If there is one thing that entrepreneurs get on a regular basis, it’s challenged. Be it building a business, finding customers, or having family constantly asking why they don’t have a real job, most startup types are in a constant state of defending their actions.
That’s why it’s awesome to have something like Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)—to celebrate entrepreneurs and all that they do.
During one week each November, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. These activities, from large-scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings, connect participants to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors—introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities.
This year, Portland has lined up a number of startup activities in support of the week. Here’s a sampling of what’s taking place:
Startup Riot: Portland (Nov 10)
What is Startup Riot Portland…? It’s one day where thirty startups present for 3 minutes each and then answer questions for 3 minutes. We expect some deals will get funded during the day. Plus it’s affordable to attend and we make sure only the right people get in the room (sorry, no non-sponsoring service providers). What’s not to like?
Tickets are $15 for entrepreneurs and $30 for investors. You can register at Startup Riot.
Startup Weekend PDX boot camp (Nov 10)
For those who want to know what Startup Weekend is all about, we offer a Bootcamp that will give you a better sense of what to expect at Startup Weekend, how to get the most out of it, and help you increase your chances of success during the weekend.
Tickets are $10. For more information, visit Portland Startup Weekend.
Tiny Startup Camp (Nov 10-11)
Come together for a two-day event and not only learn how to create a Tiny Startup, but make real progress on starting your own. This isn’t a ‘get inspired and never do anything about it’ type of event, this is a ‘come learn how to do something, then do it–while you’re still at the event’ type of event. We have great speakers, and it’s gonna be really fun and it’s going to make you smarter and better than you’ve ever been before.
“This isn’t just for tiny startups,” said Gene Kim, founder of Tripwire. “I’m going to be dragging all my friends to this, because Jason has assembled a weekend course, with the right experts teaching each session, to provide the foundational skills required for any undertaking, large or small. I wish Jason had taught me these things ten years ago.”
Sound interesting? Tickets start at $175. Plus Silicon Florist readers get a 20% discount. Just use the code “TSC-20” at checkout.
CoFoundersLab Portland (Nov 13)
Unlike some networking events which lack structure and are cluttered with a large amount of people with varying intentions‚ our Meetups are laser-focused to help you find a co-founder.
The in-person events are a perfect complement to your online search at CoFoundersLab.com. After you register for an event, go to CoFoundersLab.com to find and pre-network with a few people whom you want to have a deeper conversation with at the event. Be sure to also add the event to your CoFoundersLab profile to let others know that you plan to attend the event.
For more information or to build out your profile, visit CoFoundersLab.
FounderDating (next round of applications due) (Nov 14)
Applications due for FounderDating’s Portland chapter. This is the second round of applications, so if you were rejected last time, feel free to re-apply.
For more information, visit FounderDating.
Portland Startup Weekend (Nov 16-18)
Closing out the week is the biggest event of Portland GEW. The grand finale, as it were: Portland Startup Weekend.
Startup Weekend is an intense 54 hour event which focuses on building a web or mobile application which could form the basis of a credible business over the course of a weekend. The weekend brings together people with different skillsets – primarily software developers, graphics designers and business people – to build applications and develop a commercial case around them.
What’s more, participating startups get to compete in the Global Startup Battle, a worldwide competition for startup supremacy.
Tickets are $85. For more information or to register, visit Portland Startup Weekend.
Isn’t it time you started?
There’s no better time to start a startup. And Global Entrepreneurship Week is as good of an excuse as any.
November could be the startup of something good. Why not take the opportunity to attend some of these events, meet other entrepreneurs in Portland, and get that dream off the ground?
(Image courtesy Aaron Parecki. Used under Creative Commons.)
