Here’s our latest wrapup of upcoming conferences, contests, workshops, application deadlines and socials happening across North Carolina in February and March.
Included are upcoming meetups, conferences, workshops, socials and networking events happening in Asheville, Charlotte, the Triad, Wilmington and other areas across North Carolina.
This post is part of our weekly column of upcoming events. To find out what’s happening this month in the Triangle specifically, check out part one of this week’s column.
Another post previews events coming in April. Recurring monthly meetups in the Triangle 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.
Lunch & Learn: Instagram for Your Business
February 25, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Greensboro
In this free workshop, participants will learn how to curate engaging content for their Instagram business account, and understand insights and analytics to run targeted ads on the platform. The session will be led by Ranata Reeder, owner of Reeder Communications, LLC.
Combating The Opioid Crisis: Finding Strategies That Work
February 25, 5-7 p.m. @Dickinson Avenue Public House, Greenville
Join Fred Wells Brason II, founder/president/CEO of Project Lazarus, and Gary A. Zarkin, distinguished fellow in RTI’s Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice Research Division for a discussion on strategies for addressing the opioid crisis.
Webinar: Pharma & Biotech in China
February 26, 10-11 a.m.
Pharma and biotech professionals are welcome to join this free webinar covering the current market environment in China, changes in legal framework, successful market entry and IP protection.
Lunch & Learn: Buncombe County’s Clean Energy Future
February 26, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
At this lunch and learn, Sophie Mullinax of Blue Horizons Project will share the details behind this collaborative initiative between the the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, Duke Energy and local businesses.
Biz & Brews Happy Hour
February 26, 5-6 p.m. @Focal Point Coworking
Focal Point Coworking is hosting Asheville professionals and entrepreneurs for an hour of networking over snacks, local beer and cider.
Cape Fear Women In Tech: HODL—The Cryptocurrency Market
February 26, 5:30-7 p.m. @tekMountain
Entrepreneur and marketing specialist Bambi Weavil will present a session on the opportunities of the digital currency market.
Free Workshop: Web Development Essentials
February 26, 6-9 p.m., Charlotte, NC (venue TBD)
Tech Talent South Charlotte is hosting a free, three-hour 101 workshop covering HTML, CSS and Bootstrap. Learn the fundamental tools needed to build your own website.
Tech Talent South Charlotte: VR Party
February 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Come explore Virtual Reality—learn how it works, what it can do, and try it out for yourself.
IDEA Fund Partner Pitch with 2ULaundry
February 27, 5:30-8 p.m. @223 S. Brevard St.
IDEA Fund Partners and 2ULaundry are presenting an event unpacking the factors that make a company a good an investment, including business model, competitors, team, traction, and upcoming opportunities and challenges the business may face.
Data Literacy Info Session
February 27, 6-7 p.m. @HQ Greensboro
In this free workshop, data analyst Bonny McClain will show participants how to use top visual analytics programs such as Tableau, Python and R.
Federal Proposal Writing Workshop (Hickory)
February 28, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. @NC Center for Engineering Technologies
At this free workshop, government counselors from the North Carolina Procurement Technical Center will guide participants through the process of completing their next federal proposal. This event is part of a state-wide series hosted by the Small Business & Technology Development Center. More dates and locations here.
UNC Charlotte Biohacking Series, Feat. Marina Levina
February 28, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. @UNC Charlotte
UNC Charlotte’s Center for Professional and Applied Ethics is hosting an informative discussion with Marina Levina, Ph.D., an associate professor of Media Studies at the University of Memphis.
Startup Grind Davidson: Fireside Chat w/ Josh Moe of Odigia
February 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Hurt Hub@Davidson
Join Startup Grind Davidson for lunch and a fireside chat with Josh Moe, co-founder of edtech startup Odigia.
Skookum Volcano Tour
February 28, 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.
4 Smoking Hot Industries with 4 Local Award Winning Startups
February 28, 4-6:30 p.m. @Ironclad Brewery
Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington’s latest event features a conversation with four entrepreneurs who are leading award-winning startups—Karl Riccanek of Lapetus Solutions, Sara Rose Harcus of Dmanna, Jeff Guard of Brilliant Sole and Kyle Trivisonno of EcoTek Industries.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
February 28, 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.
BLKTECHCLT Learning Lab: Getting Funding for Your Business
February 28, 6-8 p.m. @BLKTECHCLT
This workshop will cover what lending institutions look for when examining applications, how to prepare to apply and helpful resources. The lesson will be led by Ron Fisher, business development officer at Carolina Small Business Fund.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
February 28, 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.
TechWorks Maker Meetup
February 28, 7-9 p.m. @Rivermen Brewing Company
Join TechWorks Gaston for networking over free beer and appetizers.
NC STIR Briefing + Tech Talk Live (Wilmington)
March 1, 8:30-10:30 a.m. @Live Oak Bank
NC TECH is hosting a briefing on the fifth annual release of its North Carolina State of Technology Industry Report. The event will provide an outline of the findings, along with a panel discussion on topics involving digital transformation.
Get2Know NC TECH Webinar
March 1, 9-9:30 a.m.
This free monthly interactive webinar provides participants with an overview of NC TECH’s activities, resources and member offerings.
Regional Telehealth Summit-West
March 1, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Asheville
The North Carolina Rural Health Leadership Alliance is hosting a full-day conference covering issues relevant to rural health and telehealth.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
March 1, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA Ice House Facilitator Training
March 1
NC IDEA’s three-day Ice House Facilitator Training, held March 12-14 in Durham, aims to serve education partners interested in offering the course at their institutions. More details on the program here.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA MICRO
March 4
Applications are open for NC IDEA’s MICRO grant program. Funding—ranging from $1,000 to $10,000—will be awarded to early-stage companies seeking to validate and further develop their ideas. Recipients will also receive mentorship from NC IDEA and access to its network.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA SEED
March 4
The NC IDEA SEED grant program offers a select group of early-stage startups $50,000 in funding for validating target markets, growing and scaling before they seek future investments. Recipients will also receive mentorship from NC IDEA and access to its network.
New Ventures Accelerator Info Session
March 4, 12-1:30 p.m. @Flywheel-Davidson Location
Join this info session to learn more about the 12-month New Ventures Accelerator ahead of the application deadline on March 31. Companies accepted into the program receive an average equity investment of $50,000. A three-month residency at Flywheel follows their completion of the accelerator.
Mountain BizWorks Info Session
March 4, 4-5 p.m. @Mountain BizWorks
At this info session, you can learn about Mountain BizWorks and the many resources it offers local entrepreneurs, including small business lending and learning programs.
NC Rural Center Homegrown Leaders Training
March 4-6, Asheville
North Carolina Rural Center’s Homegrown Leaders training program aims to support community leaders who are working to build regional collaboration across North Carolina. The application deadline is February 8. Eligible counties include Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe, Madison, Yancey, Mitchell and Avery.
Innovation Ahead of Your Competition
March 5, 11:30-1 p.m. @Ballantyne Country Club
The Ballantyne Chapter of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance is holding its first luncheon of the year with Blair Primis, senior VP of marketing and talent management at OrthoCarolina, who will share marketing tools, methods and strategies.
Lunch & Learn: Product Safety & You
March 5, 12-1 pm. @Advent Coworking
At this lunch and learn, Amber Cobb of TUV SUD will discuss the regulatory requirements and applicability of product safety.
Build Awesome IoT Projects with Particle
March 5, 6-8 p.m. @SnapAV Corp Office
Join Charlotte IoT to learn all about the Particle platform from product evangelist Brandon Satrom.
BLKTECHCLT Learning Lab: Customer Retention
March 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m. @BLKTECHCLT
This workshop covers useful strategies to evaluate and create a customer retention plan. The session will be led by Freda Hendley, community relations director at BLKTECHCLT.
ECU Spring Break Pharma Conference
March 5-6 @ECU Science & Technology Building
Pharmaceutical professionals are invited to attend two days of lectures and discussions led by regional experts in the industry.
1 Million Cups CLT
March 6, 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.
Federal Proposal Writing Workshop (Asheville)
March 6, 2019 | 9 am. – 12 p.m. @Goodwill Business Center
At this free workshop, government counselors from the North Carolina Procurement Technical Center will guide participants through the process of completing their next federal proposal. This event is part of a state-wide series hosted by the Small Business & Technology Development Center. More dates and locations here.
Capital Connects
March 6, 4-7:30 p.m. @Union Square, Greensboro
At Capital Connects, Triad-area entrepreneurs present eight-minute pitches to regional investors and community leaders, competing for a $7,500 award package.
Application Deadline: Greenville Region Pitch Competition
March 6
This pitch competition gives local entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their business concepts for cash awards and network with other entrepreneurs. Anticipated awards range from $1,000 to $7,000. The event will be held March 27 at StillLife.
Lead Your City
March 7, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. @Van Dyke Performance Space, Greensboro Cultural Center
This annual event helps young professionals grow their leadership skills, build on their ideas, serve their community and connect their network. Caroline Dwyer, project manager for Healthy Places for Healthy People, will lead the keynote panel..
Winston-Salem State University Minority Vendor Expo
March 7, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. @Winston-Salem State University, Donald J. Reaves Center
At this expo, business leaders, stakeholders and vendors gather together to network, build relationships and pursue partner opportunities.
Webinar: SBIR/STTR Programs
March 7, 2-3 p.m.
The Small Business Technology & Development Center is hosting a free 45-minute webinar session on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding programs.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
March 7, 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
March 7, 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
March 8, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
CONNEXXPO: EcoExxpo
March 8, 6-9 p.m. @MIXXER
The theme of this month’s CONNEXXPO is sustainable living, featuring makers who are exploring clean energy, eco-friendly services, solar power and more.
2nd Annual Women in Business Showcase
March 9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. @Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Charlotte University
Entrepreneu(HER) in the City’s Women in Business Showcase is a full day of interactive educational workshops, networking, introductions to women-owned vendors and opportunities to win prizes.
Application Deadline: Data Science Innovation Lab
March 10
The Data Science Innovation Lab is an immersive five-day workshop involving early-career biomedical and quantitative investigator teams leading multidisciplinary research programs through a real-time and iterative mentoring process. Applications are now open for the 2019 Data Science Innovation Lab, held June 24-28 at Graylyn International Conference Center in Winston-Salem.
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance: State of Center City Address
March 11, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Fairfield Inn & Suites
The Central Chapter of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance is hosting its first luncheon of the year, featuring Charlotte Center City Partners President and CEO Michael Smith, who will discuss recent trends, research and data focused on the city’s economic development.
Application Deadline: Davidson Venture Fund
March 11
Davidson Venture Fund aims to invest $25,000 in innovative businesses run by Davidson College students and recent alumni (2014-2018). No experience needed to apply.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA LABS
March 11
NC IDEA LABS is a four-week program that helps early-stage entrepreneurs with customer discovery, validation, decision-making and growth planning. Subsequent mentorship and resources are offered to participants who achieve significant progress in the program.
Connection Between Your Record Keeping & Your Business Tax
March 12, 6-8 p.m. @Piedmont Community College, Caswell Campus
This workshop covers record keeping and its contributions to cash flow, tax filings and financial planning. Attendees will participate in hands-on activities involving deductible expenses, record-keeping tools and business evaluation.
Charlotte PitchBreakfast
March 13, 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.
Federal Proposal Writing Workshop (Greensboro)
March 13, 9 am. – 12 p.m. @Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship
At this free workshop, government counselors from the North Carolina Procurement Technical Center will guide participants through the process of completing their next federal proposal. This event is part of a state-wide series hosted by the Small Business & Technology Development Center. More dates and locations here.
Application Deadline: Translational Research Grant
March 13
The NC Biotech Center’s new Translational Research Grant program provides funding of up to $100,000 for projects exploring/developing commercial applications of university-held life science inventions.
SciTech Lecture Series: Consumer Medicine
March 14, 4-5 p.m. @Forsyth Tech Main Campus
Simon Selwood, associate director of business development of SoBran BioScience, will lead a discussion on democratizing healthcare decisions at the next SciTech Lecture Series event.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
March 14, 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
March 14, 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
March 14, 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
March 15, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Application Deadline: All Things Open 2019 Call for Papers
March 15
The team at All Things Open is now seeking submissions for talks to be featured in the 2019 conference taking place October 13-15 in Raleigh. Applications are due at 11:59 p.m.
Basics of Business Bookkeeping (Quickbooks)
March 18, 6-8 p.m. @Piedmont Community College Small Business Center
This seminar will teach participants the basics of bookkeeping with Quickbooks so they can save money and keep records accurately and professionally.
Federal Proposal Writing Workshop (Winston-Salem)
March 19, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. @Small Business Center at Forsyth Tech, Innovation Quarter
At this free workshop, government counselors from the North Carolina Procurement Technical Center will guide participants through the process of completing their next federal proposal. This event is part of a state-wide series hosted by the Small Business & Technology Development Center. More dates and locations here.
Lunch & Learn: Edge-Controlled & Cloud-Connected Design Patterns
March 19, 12-1 p.m. @The Launch Factory
Join John Breitenbach of RTI for an overview of the “Big 3” architectural patterns recommended by the Industrial Internet Consortium’s Industrial Internet Reference Architecture.
Launch Greensboro ‘tbd’ Event
March 20, 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.
IdeaFest Pitch Competition
March 21, 1-6 p.m. @Cottontail Weddings & Events in Danville, VA
The Launch Place’s 6th annual IdeaFest competition will feature live presentations from 20 early-stage startup companies seeking seed and pre-seed funding. Three awards are on the table: $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second and $2,000 for third. This event is free and open to the public. Pitch applications are due February 18.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
March 21, 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
March 21, 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.
hackathonCLT MMXIX
March 22-23 @Discovery Place Science
hackathonCLT, the 7th annual event of its kind, is an opportunity for local hackers, coders, developers, creatives and innovators to put their skills to the test. Over $30,000 in prizes will be awarded to the winning teams.
Tech Job Fair: Charlotte
March 22, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Pfeiffer University
NC TECH’s Job Fair series connects local tech talent to the companies and organizations looking to hire in the community.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
March 22, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Biz & Brews Happy Hour
March 26, 5-6 p.m. @Focal Point Coworking
Focal Point Coworking is hosting Asheville professionals and entrepreneurs for an hour of networking over snacks, local beer and cider.
How to Write an Adaptable & Innovative Business Plan
March 26, 6-8 p.m. @Piedmont Community College, Caswell Campus
This workshop serves as a hands-on introduction to the Business Model Canvas. Learn how to test out your new business plan using this strategy.
Using Data to Drive Growth
March 27, 8-9:30 a.m. @Flywheel Coworking
This workshop shows participants how to collect and interpret real-time data involving customer interaction, so they can better understand consumer behavior and boost their marketing strategy.
Ag Forward: Small Farms Agribusiness Conference
March 27, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. @Carver Lake Venue, Prospect Hill
This event features a day of discussion on whole farm business planning, agritourism and other topics affecting the agribusiness space.
Federal Proposal Writing Workshop (Charlotte)
March 27, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. @UNC Charlotte PORTAL Building
At this free workshop, government counselors from the North Carolina Procurement Technical Center will guide participants through the process of completing their next federal proposal. This event is part of a state-wide series hosted by the Small Business & Technology Development Center. More dates and locations here.
Greenville Region Pitch Competition
March 27, 6 p.m. @StillLife
This pitch competition gives Greenville-area entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their business concepts for cash awards and network with other entrepreneurs. Anticipated awards range from $1,000 to $7,000. Applications are due by March 6.
Skookum Volcano Tour
March 28, 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
March 28, 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
March 28, 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.
Webinar: NSF SBIR/STTR Program
March 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
The Small Business Technology & Development Center is hosting a free 45-minute webinar session on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding programs.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
March 29, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Techstars Startup Weekend Wilmington
March 29-31 @UNCW Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
At this 54-hour immersive Startup Weekend presented by Techstars, Wilmington developers, designers, marketers, students and innovators can collaborate together in teams to start their own projects and pitch their products/services to the audience for feedback.
Climate City Expo
March 29 – April 7
Climate City Expo (or CCx) is a multi-part, 10-day celebration of Asheville’s creativity, innovation and dedication to climate change awareness. (More coverage here.)
Application Deadline: Clean Fuel Advanced Technology Project
March 29
Cleantech innovators are encouraged to apply for the latest round of funding allocations under the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project, funded by the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program of the Department of Transportation.
CCx: Hack
March 31, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. @The Collider
This full-day challenge tasks coders, developers, designers and systems engineers to create climate data solutions using public datasets from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information, based in Asheville.
Application Deadline: New Ventures Accelerator
March 31
New Ventures is currently accepting applicants for its latest accelerator cohort. Companies accepted into the program receive an average equity investment of $50,000. A three-month residency at Flywheel follows their completion of the accelerator.
