 2026
-
Thursday, November 12, 2026
-
Wednesday, December 16, 2026
-
Week of January 7, 2027 (TBD)
Program Investment and Benefits
The cost of the program is $2,500 per fellow. Participation includes:
-
Complimentary tickets to select PBJ events
-
A one year subscription to the Portland Business Journal
-
Certificate of completion and recognition in a PBJ publication
-
Meaningful connections with fellow cohort members and program leaders
-
Direct access to local CEOs and top business leaders
How to Apply
Applicants are encouraged to be endorsed by a leader within their organization, though sponsorship is not required to apply. The application process includes a 90 second video submission accompanied by a brief written application, with final selections approved by PBJ leadership. Applications are due by Sunday, July 12.
Selected fellows commit to an engaging, in-person experience, attending at least four of the six sessions. Each session is 2.5 hours and will take place between August 2026 and January 2027, offering consistent opportunities for learning, connection, and growth.
To maintain a dynamic and diverse cohort, participation is limited to a maximum of two fellows per company, with up to 40 fellows selected for each cohort.
The 6-Session Curriculum
August 2026 – January 2027 | 2.5 Hours Per Session | 3:30–6:00 PM | In-Person
SESSION 01
AUGUST · KNOW YOURSELF
THE MINDSET OF A LEADER
What does it take to be a leader? Fellows hear the stories of executives and their leadership journeys—and what that mindset has demanded of them along the way.
★ Kickoff Mixer + First Session
SESSION 02
SEPTEMBER · CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
CAREER GROWTH THROUGH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
How do leaders get involved with their community? Fellows learn how civic engagement — including nonprofit board service and awareness of local and state government — drives career growth.
SESSION 03
OCTOBER · EXECUTIVE PRESENCE
EXECUTIVE PRESENCE: SHOWING UP IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
How do leaders show up in the room? Fellows learn what it actually looks like to walk in, hold the room, and be remembered for the right reasons — presence as something you build, not something you're born with.
SESSION 04
NOVEMBER · NETWORKING
THE POWER OF EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
How do we network and build relationships? Fellows learn what networking really is, what it isn't, and how young leaders build the relationships that compound over a career.
SESSION 05
DECEMBER · RESILIENT LEADERSHIP
LEADING WITH RESILIENCE THROUGH CHALLENING TIMES
How do leaders hold themselves and their teams together when the work gets hard? Fellows hear real stories of pressure, loss, and recovery — and what the panel wishes they had known earlier.
SESSION 06
JANUARY 2027 · GRADUATION
PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS AND CELEBRATION
How have we grown? On an evening of celebration, fellows share testimonials about what they have gained. Executive sponsors join their nominees at the graduation dinner.
Program Leaders
The PBJ Career Accelerator program is guided by a team of accomplished business leaders who bring deep experience and strong connections within the regional business community. Together, they offer fellows unique access to local executives, a thoughtful perspective on effective leadership, and a genuine commitment to fostering meaningful relationships.
With a shared focus on mentorship and growth, these leaders are dedicated to creating an engaging and impactful experience, equipping fellows with the insights, connections, and confidence needed to grow as the next generation of business leaders.
Program Sponsor
