Headliners, part II: StartCharlotte LIVE, Hatch AVL Pitch Party, LaunchLab Demo Day & more events across NC

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.

Application Deadline: NC IDEA LABS

December 24

NC IDEA LABS is a four-week intensive program that helps startup founders with customer discovery, validation and product-market fit for their ventures. The first cohort of the 2019 LABS program starts January 28. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on December 24.

Skookum Volcano Tour

December 27, 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.

Venture Café Thursday Gathering

December 27, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem

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

December 27, 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

December 28, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider

The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.

Application Deadline: Forsyth Tech Launch Challenge

December 31

Early-stage startup founders are invited to apply for Forsyth Technical Community College’s Launch Challenge, which offers educational resources and the chance to compete for $50,000.

Application Deadline: IT-Ready Charlotte Training Program

January 1

IT-Ready Charlotte is a full-time, free-of-charge, eight-week course that covers the technical and professional skills needed to enter a career in IT. Applications for the latest cohort are due January 1.

1 Million Cups CLT

January 2, 8:30-10 a.m.

Held every month, 1 Million Cups Charlotte features a presentation from a local startup followed by a Q&A from the community. Free coffee is included.

Application Deadline: LaunchLab 101 Series

January 3

Launch Greensboro, part of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s entrepreneurship programs, is seeking applicants for its five-week 101 Series accelerator program. Participants will define their customer base, develop market strategies, receive guidance from local entrepreneurs, get free expert assistance and more. Applications are due by 5 p.m. January 3.

Venture Café Thursday Gathering

January 3, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem

Wilmington Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Meetup

January 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @tekMountain

Come out to the next Wilmington Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Meetup to hear about the latest innovations and projects in the crypto world.

Pitch Party Presented by Hatch + Venture Asheville

January 3, 6-8 p.m. @Hatch AVL

Entrepreneurs are invited to test and develop their pitch at this monthly event hosted by Hatch AVL. Presenters will receive helpful feedback from the audience, and the best-voted pitch will land a spot at an upcoming 1 Million Cups Asheville.

Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays

January 3, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Get2Know NC TECH Webinar

January 4, 9-9:30 a.m.

This free monthly interactive webinar provides participants with an overview of NC TECH’s activities, resources and member offerings.

PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour

January 4, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider

The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.

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.

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. Apply to pitch by December 16.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 on January 16.

Venture Café Thursday Gathering

January 17, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant

Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays

January 17, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

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.

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.

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

Venture Café Thursday Gathering

January 24, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant

Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays

January 24, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

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. on January 28.

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.

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.

Skookum Volcano Tour

January 31, 12-1 p.m. @Skookum Charlotte

Venture Café Thursday Gathering

January 31, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant

Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays

January 31, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

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.