Startup Week CHA 2021
Monday, October 18, 2021
Badge Pickup + Co-working @ Basecamp powered by EPB
Come grab your badge to access all Startup Week CHA has to offer! Badge pickup is available starting at 8 AM and co-working held throughout the day.
Complimentary Peet's Coffee will be available each morning while supplies last night!
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.
Startup Week CHA Kickoff + Fireside Chat w/ James Chapman
Startup Week kicks off with veteran, serial entrepreneur James Chapman, who spent years contributing to the Chattanooga entrepreneurial ecosystem before taking his talents to Detroit.
He’s the Founder & CEO of Plain Sight — a social app that allows users to make the right business connections at events and workspaces. Plain Sight was recently featured as Apple’s App of the Day.
Download the Plain Sight app and use it to connect with people throughout the week at Startup Week CHA.
The kickoff also has a special guest — Stephanie Hays, who has organized Startup Weeks in the past, and now is on a great worldwide adventure, all on Airbnb’s dime.
Hear from Stephanie, who is living it up while traveling, but wishing she had EPB’s high-speed internet, and then CO.LAB CEO Lindsey Cox and Chapman will talk fireside-chat-style. Don't miss hearing about how two Chattanooga-lovers are sharing their talents with the world.
Your business + pop-ups + The Mall
The 90s are back and the mall is calling!
Calling all start-ups, artisans, small business owners, niche specialties, and boutique owners.
Learn how your business can host a popup shop at Hamilton Place Mall or Northgate Mall.
Rapid Growth: All About People & Culture
Successful small businesses or startups aren't built by having a single "genius" or great leader at the top from day one. They are built by creating a sustainable structure and purposeful culture, of which the ability to get, keep, and grow great people should be priority number one. By obsessing over finding the best people (who fit our culture and growth goals), we have had rapid success since 2019. Tune in to hear more from Chris Hurst, CEO of StratusGrid
Calling All Founders of Color | OFFICE HOURS
Held as a follow-up to our morning session, this is an opportunity for founders to meet 1:1 with the Twende team to learn more and see if this program is right for you.
Starting Your Business During a Pandemic
As COVID-19 continues to challenge our community and small business owners, the LAUNCH Chattanooga team is working to support entrepreneurs. This workshop will discuss the challenges and advantages of starting a business during this time, as well as the necessary steps to do so.
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"
Eat, Sip, Ask – Meet Our Startup Attorneys and Ask Away
Lawyers are people, too! Come join us for light refreshments and the opportunity to ask us your most pressing legal questions – whether related to your investment opportunities, emerging business, or plans for getting started.
Meeting with an attorney should not be scary, nor should it be a hassle. Our Chambliss Startup Group attorneys are dedicated to helping Chattanooga's entrepreneurial community thrive. In this event, we'll briefly share what we do and how you can use us and our partners as a resource. You'll have time to ask us questions as a group or one-on-one. We'll also provide our go-to checklist for startups, covering areas related to company organization, employees and independent contractors, brand and intellectual property identification and protection, contracting, and investments/funding. This event will be casual, so feel free to drop in on either of the two days that fit your schedule best. Whether you're an entrepreneur starting out, an investor looking to expand your portfolio, or your team is doubling in size, we combine our industry and legal experience to provide you with business-minded solutions to help you thrive.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Sustainability Made Simple: Future Proofing Your Business
What does sustainability mean to your startup? In this session you’ll get up to speed about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), which is a term that’s becoming commonplace for investors, customers, influencers and employees. You’ll learn why it’s important to be ESG-savvy and how local nonprofit green|spaces can help.
Eat, Sip, Ask – Meet Our Startup Attorneys and Ask Away
Lawyers are people, too! Come join us for light refreshments and the opportunity to ask us your most pressing legal questions – whether related to your investment opportunities, emerging business, or plans for getting started.
Meeting with an attorney should not be scary, nor should it be a hassle. Our Chambliss Startup Group attorneys are dedicated to helping Chattanooga's entrepreneurial community thrive. In this event, we'll briefly share what we do and how you can use us and our partners as a resource. You'll have time to ask us questions as a group or one-on-one. We'll also provide our go-to checklist for startups, covering areas related to company organization, employees and independent contractors, brand and intellectual property identification and protection, contracting, and investments/funding. This event will be casual, so feel free to drop in on either of the two days that fit your schedule best. Whether you're an entrepreneur starting out, an investor looking to expand your portfolio, or your team is doubling in size, we combine our industry and legal experience to provide you with business-minded solutions to help you thrive.
Where to Network & What to Say When You Get There
Join Young Professionals of Chattanooga (YPC) and hear from Elaine Merritt, Executive Director, BNI as she talks about the available networking opportunities, plus a how-to on what to do once you are there (and steps on following up afterward).
You Ask the Legal Questions, We Have the Answers | OFFICE HOURS
Join StreamYOU MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR OFFICE HOURS HERE.
Do you have legal questions related to your idea or emerging business? We are offering free one-on-one legal advice! Sign up for a 30-minute time slot with one of our experienced and knowledgeable startup attorneys. Our Chambliss Startup Group takes a comprehensive, 360° approach to advising entrepreneurs, emerging and high growth companies, and investors. We are deeply rooted in the startup community and counsel clients in a variety of industries, such as healthtech, 3-D printing, transportation and logistics, food and beverage, real estate, and manufacturing.
We recommend you submit any questions or topics you have when signing up or prior to the meeting so we can best assist you. Our attorneys are offering these hours to anyone interested, whether you're an entrepreneur starting your first business, an investor evaluating opportunities, or if you're running a rapidly growing business looking to expand into new territory. We cover topics A-Z, and some of the questions we often answer cover formation, equity and ownership, raising capital, liability, employment, contracts and service agreements, cybersecurity and data privacy, trademarks and patents, real estate, and compliance.
Tour the Innovation District
Get a guided tour of the first Innovation District established by a mid-sized city. The vibrant and walkable district is home to the city’s main downtown public spaces and a host of coffee shops and restaurants, linked by attractive streets, public art, a bike share program and free downtown electric shuttle. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water for this hour-long walking tour.
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.
Hear about the changes for the SBA EIDL Loan (deadline fast approaching)
Join Stream
The SBA Tennessee District Office will provide updates on recent changes to the EIDL loan and “grant” program and will take your questions. You must get your application submitted before December 31 2021 or before the funds run out. SBA Tennessee will also provide information on all SBA programs available to you for counseling, government contracting, and traditional lending.
The Delta-8 THC Controversy
Delta-8 THC and CBD edibles are popular. But are they legal? Join us for a discussion on the current state of the local cannabis industry with a special focus on the status of Delta-8 THC and CBD as a food additive. Are you an (aspiring) entrepreneur operating in the legal grey zone of cannabis-derived products? Learn how to protect your business from the unexpected.
The Hustle Radio Show- The Come Up
Join James Chapman (CEO Plainsight App) Tenisha Irvin (Realtor/Investor, Tenisha Irvin Radio Show) and Kevin Love (Cofounder of BEC Award Show, Privileged Chattanooga and Chattanooga Business Elite) as they discuss how hustling in the startup world has paid off. They will talk about everything — the pitfalls, the success stories, taking advantage of the opportunities and networking. This event will feature a DJ, drinks and light refreshments
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Tech & Startups & Jobs: Job Fair 2021
New this year! Join us for the inaugural Startup Week CHA Job Fair. Come meet area employers from tech-enabled startups to major and mid-sized businesses who are hiring right now.
Explore work opportunities from:
Austin Sizemore • FT - Sales/Real Estate Professionals
Bellhop • FT - Sales/Human Resources/Software/Operations/Management
Carbon Five • FT - Software
Chattanooga Selfie Museum • FT/PT - Management/Marketing
Chattanooga Tourism Co. • FT - Marketing
The City of Chattanooga • FT - Human Resources/Software/
Operations/Management
The Enterprise Center • FT - Marketing/Communications
EPB • FT - Customer Service/Technical Support/Network Engineering/Electrical Engineering/Resource Planning/Dispatch/Marketing/IT
Girls Inc. of Chattanooga • FT - Operation/Programs Coordinator
Iron Workers Local 704 • FT/PT - Skilled Labor/Operations
Komatsu • FT - Finance/Accounting/operations/skilled labor
Legacy Box • FT - Marketing/Human Resources/Customer Service/Software/Operations/Management
Marius Group • FT/PT/Intern - Sales/Marketing/Human Resources
M&M Industries • FT/PT - Maintenance Operators/Packers/Printers/Injection Molding
Novo Health Services •
Reliance Partners • FT - Sales/Marketing/Customer Service/Finance/Accounting/Software/Operations/Management
Robert Half • FT/PT - Marketing/Human Resources/Customer Service/Finance/Accounting
Shelly Cove • FT/PT - Operations
Skuid • FT
Steam Logistics • FT - Sales/Operations/Administration
Text Request • FT - Software
The Professional Cleaning Solution • FT/PT - Operations
Trident Transport • FT - Sales
Using story to share your mission
People can’t resist a good story, and when you’re sharing your business or organization's mission, story can be one of your most powerful tools. But, there’s an art to crafting a narrative that is both compelling and informative. Join us for this panel on the power of story, hosted by The Enterprise Center, featuring three local businesses and nonprofits (Lodge Cast Iron, The Chattanooga Tourism Company, and Chattanooga Whiskey), who have used a smart approach to storytelling to share their mission. We will discuss how to think about who your audience is, what your message is, and what platform (video, blog, podcast, social media) you should use.
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!
Networking with Intention
Are you maximizing each opportunity you have to create great business relationships? If you often find yourself leaving networking events without making meaningful connections, or if you don't know where to start networking, then this is the workshop for you. Hosted by TSBDC + BNI of Southeast TN.
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Creating Value Propositions for Growth
Join on Zoom
Join Hannah Lancaster, Design Sprint Facilitator for Bridge Innovate, in this digital learning experience of creating a Value Proposition Canvas for growth. Learn to understand your customer’s needs better and how to communicate the value of your product and services.
6 Quick Steps to Start Up Your Online Teaching Business
Go from course creator to business owner in 6 easy steps. This program shows you the system that cuts through the overwhelming details of business startup. This workshop shows you how to choose what to teach, how to teach it, how to record it, and how to sell it — without spending a lot of money.
Show Up & Be You
Expect any kind of business or personal growth to be met with resistance. Even though we want support from our loved ones, many times we get the opposite.
The “Show Up & Be You” (SUBY) talk will show that it’s possible to stop walking on eggshells and live your true life. You’ll learn ways to relieve stress, renew your purpose and feel revived.
You’ll experience a profound and simple technique that’s transformed hundreds of clients. Practiced on a regular basis you’ll experience ways to:
1. Disengage from pressure & stress
2. Set yourself up for success
3. Focus your energy on what matters most
4. Get back on track when you've been derailed
You can get unstuck and stop walking on eggshells. Knowing how to move forward with confidence is possible. You can influence with power & love, without regrets.
Begin the process of living your true life beyond messy relationships. There’s no guarantee that resistance won’t happen. But you have what it takes to move through it and into your purpose.
Leveraging Your Local Ecosystem for Growth
Text Request has grown nationally, in part, because of the resources and relationships we have access to right here in Chattanooga. Join Kenneth Burke, VP of Marketing at Text Request and Briana Garza-Wilson, co-founder of Chatt Taste, to learn how to leverage the local business ecosystem to build your reputation and revenue. David Martin, cofounder of Heed PR, will moderate. You'll walk away with a game plan to grow your brand, recruit top talent, increase sales, and move your business forward — all while giving back to our community.
What does TikTok do again?
Learn the basics of TikTok and get tips on using it from a millenial who found surprise success on this social media platform.
Ladies Who Launch at Common House
THIS EVENT REQUIRES A SEPARATE REGISTRATION
Ladies Who Launch is a partnership between The Chattery & Common House and connects women who are breaking glass ceilings and impacting our community. This month's topic is artists as entrepreneurs featuring Mattie Waters & Jules Downum (The Popup Project), Erika Roberts (Velvet Poetry) and moderated by Miriam Manda of Arts Build.
Lunch is sponsored by The Company Lab
Lunch and Learn UTC
THIS EVENT REQUIRES A SEPARATE REGISTRATION.
Come hear LoLo Bars founder, Lauren Mindermann, talk about starting her food business after graduating from UTC with a degree in Nutrition.
Boost your SaaS
In this info session, hear growth-stage SaaS tips, from pandemic management to investor expectations
TVA ED Community Innovation Academy
What would it look like if local governments and communities thought like start-ups to solve problems in their community? If 77% of economic growth can be attributed to small creative advances, what role could our communities play in leveraging those creative advances to create more economic opportunities for their communities?
Whether you’re a pioneering business executive, a startup hustler, a government leader, or a curious student or resident who cares about their community, this event is for you.
Join us for a pitch event to hear 6 community teams from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) region present their top ideas and solutions aimed at solving a complex community challenge over the course of a 5-minute pitch. During our 2 hour program, our community teams will look to engage expert judges known as (Sharks) and audience members to identify and connect resources (ie. feedback, introductions, relationships, program funding).
The Challenge? Communities are inherently slow in responding to solve social and economic problems together. Many of them struggle to break down silos and deploy horizontal collaborations with diverse teams that produce the creative ideas critical to achieving the results that they are seeking.
By participating in the TVA ED Community Innovation Academy the past seven months, these teams of local economic developers and community champions explored tools, tactics and skills to more effectively and collaboratively solve community problems with the goal of sparking more economic growth and shared prosperity.
Participants were tasked with organizing a community innovation team, identifying a critical community problem, and incubating a solution that could solve it and positively support growth in their local economies. Teams have completed ecosystem maps, performed community innovation capacity assessments, engaged in hours of collaboration meetings, and are now interested in each sharing their bright ideas on the national stage of Chattanooga start-up week.
Friday, October 22, 2021
Creating Strategic Cultures: HI USA Launch Party
Join on EventbriteJoin us for the official launch of the global leader in research-based organizational culture management, Hofstede Insights' USA office.
Hofstede Insights, USA is located in the ever-growing, technology focused "silicon valley of the south," Chattanooga, TN. The firm is made up of management consultants, trainers, coaches, facilitators, academics and data technicians, all with global experience and recognized experts in their respective fields.
During the celebration you'll hear from...
-Chattanooga's Mayor Tim Kelly
-Hofstede Insights, USA's Director and CEO Lisa DeWaard, Ph.D.
-The Group CEO of Hofstede Insights Egbert Schram
-Investment Banker & Entrepreneur Chukuka Chukuma
Lunch at LOVE
Glass Street has a new street park called Love Park in front of our new grocery store! Come out and celebrate this new public space with us. We have arranged for a fun afternoon with DJ MC PRO, Chef Q’s Off the Grill food truck, a live mural painting, and more! Let’s celebrate all things #StartupWeek in East Chatt!
Operation Unveiled: Prom Dress Drop-Off
Unveiled Bridal Studio is excited to partner with The Closet of Blessings to collect new and very gentle worn, clean and stylish prom dresses to donate to local high school girls in the greatest need for the 2022 prom season. We are inviting the Chattanooga community to pay it forward by dropping off dress donations to the studio located at 707 Cherry St. All donors will be entered to win a FREE pair of earrings and custom Unveiled Roses All Day candle! Come out, give back and make a difference!
CO.LAB Open House + End of Week Block Party with Chattanooga Design Studio & The Enterprise Center
Come meet the CO.LAB Team & Chattanooga Design Studio for an open house at CO.LAB and an afternoon block party powered by Chattanooga Design Studio and The Enterprise Center on Georgia Avenue.
ChattaNewbies Speed Dating
Make meaningful connections with other "newbies" to the community during this fun, fast-paced event! It will be structured in a way to allow guests to sharpen their networking skills and build connections in an organized and comfortable atmosphere. Bring plenty of business cards!
Shoey’s Bodega
Come buy rare snacks or simply a nice cold BoolAide.
Enneagram Happy Hour @ CO.LAB
The Enneagram is a system that helps you uncover your core personality, deeper motivations, and unconscious patterns. But more than that, it is a map that helps you grow beyond your personality and shows the way to your true self. It is a tool for transformational personal growth, and it all starts with knowing your Type. This is the beginning point to unlocking all the magic that the Enneagram holds. This workshop will introduce you to the Nine personality types in a fun, interactive way + booze.
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