It's almost that time again – Startup Week. A week-long celebration of wearing yourself out, having a blast and learning new things at more than 100 events for entrepreneurs, professionals and everyone in the community. Following months of extensive planning and a wide range of event submissions from local startup supporters, the schedule for Startup Week Chattanooga (SWC) is now available to the public. Held Oct. 20-27 and presented by The Company Lab (CO.LAB), this week-long celebration will feature events that highlight Chattanooga’s growing startup scene, showcase local innovation and connect the public with entrepreneurial resources.
Miller Plaza will serve as the “Basecamp” of SWC, where the community is invited to co-work throughout the week and find information about events and activities. The majority of SWC events are free and open to the public, while others require pre-registration and an admission fee. Click here to view the schedule. Additional event details and updates will be incorporated into the online schedule in the days leading up to SWC.
“Startup Week Chattanooga is one of the most important experiences for entrepreneurs in our region,” says Marcus Shaw, CEO of CO.LAB. “This is a time for our entrepreneurial community to come together and learn tips for refining their businesses, to connect with peers and to celebrate Chattanooga’s vibrant ecosystem of creators. The range of events occurring throughout the week offer opportunities for entrepreneurs at every stage of business, and we are looking forward to seeing them strengthen their companies and connections throughout the week.”
The full SWC experience will feature a wide range of programming, such as workshops, startup showcases and awards, evening social events, live music and more.
Special events include:
- Chattanooga Mini Maker Faire
- Will This Float? — Kiva Edition
- Spirit of Innovation Awards
- Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union Idea Leap Grant PitchNight
- Chattanooga Startup Awards
- Gig City Elixir Conference
Throughout SWC, participants will have the opportunity to interact with peers and experts as they explore topics like co-founding with a significant other, the basics of cybersecurity, pathways to capital, filmmaking and word-of-mouth marketing. A variety of social events such as a ping pong tournament, a parade, an egg drop challenge and live music will also occur throughout the week.
About Startup Week Chattanooga
Startup Week Chattanooga is a celebration of Chattanooga’s entrepreneurial community. Modeled after similar events held in cities like Denver and Austin, this multi-day experience will feature a number of community-led events that inspire entrepreneurial thinking and highlight Chattanooga’s growing startup scene. To learn more, visit startupweekcha.com.
About The Company Lab (CO.LAB)
The Company Lab (CO.LAB) is a nonprofit organization that supports entrepreneurial growth in southeast Tennessee. Established as the region’s front door for entrepreneurs, CO.LAB works to increase the viability of startups and strengthen the ecosystem of support behind them. In doing so, the organization helps entrepreneurs refine their business models, test their ideas with customers, pursue capital and partnerships, and connect with a community of mentors, peers, and business experts. To learn more, visit colab.co.