Here’s our exclusive wrapup of upcoming events happening across North Carolina through the end of the year. Included are the latest meetups, conferences, workshops, application deadlines and networking events happening in Asheville, Charlotte, the Triad, Wilmington and other parts of North Carolina.
This post is part of our weekly column of upcoming events, along with our comprehensive resource guide for startups in the Triangle.
To find out what’s happening this month in the Triangle specifically, check out part one of this week’s column. Also, check out our exclusive list of upcoming economic forecasts and New Year’s-themed events in January.
Another post previews events coming in February. 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.
Application Deadline: Workforce Investment Network Spring 2020 Cohort
January 6
Carolina Fintech Hub’s Workforce Investment Network is seeking candidates for its spring 2020 cohort. Learn more and apply here.
1 Million Cups Lake Norman
January 8, 7:30-9 a.m. @Hurt Hub @Davidson
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.
Charlotte PitchBreakfast
January 8, 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.
How to WIN SBIR/STTR Grants (Greensboro Seminar)
January 8, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @UNC Greensboro
First Flight Venture Center’s FAST program features three education seminars in Asheville, Greensboro and Wilmington, covering all aspects of how to strategically approach obtaining funding from the SBIR/STTR program. Companies can apply to be a part of FFVC’s 2020 FAST cohort by January 15.
1 Million Cups Asheville
January 8, 9-10 a.m. @East Fork
Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear presentations and support one another in continuing to grow.
Smart Series: Productivity & Time Management Strategies
January 8, 12-1 p.m. @Asheville Chamber
This workshop will cover time management skills and tricks, strategies for prioritizing business needs, how to use a planner, and more.
Bunker Brews Wilmington: New Year Social
January 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Jesse’s Yacht Club
Bunker Labs Wilmington is hosting a New Year’s networking event bringing together city leaders and the local military community. Food and drinks will be served.
PayCLT: Garrett Astler (Bank Partnerships at AvidXchange)
January 9, 8-9 a.m. @Packard Place
During PayCLT’s next meetup, Garrett Astler, senior manager of bank partnerships for AvidXchange, will share insights on the recent evolution of fintech and banking.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
January 9, 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.
Asheville Chamber Business After Hours
January 9, 5:30-7 p.m. @Daphne at Twisted Laurel
Join Asheville Chamber for its Business After Hours networking event, hosted by Daphne at Twisted Laurel. Light refreshments will be provided.
Get2Know NC TECH Webinar
January 10, 9-9:30 a.m.
This free monthly interactive webinar provides participants with an overview of NC TECH’s activities, resources and member offerings.
Application Deadline: 2020 Capital Connects
January 10
Capital Connects (held March 4 in Union Square) provides education opportunities for investors and connections to entrepreneurs seeking capital for their company. Startups will present eight-minute pitches, competing for a $7,500 award package.
Ice House Entrepreneurship Workshop
January 11, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – West Boulevard
This free workshop, hosted by ASPIRE Community Capital, is designed to inspire and engage participants with the determination and perseverance of an entrepreneurial mindset.
How to WIN SBIR/STTR Grants (Asheville Seminar)
January 14, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @The Collider
First Flight Venture Center’s FAST program features three education seminars in Asheville, Greensboro and Wilmington, covering all aspects of how to strategically approach obtaining funding from the SBIR/STTR program. Companies can apply to be a part of FFVC’s 2020 FAST cohort by January 15.
Small Business Federal Certifications Workshop
January 14, 9-11 a.m. @U.S. SBA North Carolina District Office
Join this workshop to learn about the various federal certifications you may be eligible for to sell your goods and services.
WNC GROW Agribusiness Summit
January 14, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. @Blue Ridge Conference Hall
This event features several sessions on planning, funding, marketing, agritourism, regulations and more topics of relevance to farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.
Lunch & Learn: IP Strategies for Small Businesses
January 14, 12-1 p.m. @Launch Factory
At this lunch and learn, Michael Steel and Igor Ozeruga of Tarolli will discuss how small businesses and startups can partner with a law firm on IP matters.
Winston Starts SPARK Series: Jane McCracken
January 14, 12-1:30 p.m. @Winston Starts
During this event, Jane McCracken of the Advanced Technology Center will share the story of her career path and the experiences she’s had along the way.
1 Million Cups Lake Norman
January 15, 7:30-9 a.m. @Hurt Hub @Davidson
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.
1 Million Cups Asheville
January 15, 9-10 a.m. @East Fork
Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear presentations and support one another in continuing to grow.
Investor Forum: Business Luncheon & Keynote Speaker Doug Kaufman
January 15, 12-1 p.m. @Winston Starts
Winston Starts invites the Triad community to a catered luncheon and social with keynote speaker Doug Kaufman, CEO of TransLoc.
Digital Health Happy Hour: Charlotte
January 15, 5-7 p.m. @Google Fiber Space
DHIT’s free Digital Health Happy Hour series is coming to the Google Fiber Space this month. Join to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders over craft beers. The featured pop-up speaker is SCP Health Vice President of Innovation Bryan Arkwright.
Packard Place Public House
January 15, 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.
Is Your Business 21st Century Ready?
January 15, 5:30-8 p.m. @Launch Factory
During this workshop, business consultant Patty Aluskewicz will share how to successfully develop and grow your business using Agile practices.
synerG Young Professionals On Tap 2020
January 15, 5:30-8 p.m. @Proximity Hotel
Young professional organizations in Greensboro are joining together to host the annual Young Professionals On Tap networking event. Food and drinks will be served.
Application Deadline: 2020 FAST Cohort
January 15
First Flight Venture Center’s first FAST cohort will include up to 30 science-focused companies who will receive an extensive grant-readiness evaluation bootcamp in February 2020, as well as expert coaching and mentoring on developing a competitive SBIR/STTR phase 1 application.
Application Deadline: NC Entrepreneur Corps Challenge
January 15
In this work-based learning program, NC-based community college and university students will work with mentors from the Governor’s Entrepreneurship Council and NCDIT to develop an innovative concept, get customer feedback and create a product to improve services for citizens across the state. The program runs in the spring 2020 semester (February to April). More TechWire coverage here.
NC SBTDC’s Becoming an Investor-Ready Entrepreneur (Danville, VA)
January 16, 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. @RCATT Regional Center for Advanced Technology & Training
In this full-day educational event, hosted by The Launch Place, entrepreneurs will learn how the investment process works and find out what investors are looking for. These insights will help participants prepare for raising capital with an insider’s perspective in mind.
Healthy Charlotte: Pathway to Workplace Policy
January 16, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. @The Employers Association
This free lunch and learn features a guided conversation on how employers can create a tobacco-free worksite policy and/or update their current smoke-free policy to include vaping and e-cigarettes.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
January 16, 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.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA Internship Program for Under-Represented Student Entrepreneurs
January 17
In summer 2020, NC IDEA will be offering a paid internship for under-represented students. The goal of the program is to create a more diverse group of future entrepreneurs in North Carolina.
Application Deadline: Incubatenergy Labs
January 17
During this program, early-stage companies will work with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and a group of leading utilities to deploy innovative solutions in targeted areas. Up to 20 applicants will be invited to a kickoff pitch event and expo at EPRI’s Electrification 2020 International Conference and Exposition, held April 6-9 in Charlotte.
Silicon Hollar Startup Social/Draba Kickstarter Launch Party
January 19, 5-8 p.m. @Cobo
This month, Silicon Hollar is partnering with Draba, a platform showcasing local creatives and cultural events in the Boone community. Join as Draba launches their Kickstarter campaign.
Introduction to the Charlotte Healthcare Ecosystem
January 20, 6-8 p.m. @Skookum
During Charlotte Innovation Week, major healthcare ecosystem builders in the greater Charlotte area will join to share their insight on the forces driving healthcare innovation in the next year.
IdeaFest Pitch Competition Applications Open
January 20
At The Launch Place’s 7th annual IdeaFest on April 2, a group of 20 startups will get to present their pitches to a live audience and panel of judges, competing for a total of $10,000 in prizes. Pitch applications are due March 2.
Asheville Chamber Business Before Hours
January 21, 8-9 a.m. @Rug & Home
This month’s Asheville Chamber Business Before Hours event will be hosted by Rug & Home. Join for networking and a light breakfast of pastries, fruit, juice and coffee from City Bakery.
Bunker Brews CLT: 20/20 – An Entrepreneur’s Vision for the Roaring 20s
January 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Tabbris Coworking
Bunker Labs Charlotte is hosting a meetup discussing some of the major opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in North Carolina in 2020, along with the resources available to help them achieve their goals.
Charlotte Innovation Week
January 21-24
For the first time, Charlotte’s community of investors, innovators and startup supporters will gather for a week of startup-focused events hosted by local companies and groups.
1 Million Cups Lake Norman
January 22, 7:30-9 a.m. @Hurt Hub @Davidson
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.
1 Million Cups Asheville
January 22, 9-10 a.m. @East Fork
Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear presentations and support one another in continuing to grow.
Charlotte Angel Fund Meeting
January 22, 5:30-8 p.m. @Tabbris
In January, Charlotte Angel Fund will be opening up their monthly meeting to the attendees of Charlotte Innovation Week. The event features networking and pitches from local companies.
Seed the South
January 22-23 @Foundation For the Carolinas
Seed the South is an upcoming pitch competition and investor symposium featuring promising early-stage startups in the Charlotte innovation ecosystem.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
January 23, 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.
2020 NC TECH Outlook for Tech
January 24, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. @Sheraton Charlotte Convention Center
In this annual event, the North Carolina Technology Association (NC TECH) will present the trends and forecasts to shape the next year in technology.
NC IDEA Spring 2020 Grants Information Session (Webinar)
January 24, 3-4 p.m.
At this info session, NC IDEA Program Director Amy Bastian will share details on the upcoming spring 2020 grants: NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED. Learn more about the programs and how to apply. NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED applications open February 3 and close March 2. (Note: This event is part of a series of information sessions NC IDEA is hosting throughout the state in January and February. See the full schedule here.)
Marketing to the Federal Government: Capture Management
January 28, 10-11 a.m. @U.S. SBA North Carolina District Office
The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a free seminar (available both in person and via webinar) covering all the different ways to market your company to the federal government.
RIoT Hacker Night
January 28, 5:30-8 p.m. @Tabbris
Join for a night of networking, lightning demos highlighting local civic projects, a Particle Developer Kit workshop and talks from RIoT and Charlotte IoT leadership. Food and drinks will be provided.
1 Million Cups Lake Norman
January 29, 7:30-9 a.m. @Hurt Hub @Davidson
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.
1 Million Cups Asheville
January 29, 9-10 a.m. @East Fork
Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear presentations and support one another in continuing to grow.
Workplace Learning Labs for the Life Science Industry: Attracting Talent
January 29, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Gateway Research Park
During this lunch and learn, local entrepreneurs Gary Graham of Graham and Personnel Services and Tiffany Crenshaw of Intellect Resources will discuss current trends in the recruiting market space.
LaunchLKN Social
January 29, 5-7 p.m. @Hurt Hub @Davidson
At this event, LaunchLKN will host health industry experts from DHIT and Healthtech Women for a night of discussion and networking over craft beer.
Skookum Volcano Tour
January 30, 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
January 30, 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.
Cape Fear Women’s Summit
January 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @nCino
Several Wilmington-based women’s networking groups are teaming up to create one of the largest networking events Wilmington has ever seen. This is an opportunity to connect with local professional women, senior execs and startup founders, entrepreneurs and engineers.
Application Deadline: ScaleUp WNC 2020 Program
January 31
This highly competitive program, presented by Mountain BizWorks, provides mentorship and technical assistance to 15 western North Carolina-area startups who are interested in establishing strategy and implementation for their growth.
Techstars Startup Weekend Davidson
January 31-February 2 @Hurt Hub @Davidson
During this three-day event, participants will join together to form a team, create a prototype, validate their ideas and receive feedback from entrepreneurs.
NC Junior Chamber 2019 Year-End Convention
January 31-February 2 @Embassy Suites by Hilton Greensboro Airport
North Carolina Junior Chamber’s annual Year-End Convention features competitions, training, awards and networking opportunities organized by and for Jaycees from across the state of North Carolina.
