Here’s our latest wrapup of upcoming conferences, contests, workshops, application deadlines and socials happening across North Carolina through the next month.
Included are upcoming meetups, conferences, workshops, socials and networking events happening in Asheville, Charlotte, the Piedmont Triad, Wilmington and other areas across North Carolina.
To find out what’s happening this month in the Triangle, check out part one of this week’s column.
Another post previews events coming in February. Recurring monthly meetups are listed here.
These columns are an extension of our interactive calendar of tech and startup events. If you’d like to suggest an event to be added to the calendar, feel free to send me an email.
LaunchLab Growth Demo Day
January 7, 5-7:30 p.m. @co//ab
Hear about the latest innovations in the Triad at this pitch and demo event featuring Launch Lab Growth participants.
Silicon Hollar Pop-Up Coworking @Hatchet Coffee
January 8, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Hatchet Coffee Lounge
Silicon Hollar invites the High Country startup community to join together to share a free pop-up coworking space once a week this month at Hatchet Coffee Lounge.
Webinar: 8(a) Certification Workshop
January 8, 9-11 a.m.
The North Carolina office of the U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a webinar covering 8(a) certification benefits, features and eligibility.
Lunch & Learn: How PR Is the New Game Changer
January 8, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
This workshop presented by The Collider will show participants how to create an authentic and compelling PR angle for their business.
NC IDEA 2019 Spring Grant Prep Session
January 8, 6-8 p.m. @PORTAL
At this info session hosted by Ventureprise, NC IDEA Program Director Amy Bastian will share details on the grants and programs offered by the organization, including NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED, as well as the newly launched Investment Crowdfunding Grant (applications are due January 28). An interactive feedback session will follow. Dinner provided.
Charlotte PitchBreakfast
January 9, 8-10 a.m. @The Garage at Packard Place
Every month, a handful of Queen City-based companies headline Charlotte PitchBreakfast, pitching their products and services for a total of five minutes, after which they will answer questions from the audience and a panel of entrepreneurs and experts.
1 Million Cups Asheville
January 9, 9-10 a.m. @RISC Networks
Asheville’s entrepreneurial community meets weekly to hear presentations and support one another in continuing to grow. The next 1 Million Cups Asheville event features a presentation by Asheville Almond Company, a local craft snack food brand.
Seed the South
January 9, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. @Foundation for the Carolinas
Seed the South is an upcoming pitch competition and investor symposium featuring promising startups in the Charlotte innovation ecosystem.
Asheville Chamber Smart Series
January 9, 12-1 p.m. @Asheville Chamber Boardroom
In this month’s edition of Asheville Chamber’s “Smart Series,” participants will learn how to recruit and retain an experienced workforce. The session will be led by Rebecca Chaplin of AARP North Carolina.
Marketing Outside the Box: Plan 1 Year of Content in 60 Minutes
January 9, 12:30-1:30 p.m. @Center for Design Innovation
At this workshop, the Forsyth Tech Small Business Center presents innovative and proven marketing strategies to help local businesses attract, retain and increase revenue.
Founders & Funders Happy Hour
January 9, 5-7 p.m. @204 North Kitchen & Cocktails
StartCharlotte is hosting a fun networking event for founders, investors and community partners after the Seed the South Investor Symposium & Pitch Competition.
Tech Talent South Charlotte: New Year, New Us
January 9, 6-9 p.m. @Garage at Packard Place
Kicking off the New Year with a new brand, Tech Talent South invites the community to join for a networking event and celebration of new beginnings.
Spark Session: Entrepreneurial Competency Assessment Tool
January 10, 8-9 a.m. @Asheville Social Hall
This new event series offers educational presentations for innovators, investors and entrepreneurs in the Western North Carolina startup community. January’s event features a session led by Venture Asheville’s Jeffery Kaplan on the 13 Entrepreneurial Competencies of startup founders.
Silicon Hollar Pop-Up Coworking @Ransom
January 10, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Ransom
Silicon Hollar invites the High Country startup community to join together to share a free pop-up coworking space once a week this month at Ransom in Boone.
NC IDEA’s Spring 2019 Grants Info Session (Asheville)
January 10, 4:30-6 p.m. @Mountain BizWorks
At this info session, NC IDEA Program Director Amy Bastian will share details on the grants and programs offered by the organization, including NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED, as well as the newly launched Investment Crowdfunding Grant (applications are due January 28).
Charlotte Women in TECH Happy Hour
January 10, 5-7 p.m. @Hoppin’
For its first event of 2019, Charlotte Women in TECH is hosting a happy hour at Hoopin’, Charlotte’s first self-serve bar.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
January 10, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
Idea Tap Davidson
January 10, 5:30-8 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking – Davidson
Held by Flywheel at the HurtHub@Davidson once a month, the Idea Tap Davidson event series offers local entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their ideas through short pitch sessions and network with like-minded innovators in the community.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
January 10, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
January 11, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
CONNEXXPO
January 11, 6-9 p.m. @MIXXER
This month’s CONNEXXPO features VR innovations used in architecture and gaming. Participants will get hands-on experience with the technology.
Leadership Resolutions: A Panel of Experts on Leadership in Law & Beyond
January 14, 5:30-7 p.m. @Elon University School of Law
Join Campus Greensboro and synerG for a discussion on leadership development, featuring panelists Dave Altman and Kathleen Bradley of the Center for Creative Leadership, Connie Book of Elon University and Guilford County District Court Judge Marcus Shields.
Silicon Hollar Pop-Up Coworking @Hatchet Coffee
January 15, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Hatchet Coffee Lounge
Silicon Hollar invites the High Country startup community to join together to share a free pop-up coworking space once a week this month at Hatchet Coffee Lounge.
2019 Asheville Chamber Legislative Luncheon
January 15, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Omni Grove Park Inn
Business leaders and state representatives will join for a legislative analysis by Jonathan Kappler of the North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation and a discussion by members of Western North Carolina’s delegation. Tickets are $55 for Asheville Chamber members and $65 for non-members.
Chapter Town Hall: Learn About the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance
January 15, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @NASCAR Hall of Fame
Learn all about the new Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and the changes resulting from its integration with the Charlotte Chamber.
Perfect Your Pitch: A Lawyer’s Tips on Persuasive Speaking
January 15, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
This lunch and learn will cover the strategies entrepreneurs should take in presenting their company’s message to potential investors and clients.
NC IDEA’s Spring 2019 Grants Info Session (Greenville)
January 15, 5-6:30 p.m. @Willis Building Auditorium, ECU
At this info session, NC IDEA Senior Program Director John Austin will share details on the grants and programs offered by the organization, including NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED, as well as the newly launched Investment Crowdfunding Grant (applications are due January 28).
ScaleUp WNC Info Session
January 15, 5:30-7 p.m. @BearWaters Brewing Company in Canton
At this info session, Western North Carolina-based entrepreneurs and small business owners can learn more about Mountain BizWorks’ upcoming ScaleUp WNC program ahead of the upcoming application deadline.
ScaleUp WNC at 1 Million Cups
January 16, 9-10 a.m. @Asheville Social Hall
Mountain BizWorks joins 1 Million Cups Asheville for a session covering its upcoming ScaleUp WNC business development program before the application deadline on January 27.
Indeavor Club Lunch – Lake Norman
January 16, 12-1:30 p.m. Flywheel Coworking – The Hurt Hub@Davidson
Indeavor, a networking club offered to Flywheel Coworking members, is an opportunity to get to know fellow entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area and swap helpful resources with one another. The lunches are held on the third Wednesday of every month.
Marketing Outside the Box: Create Better Customer Journey Maps
January 16, 12:30-1:30 p.m. @Center for Design Innovation
At this workshop, the Forsyth Tech Small Business Center presents innovative and proven marketing strategies to help local businesses attract, retain and increase revenue.
ScaleUp WNC Info Session (Webinar)
January 16, 2-3 p.m.
At this webinar, Western North Carolina-based entrepreneurs and small business owners can learn more about Mountain BizWorks’ upcoming ScaleUp WNC program ahead of the January 27 application deadline.
Launch Greensboro ‘tbd’ Event
January 16, 5-7 p.m. @Co//ab
Launch Greensboro is launching a new networking and community-collaboration program in 2019 called tbd. Events are held every other month.
NC IDEA’s Spring 2019 Grants Info Session (Wilmington)
January 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @UNCW Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
At this info session, NC IDEA President and CEO Thom Ruhe will share details on the grants and programs offered by the organization, including NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED, as well as the newly launched Investment Crowdfunding Grant (applications are due January 28).
Application Deadline: NCBiotech Flash Grant Program
January 16
For its Flash Grant program, the North Carolina Biotech Center is on the lookout for innovative life science technology ideas with early indications of commercial potential. Applications in the first cycle of the 2019 program are due at noon.
Silicon Hollar Pop-Up Coworking @Ransom
January 17, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Ransom
Silicon Hollar invites the High Country startup community to join together to share a free pop-up coworking space once a week this month at Ransom in Boone.
Intro to Investment Crowdfunding with Jake Farrar (Course Pre-Workshop)
January 17, 3-5 p.m. @Mountain BizWorks Training Room
Now in its second year, Mountain BizWorks’ Invested course helps business owners craft and launch an investment crowdfunding campaign for their products/services. Ahead of the January 31 start date, Mountain BizWorks invites prospective participants to join for a pre-workshop to see whether investment crowdfunding is right for them.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
January 17, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
January 17, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.
Entrepreneu(Her) in the City: Business Women Networking
January 17, 6-9 p.m. @Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Charlotte Northlake
Women professionals, business leaders and entrepreneurs are invited to an evening networking event to get to know like-minded women in the Charlotte business community.
Webinar: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Your Workplace
January 18, 12-2 p.m.
Back in December, participants in the workshop series learned actionable strategies for creating programs supporting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace. This follow-up webinar is designed to provide ongoing support for participants to achieve their goals now and going forward.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
January 18, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Science Pub: The World Food Challenge
January 18, 5:30-7 p.m. @The Collider
The Asheville Museum of Science and The Collider are co-hosting a free guest speaker series, Science Pub. The next edition of the program features a discussion on the different ways to improve food systems. Enjoy a night of science over light snacks and refreshments.
Silicon Hollar Pop-Up Coworking @Hatchet Coffee
January 22, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Hatchet Coffee Lounge
Silicon Hollar invites the High Country startup community to join together to share a free pop-up coworking space once a week this month at Hatchet Coffee Lounge.
Webinar: Marketing to the Federal Government
January 22, 10-11 a.m.
The North Carolina office of the U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a webinar covering the different ways companies can market themselves to the federal government.
Lunch & Learn: Climate, Hurricanes & Reinsurance
January 22, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
Dr. Carl Schreck of the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies will lead a session covering hurricane forecasts and how they’re used in the reinsurance sector.
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Power of Women: Confidence in Negotiation
January 22, 3-5 p.m @Charlotte Regional Business Alliance
This workshop is designed to teach women professionals how to negotiate for a new job, raise or promotion.
Venture Asheville Elevate Demo Day
January 22, 4-7 p.m. @The Collider
Join Venture Asheville to hear pitches from investment-ready startups that have completed the Elevate business development program over the past year.
ScaleUp WNC Info Session
January 22, 5:30-7 p.m. @Nantahala Brewing Company in Bryson City
At this info session, Western North Carolina-based entrepreneurs and small business owners can learn more about Mountain BizWorks’ upcoming ScaleUp WNC program ahead of the upcoming application deadline.
3rd Annual StartCharlotte LIVE!
January 22, 6-9 p.m. @Heist Brewery
The annual StartCharlotte LIVE event is back in 2019, featuring startup community awards and a report on local successes.
NC IDEA’s Spring 2019 Grants Info Session (Winston-Salem)
January 23, 5:30-7 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking
At this info session, NC IDEA Program Director Amy Bastian will share details on the grants and programs offered by the organization, including NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED, as well as the newly launched Investment Crowdfunding Grant (applications are due January 28).
Silicon Hollar Pop-Up Coworking @Ransom
January 24, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Ransom
Silicon Hollar invites the High Country startup community to join together to share a free pop-up coworking space once a week this month at Ransom in Boone.
4th National Climate Assessment Panel Series
January 24, 4:30-6 p.m. @The Collider
The Collider is hosting a new panel series with local climate scientists and experts. The January event features climate scientists who have worked with the 4th National Climate Assessment.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
January 24, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
January 24, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.
2019 Outlook for Tech
January 25, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. @Sheraton Charlotte Convention Center
This event highlights digital and business disruption through an exhibitor showcase, breakout sessions and panels and a luncheon program.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
January 25, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Application Deadline: All for NC Fellowship
January 25
This 12-month fellowship program from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation offers coaching, mentorship and a $75,000 stipend to individuals who have innovative ideas to better North Carolina’s communities.
Application Deadline: ScaleUp WNC
January 27
This highly competitive annual program helps two cohorts of 15 Western North Carolina-based startups establish strategy and implementation for their growth.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA Investment Crowdfunding Grant
January 28
NC IDEA’s new Investment Crowdfunding Grant offers up to $5,000 to help companies expand their businesses using the Localstake NC investment crowdfunding platform. Applications are due by 5 p.m.
Silicon Hollar Pop-Up Coworking @Hatchet Coffee
January 29, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Hatchet Coffee Lounge
Silicon Hollar invites the High Country startup community to join together to share a free pop-up coworking space once a week this month at Hatchet Coffee Lounge.
Reach Customers Online with Google – Lake Norman
January 29, 8:30-10:30 a.m. @Flywheel Coworking – Davidson
Google’s Get Your Business Online program covers search engine optimization, online advertising, Google Analytics and Google Trends, among other important topics business owners need to know when advertising their brand online. This event is sponsored by Flywheel, the Hurt Hub@Davidson and the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce.
Lunch & Learn: Take Control of Your Brand
January 29, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
Designer and illustrator Logan Faerber will lead a workshop showing business owners how to create and present engaging designs for their brand.
3rd Annual Finsiders CLT Awards
January 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @EY
The Finsiders CLT Awards recognizes the people or companies with a Charlotte presence for their achievements in fintech.
Charlotte Chamber: Reach Your Customers Online with Google
January 30, 7:30-9:30 a.m. @The Employers Association
Google’s Get Your Business Online program covers search engine optimization, online advertising, Google Analytics and Google Trends, among other important topics business owners need to know when advertising their brand online. This event is free for Charlotte Chamber members, $20 for access-level members and $40 for non-members.
Asheville PitchBreakfast
January 30, 9-10:30 a.m. @RISC Networks
At this monthly event, a group of two to four Asheville-based startups will present their products/services in a five-minute timeframe, then answer questions from the audience and a panel of experts. Breakfast and coffee provided.
Application Deadline: Velocity Labs
January 30
This three-month accelerator led by Startup High Country assists entrepreneurs with customer development, viability testing, lean startup strategy and product market fit.
Silicon Hollar Pop-Up Coworking @Ransom
January 31, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Ransom
Silicon Hollar invites the High Country startup community to join together to share a free pop-up coworking space once a week this month at Ransom in Boone.
Skookum Volcano Tour
January 31, 12-1 p.m. @Skookum Charlotte
Join an open tour of the Skookum office to get an introduction to the tech and ideas powering the community. The Skookum team will be available for any questions or comments participants may have. Lunch will be provided.
Invested Course Kickoff: An Investment Crowdfunding Learning Journey
January 31, 2-5 p.m. @Mountain BizWorks
Now in its second year, Mountain BizWorks’ Invested course helps business owners craft and launch an investment crowdfunding campaign for their products/services.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
January 31, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
January 31, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.
Unbounded: A Journey into Patagonia
January 31, 6:30-9 p.m. @The Collider
The Collider is hosting a viewing of Unbounded: A Journey into Patagonia, a travel documentary from award-winning producer and director Garrett Martin. A Q&A with Martin will follow. Proceeds will benefit the Collider’s Thomas R. Karl Internship Program.
Application Deadline: REDI 2019
January 31
The Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI), a program of the North Carolina Rural Center, is welcoming applications for its 2019 cohort. REDI helps participants enhance their leadership skills and rural development strategies in their communities.