Global Entrepreneurship Week kicks off today with a host of events throughout the week. Global Entrepreneurship Week is a massive campaign to celebrate and empower entrepreneurs in every country and community around the world — especially those individuals who face structural barriers or may have never considered the idea of launching their own startup.
Here are some of the events taking place throughout the state.
Sales For Startups | Nov. 8 | 8am-4:30pm
On Tuesday, Nov. 9, ISA Ventures and the Greater Des Moines Partnership will host Sales For Startups. The event will provide a crash course for sales strategies and tactics for startups. Attendees will learn how to determine the right customers, book meetings with decision-makers, build relationships, close with confidence and more. Capacity is limited to 26 people to follow COVID-19 guidelines.
A Conversation with Black Business Owners | Nov. 9 | 12pm-1pm
Join this conversation to hear from black business owners about their experiences starting and growing a business. Learn about the successes and challenges they face and what resources helped them along the way or resources they wish they had access to.
TechTalk North Iowa | Nov. 9 | 5pm-7pm
This special edition of TechTalk takes place during Global Entrepreneurship Week and features a panel discussion with community innovator-entrepreneurs Billie Asmus, Founder of Silicone Studios, and Oscar Madong, NIACC engineering student and High Tech Hive participant.
Des Moines Venture School Local Launch Day | Nov. 9 | 5:30-8pm
Hear from the 12 companies that have participated in Venture School over the last few months. Local Launch Day will be set up ‘shark tank’ style. Teams will pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to win $5,000 in prize money for their business. This event is open to the public and will take place in the Sussman Theater at Drake University.
Global Innovation Fireside Chat | Nov. 9 | 5:30pm
UNI’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) is holding a Global Campfire chat Tue. Nov 9, 5:30 pm. This event will bn-person on the University of Northern Iowa campus’, Curris Business Building Room 1, and also be available to watch online.
Raising Capital Seminar | Nov. 10 | 8am-4:30pm
The Partnership is hosting a Raising Capital Seminar. Startup companies will learn about capitalization tables, equity compensation, managing an investment close and more on the road to raising equity financing. This event is ideal for businesses that are on the verge of rapid growth but need money in order to take the next step. Capacity is also limited to 26 people.
Female Founder Fireside | Nov. 10 | 5pm–7pm
The Partnership, ISA Ventures, and Techstars Iowa will host a Female Founder Fireside at Gravitate Coworking Downtown. This discussion will start at the conclusion of the Raising Capital Seminar and is intended for women that are interested in building and scaling a business in central Iowa. The event is targeted toward females interested in building and scaling businesses.
Networking Night + Panel Discussion | Nov. 11 | 4:30pm-7pm
Attendees will enjoy the opportunity to network with local entrepreneurs inside NewBo City Market’s Rotary Hall starting at 4:30pm. A panel of area entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds will speak and answer questions about their journey to become small business owners. Attendees will learn about the successes and challenges they face and what resources helped them along the way or resources they wished they had access to.
Mason City Venture School Local Launch Day | Nov. 11 | 5:30-9pm
The Fall 2021 cohort of the North Iowa Venture School will compete in the Venture School Launch Day Competition. Each team will present their pitch to a panel of judges, followed by a Q&A. Up to $5,000 in prizes will be awarded. The event will be held via Zoom and in-person at the Muse-Norris Conference Center at NIACC.
Women’s Entrepreneur Lunch | Nov. 12 | 12pm-1pm
The panel will feature three local female entrepreneurs—Veronica Tessler, owner of Yotopia; Sheila Davission, owner of Revival Iowa City; and Rachael Scott, owner of Cafe on the Go. The panel will be moderated by Kate Moreland, President of the Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD) and Founder of Kate Moreland Coaching.
Kohawk Startup Weekend | Nov. 12 & 13 | 8:00am-8:00pm
Kohawk Startup is a 24-hour event designed to infuse entrepreneurship into the Coe experience. Coe students attend, pitch ideas, form teams, and create presentations for their startups. If you are interested in joining, email david@newbo.co for additional details.
ISU Innovation Prize | Nov. 12 & 13
The ISU INNOVATION PRIZE is an incentive competition at Iowa State University that takes place on campus. Students, faculty and staff, and the entrepreneurial community are invited to participate. The Iowa State Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship and Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative co-host the event.