Here’s our latest wrapup of upcoming conferences, contests, workshops, application deadlines and socials happening across North Carolina over the rest of 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.
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.
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.
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.
1 Million Cups Asheville: Podcraft Returns
March 6, 9-10 a.m. @Asheville Social Hall
Podcraft returns a year after first presenting at 1 Million Cups Asheville to share their progress and plans.
Federal Proposal Writing Workshop
March 6, 9 a.m. – 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.
Asheville Chamber Smart Series: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
March 6, 12-1 p.m. @Asheville Chamber of Commerce
In this workshop, Nicole Andrews of Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP will teach local business owners how they can improve their ability to problem-solve, innovate, attract and retain top talent, and grow their customer base through addressing hidden biases.
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.
Best Sales Training in the Galaxy
March 7, 5-8 p.m. @UNCW Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
This interactive workshop teaches the ins and outs of effective sales strategy for any industry.
Investment Crowdfunding for Women Entrepreneurs
March 7, 5:45-7:30 p.m. @Bold Missy Brewery
INVESTinNC invites women entrepreneurs in North Carolina who are looking to raise capital to attend this informative session outlining the benefits of investment crowdfunding for their businesses.
hackathonCLT Info Session
March 7, 6-8 p.m. @BLKTECHCLT
Join this session to learn what to expect and how to find a great team at the upcoming hackathonCLT, held later this month at Discovery Place Science in Uptown Charlotte.
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.
Application Deadline: State of Technology Conference Panels & Startup Showcase
March 8
NC TECH is putting out a call for local leaders and companies to participate in the 2019 State of Technology Conference on May 10 in Raleigh. Entrepreneurs are invited to apply to pitch in the conference’s startup showcase, and subject matter experts may also apply to lead breakout sessions at the event.
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.
Design Thinking: A Path for Entrepreneurs
March 11, 3-5 p.m. @Forsyth Tech Small Business Center
This free workshop teaches participants how to incorporate Design Thinking and the nine habits of successful startups into their everyday work.
Healthy Charlotte Council: Vision Zero Initiative
March 12, 3:30-5 p.m. @Revolution Park Sports Academy
The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance’s Healthy Charlotte Council is hosting its first event of 2019—a conversation covering the Vision Zero Initiative, a safety strategy that aims to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and severe injuries.
NC TECH CIO Reception
March 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Charlotte City Club
Local CIOs and senior IT leaders are invited to gather for an evening of networking at the Charlotte City Club.
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.
Digital Empowers Charlotte
March 13, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Tata Consultancy Services are hosting their second annual Digital Empowers Charlotte, an event that discusses the many tech applications for social impact.
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.
Charlotte Alliance Young Professionals Mixer
March 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @CJ’s Lounge (Sheraton Uptown)
Join the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance for the next Young Professionals networking event for local professionals. Registration is $5 in advance; $10 at the door.
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.
UNCW AI Meetup
March 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @UNCW Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Every month this meetup group joins to discuss a hot topic in the artificial intelligence space. This month’s speaker is Jesse Shaw, principal data scientist at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. Join to hear insights and meet others in the Wilmington AI community.
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.
Application Deadline: Asheville Chamber Sky High Growth Awards
March 18
Nominations are now open for the 2019 Sky High Growth Awards, taking place April 24—a yearly event in which Asheville Chamber honors the accomplishments of members who are leading growth in the local business community.
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.
Packard Place Public House
March 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Packard Place
On the third Wednesday of every month, the Queen City’s entrepreneurial community joins together for an evening of networking and connections over drinks.
Center for Creative Economy: ‘Swerve’
March 21, 11:30-1 p.m. @Center for Design Innovation
At this month’s “Swerve” series event, Bull & Beard Co-Founder Jason Drass will share tips about influencing an audience through email communication.
Fireside Chat w/ Smashing Boxes CEO Nick Jordan
March 21, 11:30-1 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
The next Startup Grind Davidson event features a fireside chat with Nick Jordan, founder and CEO of Durham-based Smashing Boxes,
IdeaFest Pitch Competition (Danville, Virginia)
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.
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.
Introduction to the Charlotte Startup Community
March 21, 6-7:30 p.m. @BLKTECHCLT
Those unacquainted with the Queen City startup scene are invited to attend a free orientation to the community, presented by StartCharlotte. The event will offer attendees introductions and networking, along with connections to local resources, events, companies, programs, investors, and more. Food and drinks will be provided.
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.
RIoT XXXIII: How IoT Is Disrupting Sports & Entertainment (Atlanta)
March 26, 6-8 p.m. @Atlanta Tech Village
RIoT comes to Atlanta this month for an event covering the latest trends disrupting the sports and entertainment industries, featuring the leading innovators paving the future in this space.
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
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.
Wilmington Biz Conference & Expo
March 27, 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. @Wilmington Convention Center
The WilmingtonBiz Expo brings together 2,000+ attendees for keynotes, an expo hall of over 100 exhibitors, strategy seminars and networking.
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.
Top 10 Technology Trends in Data Privacy
March 28, 8:30-10:30 a.m. @Northeastern University-Charlotte
Join Northeastern University-Charlotte and Charlotte International Arbitration Society for a discussion covering data privacy and cyber liability law in North Carolina. Breakfast is included.
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.
WomanUP Presents Conquerors: Stories of Reaching for Success
March 28, 8-10:30 a.m. @Crowne Plaza Hotel Asheville
Asheville Chamber is hosting four women business leaders to share their experiences. Speakers include JoAnn Yoder of Arby’s/Brumit Restaurant Group, Murphy Funkhouser Capps of Kudzu Brands, Madeline Delp of Live Boundless and ALNUGE Codes Visual Language inventor Cleaster Cotton.
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.
