Startup Week CHA 2021
Monday, October 18, 2021
Calling All Founders of Color
Come find out about Twende, a year-long opportunity for tech founders of color in TN looking to grow their businesses.
This session will be followed by Office Hours in the afternoon for those interested in speaking 1:1 about the program.
Raising VC Funds During the Pandemic
Raising capital during any time can be rough, but your first round during the pandemic? Ron Fabela, cofounder of SynSaber, dives into the lessons learned from successfully raising a seed round during COVID.
Get Your Angel (Investor) Wings
In this session we will cover: investor accredidation, what kinds of companies to look for, and risk vs. returns (i.e. what to expect).
Who should attend? - Those interested in becoming angel investors - People interested in technology and investing - Founders who want perspective on "the other side of the table"
The Future of Capital — Raising it, Accessing It
Wefunder and Capacity Capital are partnering to host a conversation about new avenues to access and raise capital for businesses of all types.
The most important driver of economic growth in Chattanooga is home-grown entrepreneurship. Regulation crowdfunding and other alternative capital tools can help make sure that our community can invest in the founders they care about supporting most.
Will This FLOAT?
This might be the start of a dream come true. Nine people with fresh, creative, fun visions will swallow their fears and doubts and take the stage to present business ideas in this pitch competition. Come see if their ideas FLOAT and connect with budding entrepreneurs.
The full list of companies selected to pitch can be viewed here.
Judges for the event include:
- Adrienne Cooper, founder and CEO of Moonlight Roller
- Erin Felton Lopez, Etsy Inc. Strategy & Analytics, MBA, Ex-Goldman Sachs
- Meilani Santillán, Program Director at Code for America
- Jay Shaffer, Angel Investor and Board Member of Atlanta Tech Angels
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Find Your Funding (Panel + Q&A)
Need funding to start or sustain your business? Join us to hear from a panel of local funding providers. You will hear from these organizations about their specific programs (eligibility, requirements, terms, etc.) and will also be able to ask questions. Panelists include:
Audra Kelly, Southeast TN Development District
Gary Moore, BrightBridge
Katie Hendrix, Pathway
Kimberly Narramore, City of Chattanooga
Lya Kimbrough, Kiva
Marcus Johnson, TVFCU
The panel will be moderated by Lynn Chesnutt from TSBDC.
Make Room, She’s Speaking (about all things money and resources)
Join us for a panel discussion with local business women about financials, minimum viable product development, customer retention, team development, and more.
Hear from:
- Lauren Mindermann, founder of Lolo Bar, and journey of entering the CBD industry
- Porsche Torregano, TN&GA realtor, assisting owners maneuver in the brick and mortar decision-making
- Alicia Moore (Business Relations) from First Volunteer Bank
Building Social Impact Into Your Business
Social impact investing and conscious capital have become widespread themes in business over the last several years. This session will include a panel of entrepreneurs who have embraced social impact as part of their business model. You'll hear how they embedded in their corporate culture and get their advice to founders who want use their business to drive more than profits.
How to Pitch an Angel (Investor)
Your pitch is your movie trailer.
In this session we will cover:
- Slides & information investors expect to see
- Questions you SHOULD ask... and what you SHOULDN'T
- Adapting your pitch for any situation
Additionally, we will select companies from the audience to give 30 second, 1 minute and 2 minute elevator pitches - and receive live feedback from our panel.
TVFCU Idea Leap Pitch Competition
Join TVFCU for the Idea Leap Pitch Picnic on the front lawn of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. Come early at 3:30 p.m. to set up your lawn chair or spread your picnic blanket and grab an early supper from Chatter Box Café for this outdoor, socially-distant event. The Pitch Competition will begin at 4 p.m. as Champion Christian Learning Academy, Chatt Taste Food Tours, LLC, Lil Mama's Chicago Style Hoagy, Salon Posh and Wild Violet Permaculture, LLC compete for the five Idea Leap Grants ($21K, $15K, $10K, $7K and $5K). In the event of rain, the event will be strictly virtual. Furthermore, if there is a COVID-19 case surge, the event may pivot to strictly virtual. Follow TVFCU on social media for event details
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
From Idea to First Sale
Hosted by Pathway Lending, join us an in-depth conversation with a serial entrepreneur, lender, and a local business owner. Our panel will address topics ranging from what is an entrepreneur, market research (is my idea worth pursuing), how to set up a business, and accessing capital. This will be an open conversation with Q&A at the end. We look forward to having you join us!
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Hardhat Tour of Brickyard
Meet the team — and see the space while it's still being built — of Chattanooga's new early-stage capital and founder's club. Built & funded by the founders of Bellhop and Lamp Post Group, Brickyard recruits world-class founders from all over the country to exit the rat-race, and build unencumbered alongside others in it, and those who’ve been through it.
Technology Essentials for Startups
In this event, experts from WYRE will discuss the critical pieces of technology you need to take your business from zero to one and set yourself up for growth. Learn about everything from domains for websites and professional email to cybersecurity essentials and scalability.
Chambliss Startup Social + The Startup Awards
Join us for the annual Startup Social (powered by Chambliss Startup Group) + the Startup Awards!
CHAMBLISS STARTUP SOCIAL powered by Chambliss Startup Group | 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Meet us at Naked River Brewing & BBQ starting at 6PM to eat, drink and network with entrepreneurs, startups, founders, and Chattanooga's movers and shakers.
At the conclusion of the Startup Social, a special surprise guest will take us from Naked River across the street to Finley Stadium for the Startup Awards.
STARTUP AWARDS | 7:30 PM - 9 PM
Join us for the annual Startup Awards, where we will recognize and celebrate the next generation of emerging companies as well as everyone who helped them become successful along the way.
The awards will be held on the field of Finley Stadium and include opportunities to meet players from the Chattanooga Football Club.
We will also have a late-night food truck on site for eats and drinks.
Awards will be given to:
- Startup of the Year, voted on by the public
- High Growth Company of the Year, presented by CO.LAB
- Goldfinch of the Year, presented by the INCubator
- Micro-business of the Year, presented by LAUNCH Chattanooga
- Charlie Brock Ecosystem Builder of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year, presented by The Enterprise Center
- Rising Star of the Year, presented by the TSBDC
- Latino Entrepreneur of the Year, presented by LaPaz
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