Registration is Open

    *Early Bird Promotion:
    Discount - 20% off ticket prices until April 2, 2025

    AdmissionFee*
    Student Admission - Includes Founder Therapy, Workshops, Networking, Breakfast -3, Lunch -2, and Swag Bag.$99.00
    General Admission - Includes Founder Therapy, Workshops, Networking, Breakfast -3, Lunch -2, and Swag Bag.$249.00
    VIP Admission - Includes General Pass Features Plus Priority Access, VIP Dinner, Connectivity Lounge, Content Replay and Premium Swag Items.$399.00
    VIP Dinner Pass - Join us for our VIP Dinner, where influential leaders in the startup ecosystem come together to celebrate the outstanding work being done to elevate founders and funders. Experience a unique opportunity to connect with visionaries and like-minded individuals that are leading impactful change.$150
    Mytoi Japanese Garden - Bike Ride - Embark on a scenic bike ride from charming Edgartown to the serene Mytoi Garden, a hidden gem on Chappaquiddick Island. Hop on the ferry and pedal your way through breathtaking landscapes before arriving at this tranquil, Japanese-inspired oasis.$35

    Unleashing the Power of Exponential Growth Retreat

    COI Ladder Institute is thrilled to present its 12th annual Unleashing Retreat for founders, investors, and corporate partners who are prepared to drive their businesses forward by fostering impactful connections within a supportive community.This year’s Unleashing the Power of Exponential Growth Retreat centers on cultivating meaningful relationships to drive personal and business success. This retreat will create a space that enables participants to develop deep, lasting connections.

    This gathering will offer actionable strategies from the most influential entrepreneurs, investors, accelerators, and strategic partners to advance and transform businesses through the power of connections.Central to all activities hosted at the retreat will be Founder Therapy. The founders’ physical, mental, and spiritual health will be thoughtfully woven into the agenda. Founders will leave the retreat equipped with strategies and tools to solve BIG problems that are sustained by profound connections.

    Day 1: Mon | Aug 4

    Investing inYourself

    10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Networking, Investor Workshops, Founder Workshops, Buying Black Marketplace, Founder Therapy, and more

    Day 2: Tue | Aug 5

    Investing inYour Future

    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Networking, Investor Workshops, Founder Workshops, Buying Black Marketplace, Luncheon, Investor and Accelerator Salons, and more
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    VIP Dinner* (VIP registrants only)
    The VIP Dinner is an exclusive event that brings together distinguished guests, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to celebrate excellence, innovation, and achievement. Attendees will enjoy an elegant evening featuring gourmet cuisine, entertainment, and the presentation of prestigious awards, all while networking with like-minded individuals and forging valuable connections. This event honors outstanding individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the startup ecosystem, offering a unique opportunity to be recognized in a setting of sophistication and prestige.

    Day 3: Wed | Aug 6

    Investing inYour Network

    7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    Mytoi Japanese Garden - Bike Ride - $35.00
    Embark on a scenic bike ride from charming Edgartown to the serene Mytoi Garden, a hidden gem on Chappaquiddick Island. Hop on the ferry and pedal your way through breathtaking landscapes before arriving at this tranquil, Japanese-inspired oasis. Immerse yourself in the garden’s peaceful ambiance, awaken your senses, and start your day with a refreshing dose of nature and adventure.
    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    Networking, Wellness Activity, Buying Black Marketplace, Luncheon, and more

    Retreat Venue

    Dr. Daniel Fisher House & Gardens
    99 Main Street
    Edgartown, MA 02539

    Ferry Reservations

    2025 Martha's Vineyard Summer Ferry Reservations

    Note: Ferry reservations open
    Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 8 AM

    Housing & Lodging

    Links for available lodging on Martha's Vineyard

    Past Years' Notable Speakers

    COI Ladder Institute

    COI Ladder Institute: Empowering Communities, Elevating Futures

    Founded in 1995, COI Ladder Institute began with a simple yet powerful vision: to build assets and create lasting change in the communities we serve. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we have always been driven by the belief that empowering individuals and communities through education, mentorship, and opportunity is the key to transforming lives and fostering sustainable growth.Over the years, our mission has evolved, but our commitment to driving positive impact remains unwavering. In 2013, we expanded our reach with the Unleashing Your Power Retreat, a transformative initiative designed to serve the often overlooked and underestimated founders and funders within the startup ecosystem. This program, along with our other offerings, aims to provide the essential resources, networks, and opportunities needed to break down barriers and elevate individuals to new heights of success.At COI Ladder Institute, we understand that true empowerment goes beyond basic education—it’s about unlocking potential and providing the tools necessary for sustainable success. Our flagship programs, including STRIVE Youth, kW for Good, SEE Index, and a range of ad hoc initiatives, are tailored to address the unique needs of both individuals and businesses. Each program is designed not only to foster personal and professional growth but to uplift entire communities, creating a ripple effect of opportunity and prosperity.Our Unleashing Your Power Retreat is particularly close to our hearts. By focusing on founders and funders, we aim to bridge the gap in a startup ecosystem. Through access to specialized educational resources, mentorship from industry leaders, and strategic networking opportunities, we create an environment where participants can elevate their businesses, unlock new opportunities, and transform their lives.Beyond our programs, COI Ladder Institute is deeply committed to philanthropy, energy efficiency, and sustainability. We believe that true change is achieved not only through direct action but by fostering an ecosystem of shared knowledge, compassion, and responsible stewardship of resources. Our vision is one of equity—where every individual, regardless of background, has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain dedicated to our core mission: empowering communities to rise, supporting individuals to break through limitations, and creating lasting change that extends far beyond today. We are driven by the belief that the power of connection, mentorship, and opportunity can catalyze exponential growth, both for individuals and the communities they touch.At COI Ladder Institute, we don’t just build assets—we build futures.

    SaLisa L. Berrien
    Founder, COI Ladder Institute

    SaLisa L. Berrien, Founder and Board Chair, has over 25 years of experience in non-profit leadership and clean energy space. From volunteering at charities, mentoring, working at utilities and clean tech companies, to establishing an endowment and scholarships, she has been committed to making the space she occupies better than she found it. SaLisa holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and an Executive MBA from Saint Joseph’s University.One of SaLisa’s core values is philanthropy. She believes that to whom much is given, much is required. Her mission in life is to positively impact the space she occupies by building assets. COI Ladder Institute does this with its afterschool STEM leadership development program and female founders programming for tech startups.

    About Our Partners

    Thank You for your support.

    Sponsorship Interest?

    Check out the opportunities to elevate founders and funders to the next level. The Sponsorship Packages help ensure the quality programming our founders have come to enjoy continues. Make an impact today by pledging your level of support. Sponsorship is tax deductible.

    Downloadable Sponsor Packet

    Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the event!

    Toolbox

    Unleashing22 Founder Retreat (on-site) Includes 3 day wellness and resilience activities, networking, swag bag, 1:1 coaching

    Juneteenth Special Offer: Until June 19, 20242 for 1 Deal - Bring a friend with you for free. Get two tickets for the price of one.
    $249 $124.50

    Registration is Opening Soon.

    Registration is OPEN

    Due to COVID cases increasing, all sessions will be virtualexceptfor wellness activities which will be on-site (Martha's Vineyard)

    L I M I T E D - P R O M O
    ALL TICKETS ARE BUY ONE GET ONE FREE FOR EARLY BIRD PRICING
    Includes both in-person & virtual attendance for Students, General Admission, and VIP
    Register today with code BOGO23 for Buy One Get One Free .

    B O G O - P R O M O
    ALL TICKETS ARE BUY ONE GET ONE FREE FOR EARLY BIRD PRICING
    Includes both in-person & virtual attendance for Students, General Admission, and VIP

    Speakers & Panelists

    Speakers

    Marketplace

    The COI Ladder Institute's Buying Black Marketplace

    We are dedicated to supporting and amplifying businesses and foundersThis marketplace serves as a vibrant hub where you can explore and purchase a wide array of products and services offered by tech-enabled businesses in the B2B, B2C, and Small-Medium categories. We aim to foster an empowering environment that celebrates the incredible talent and diversity within the founder community.Join us in making a direct impact. Every purchase you make is a step towards supporting economic growth and closing the racial wealth gap. Explore the marketplace and discover everything from cutting-edge products and services to handcrafted goods. Let’s uplift and propel the success of these businesses together!

    B:B

    B:C

    SMB

    hello@coiempowerment.com