ASHEVILLE – For the third consecutive year, Asheville’s startup community is again joining together for a week-long celebration of entrepreneurship.
Asheville Entrepreneurship Week kicks off today and continues through Sunday. A range of events are planned around town, including a few pitch competitions, networking socials, a grand opening of a local recording studio, a TEDxAsheville conference and more.
The program is headed by Hatch AVL Foundation and Venture Asheville—two organizations at the center of the city’s innovation scene.
- MORE CALENDAR NEWS: Check out WRAL TechWire’s extensive listings covering events across North Carolina for this month – and coming months.
Last week, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer gave her formal stamp of approval to Asheville Entrepreneurship Week through a signed proclamation.
City Council made it official! September 2-9 will be formally recognized as Asheville Entrepreneurship Week for the third year running.
Check out our page for a full list of AEW activities: https://t.co/l2eD54cC1Q pic.twitter.com/KyrZNjGIOr
— VentureAVL (@ventureAVL) August 28, 2019
Here’s a rundown of the week’s plans:
TUESDAY
- Intro to the Asheville Startup Scene | 5:30-7 p.m. at Venture Asheville – Venture Asheville Director Jeff Kaplan and Supportedly Co-Founder Stephanie Kissel will present an overview of Asheville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Tickets are free. Drinks provided.
WEDNESDAY
- 1 Million Cups Asheville | 9-10 a.m. at Asheville Social Hall – Asheville’s startup community meets weekly at 1 Million Cups to hear startup pitches and support one another in continuing to grow. This session serves as the program’s anniversary, coinciding with Asheville Entrepreneurship Week.
- Asheville Chamber Smart Series | 12-1 p.m. @Asheville Chamber of Commerce – This brief lunchtime program covers Asheville Chamber’s workforce benefits for member companies. Lunch will be provided.
THURSDAY
- Pitch Party AVL | 6-8 p.m. at Hatch AVL – Entrepreneurs are invited to test and develop their pitch at this 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.
- Mojo Connect | 6-9 p.m. at Mojo Coworking – Asheville’s Mojo Coworking and AIGA Asheville are kicking off a new series of speed networking events for local creatives. Join this month for the first one.
FRIDAY
- Mindful Mornings Asheville | 8-9:30 a.m. at Upcountry Brewery – A monthly occasion, Mindful Mornings brings together social entrepreneurs and advocates to network and share their goals.
- Big Scary Fish Tank | 6-9 p.m. at Asheville Masonic Temple – Asheville Investment Club is hosting a live pitch competition featuring presentations from four finalists who are seeking funding for their startup. $500,000 cash is on the table.
SATURDAY
- Asheville Startup Games | 1-4 p.m. at Well Played – The inaugural program of its kind, this event convenes startup teams to compete to earn $1,600 for a charity of their choice.
- Asheville Play Studios Grand Opening | 4-7 p.m. at Asheville Play Studios – Podcast and video recording studio Asheville Play is hosting a grand opening to debut their new space. Join for networking, local beer and a tour of the studio.
SUNDAY
- TEDxAsheville | September 8 at Diana Wortham Theatre – This year’s TEDxAsheville comes with the theme: “Challenging Assumptions Breaking New Ground.” Join to hear a variety of talks from local leaders.
https://wraltechwire.com/event/asheville-entrepreneurship-week-2019/
