Here’s our latest wrapup of upcoming conferences, contests, workshops, application deadlines and socials happening across North Carolina in January and February.
Included are upcoming meetups, conferences, workshops, socials and networking events happening in Asheville, Charlotte, the Triad, Wilmington and other areas across North Carolina.
This post is part of our weekly column of upcoming events. To find out what’s happening this month in the Triangle specifically, check out part one of this week’s column.
Another post previews events coming in March. Recurring monthly meetups 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: NC IDEA Investment Crowdfunding Grant
January 28
NC IDEA’s new Investment Crowdfunding Grant offers up to $5,000 to help companies expand their businesses using the Localstake NC investment crowdfunding platform. Applications are due by 5 p.m.
Innovation Sprints @HUSTLE Night
January 28, 5:30-7 p.m. @Forsyth Tech Small Business Center
This monthly gathering aims to enhance Winston-Salem’s dedication to inclusive entrepreneurship. Join for an evening of networking, learning and community-building at this free event.
Let’s Connect! (@Albemarle)
January 28, 6:30-8 p.m. @Albemarle City Hall, Council Chambers
Join this speaking tour to hear presentations and discussions about expanding internet access in North Carolina. The event is co-organized by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, NC Broadband Matters and NC League of Municipalities. See the full list of tour dates here.
Silicon Hollar Pop-Up Coworking @Hatchet Coffee
January 29, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Hatchet Coffee Lounge
Silicon Hollar invites the High Country startup community to join together to share a free pop-up coworking space once a week this month at Hatchet Coffee Lounge.
Reach Customers Online with Google – Lake Norman
January 29, 8:30-10:30 a.m. @Flywheel Coworking – Davidson
Google’s Get Your Business Online program covers search engine optimization, online advertising, Google Analytics and Google Trends, among other important topics business owners need to know when advertising their brand online. This event is sponsored by Flywheel, the Hurt Hub@Davidson and the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce.
Lunch & Learn: Take Control of Your Brand
January 29, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
Designer and illustrator Logan Faerber will lead a workshop showing business owners how to create and present engaging designs for their brand.
Biz & Brews Happy Hour
January 29, 5-6 p.m. @Focal Point Coworking
Focal Point Coworking is hosting Asheville professionals and entrepreneurs for an hour of networking over snacks, local beer and cider.
3rd Annual Finsiders CLT Awards
January 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @EY
The Finsiders CLT Awards recognizes the people or companies with a Charlotte presence for their achievements in fintech.
Brian Hamilton Entrepreneurship Presentation: How to Unlock the Door to Economic Opportunity
January 29, 7-8:30 p.m. @Belmont Abbey College, Haid Theatre
At this event, Sageworks Co-Founder Brian Hamilton will share insights on the success of his company (sold to Silicon Valley private equity firm Accel-KKR in 2018) and his current work growing the Brian Hamilton Foundation.
Charlotte Chamber: Reach Your Customers Online w/ Google
January 30, 7:30-9:30 a.m. @The Employers Association
Google’s Get Your Business Online program covers search engine optimization, online advertising, Google Analytics and Google Trends, among other important topics business owners need to know when advertising their brand online. This event is free for Charlotte Chamber members, $20 for access-level members and $40 for non-members.
Asheville PitchBreakfast
January 30, 9-10:30 a.m. @RISC Networks
At this monthly event, a group of two to four Asheville-based startups will present their products/services in a five-minute timeframe, then answer questions from the audience and a panel of experts. Breakfast and coffee provided.
Infinite Possibilities: What War With China Would Look Like
January 30, 5-7:30 p.m. @Hurt Hub@Davidson
Join LaunchLKN and local experts for a discussion on the rise of cyber warfare. Speakers include Chris Boggiano of Versame, Pete Seeber of Rocus Networks, Jon Monken of PJM Interconnection and George Bokas of CrowdStrike.
Let’s Connect! (Jacksonville)
January 30, 6-7:30 p.m. @Jacksonville Youth Council Youth Center
Join this speaking tour to hear presentations and discussions about expanding internet access in North Carolina. The event is co-organized by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, NC Broadband Matters and NC League of Municipalities. See the full list of tour dates here.
Application Deadline: Velocity Labs
January 30
This three-month accelerator led by Startup High Country assists entrepreneurs with customer development, viability testing, lean startup strategy and product market fit.
Future of Trade, Policy & Freedom of Movement in the UK & EU
January 31, 8-10:15 a.m. @Charlotte City Club
The Charlotte chapter of the British American Business Council will join to discuss the impacts the U.S. market can expect from the potential deal between the U.K. and Brussels.
Silicon Hollar Pop-Up Coworking @Ransom
January 31, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Ransom
Silicon Hollar invites the High Country startup community to join together to share a free pop-up coworking space once a week this month at Ransom in Boone.
Skookum Volcano Tour
January 31, 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.
Invested Course Kickoff: Investment Crowdfunding Learning Journey
January 31, 2-5 p.m. @Mountain BizWorks
Now in its second year, Mountain BizWorks’ Invested course helps business owners craft and launch an investment crowdfunding campaign for their products/services.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering (Greensboro)
January 31, 5-8 p.m. @BB&T Leadership Institute
This week, Venture Café Winston-Salem is taking its Thursday Gathering event series to the BB&T Leadership Institute in Greensboro. Triad business community leaders will gather for networking, panels, talks, workshops, presentations and more.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
January 31, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.
Workforce Investment Network (WIN) Info Session
January 31, 6:30 p.m. @Hygge
Carolina Fintech Hub is working with local and national partners to secure jobs for participants of the six-month Workforce Investment Network program. Learn more at this info session.
Unbounded: A Journey into Patagonia
January 31, 6:30-9 p.m. @The Collider
The Collider is hosting a viewing of Unbounded: A Journey into Patagonia, a travel documentary from award-winning producer and director Garrett Martin. A Q&A with Martin will follow. Proceeds will benefit the Collider’s Thomas R. Karl Internship Program.
Get2Know NC TECH Webinar
February 1, 9-9:30 a.m.
This free monthly interactive webinar provides participants with an overview of NC TECH’s activities, resources and member offerings.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
February 1, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Application Deadline: Joules Accelerator, Cohort 4
February 1
The Joules Accelerator provides training, mentoring and partner access for post-revenue, pre-Series A clean energy startups. Applications are live for the latest cohort.
Application Deadline: CCx: Business Conference Pitches
February 1
Applications are open for climate tech startups interested in presenting their products and services at CCx:Business on April 2-3 in Asheville.
Application Deadline: Launch Greensboro LaunchLab Growth Series
February 3
LaunchLab Growth, a program of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, is a 12-week accelerator led by local experts, covering customer discovery, fundraising and market strategies, leadership and financial skills. Applications are due by 5 p.m.
Story Driven Marketing
February 4, 12-1 p.m. @tekMountain
Parker Wilson, owner of branding consultancy Sparked, will lead a workshop on story-based marketing messaging for small businesses and startups.
NC IDEA Spring 2019 Grants Info Session Webinar
February 4, 2-3 p.m.
In this webinar, NC IDEA Program Director Amy Bastian will share details on the organization’s upcoming funding opportunities: NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED. Applications for both programs are due March 4.
Davidson PitchBreakfast
February 5, 8:30-10 a.m. @Hurt Hub@Davidson
In this monthly event, a group of three Davidson/Lake Norman-area companies will present their products and services for five minutes, after which they will answer questions from the audience and a panel of experts. Breakfast and coffee provided.
Winston-Salem State of the Economy
February 5, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Benton Convention Center
The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce is hosting a luncheon with business leaders to examine the momentum the community has faced in the past year and discuss what’s next for the future.
How to Succeed in Digital Transformation: Strategies & Practical Steps
February 5, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Packard Place
This NC TECH program will discuss “digital transformation” and practical strategies for all types of businesses.
Lunch & Learn: Do I Need to Charge Sales Tax in Other States?
February 5, 12-1 p.m. @Advent Coworking
Kathleen Holston of Cherry Bekaert LLP will lead a workshop on sales tax filing requirements and recent tax changes that affect remote sellers.
Lunch & Learn: From Climate Indicators to Action
February 5, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
Laura Stevens, a research scientist with North Carolina State University and the Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites-North Carolina, will discuss the U.S. Global Change Research Program’s climate change indicators.
Ventureprise Launch Alumni Event
February 5, 5:30-8 p.m. @PORTAL
Ventureprise is throwing an event to celebrate alumni from the program’s past cohorts.
Build Awesome IoT with LoRa and LoRaWAN
February 5, 6-8 p.m. @SnapAV Corp Office
At this workshop, Charles Lord of Asheville-based Blue Ridge Advanced Design will show participants how to build their own LoRa networks.
1 Million Cups CLT
February 6, 8:30-10 a.m.
Held every month, 1 Million Cups Charlotte features a presentation from a local startup followed by a Q&A from the community. Free coffee is included.
Lunch & Learn: Participatory Budgeting Idea Collection
February 6, 12-1 p.m. @Action Greensboro
At this lunch and learn, attendees can learn all about the process behind Participatory Budgeting (PB), a democratic program that allows residents in Greensboro to decide how to spend $500,000 of City-owned funds.
Data Connectors Charlotte Cybersecurity Conference
February 7, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. @Embassy Suites Charlotte
Companies can attend this conference to learn how to protect their data from the latest attack vectors. The day-long event features keynote speakers, educational sessions, a cybersecurity exhibit, and more.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
February 7, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem
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.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
February 7, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
February 8, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks
Young Mogul Development Group Fundraiser
February 8, 6-7:30 p.m. @tekMountain
The Young Mogul Development Group (YMDG) introduces young men ages 13 to 18 to entrepreneurship, self-branding and decision-making through innovation. Hear from Travis Corpening, YMDG’s founder, and some of the organization’s participants at this fundraiser.
Application Deadline: REDI 2019
February 8
The Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI), a program of the North Carolina Rural Center, is welcoming applications for its 2019 cohort. REDI helps participants enhance their leadership skills and rural development strategies in their communities.
Application Deadline: Homegrown Leaders Training
February 8
North Carolina Rural Center’s Homegrown Leaders training program, held March 4-6 in Asheville, aims to support community leaders who are working to build regional collaboration across North Carolina. Eligible counties include Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe, Madison, Yancey, Mitchell and Avery.
Women & Minority Veterans Business Summit
February 9, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship
Veterans, community leaders and government agencies join for an event highlighting the various services offered to veteran business owners.
Wilmington Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Meetup: Special Guest Bitcoin Ben
February 9, 3:30-5:30 p.m. @tekMountain
Come out to the next Wilmington Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Meetup to hear about the latest innovations and projects in the crypto world. February’s event features special guest Bitcoin Ben.
Small Business Federal Certifications Workshop
February 12, 9-11 a.m. @U.S. SBA NC District Office, Charlotte
The North Carolina office of the U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting an info session covering the various federal certifications offered via the SBA, including Woman-Owned Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Program, 8(a) Business Development Program and HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program.
Charlotte Angel Fund Info Session
February 12, 5:30-7 p.m. @Hurt Hub@Davidson
Join this info session to learn more about the Charlotte Angel Fund and its contributions to early-stage companies in North Carolina.
Charlotte PitchBreakfast
February 13, 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.
Winning SBIR/STTR Grants for Science & Technology Startups
February 13, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. @East Carolina University
Hosted by First Flight Venture Center, this half-day seminar will explain the basics of SBIR/STTR grant programs for entrepreneurs, covering the participating agencies involved, what goes into developing a proposal and how the award process works.
synerG February On Tap
February 13, 5:30-8 p.m. @Leveneleven Brewing
Join synerG for an evening of networking at Leveneleven Brewing, one of Greensboro’s newest breweries.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
February 14, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem
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.
Idea Tap Davidson
February 14, 5:30-8 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking – Davidson
Held by Flywheel at the HurtHub@Davidson once a month, the Idea Tap Davidson event series offers local entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their ideas through short pitch sessions and network with like-minded innovators in the community.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
February 14, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
February 15, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Science Pub: Pollinators, People & the Planet
February 15, 5:30-7 p.m. @The Collider
The Asheville Museum of Science and The Collider are co-hosting a free guest speaker series, Science Pub. The next edition of the program features a discussion on pollinators and agriculture. Enjoy a night of science over light snacks and refreshments.
Application Deadline: IdeaFest Pitch Competition
February 18
The Launch Place’s 6th Annual IdeaFest Business Pitch Competition on March 21 will host 20 startups who will compete for a total of $10,000 in prizes.
Launch Greensboro IdeaLaunch
February 20, 8-9 a.m. @Co//ab
The Triad startup community is invited to attend Launch Greensboro’s free IdeaLaunch program, which features a series of four-minute pitches from local startups, along with opportunities to network with fellow entrepreneurs and innovators in Greensboro.
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Middle Market Series
February 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. @The Employers Association
This event features a panel of business leaders with experience in buying and selling abroad. Speakers include Dyke Messinger of Power Curbers & Power Pavers, Crystal Miller of the U.S. Department of Commerce, international transport consultant Clement Schrader and Patrick Weaver of First National Bank. The panel will be moderated by Dan Fogel of SP3 Capital.
Tax Prep for Creative Entrepreneurs
February 21, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Center for Design Innovation
This workshop helps creative entrepreneurs handle their taxes and finances. Tickets are free for Center for Creative Economy-Swerve members and $20 for non-members. Lunch provided.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
February 21, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem
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.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
February 21, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.
2019 Marketing Summit
February 22, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. @Bermuda Run Country Club
At Marketing Summit, five local presenters will lead sessions on online marketing and promotional tools, offering effective and cost-efficient strategies attendees can take to their work. Ticket includes breakfast and lunch.
Train the Trainer: SBIR/STTR Grant Funding Seminar
February 22, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. @UNC Charlotte
Hosted by First Flight Venture Center, this full-day seminar will explain how startups can obtain funding from the SBIR/STTR grant programs for entrepreneurs, covering strategy, preparing competitive proposals, internal procedures, and more.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
February 22, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
2019 Business of Farming Conference
February 23 @AB Tech Conference Center, Asheville
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s annual conference brings together professional farmers to network and share resources to grow their businesses.
Biz & Brews Happy Hour
February 26, 5-6 p.m. @Focal Point Coworking
Focal Point Coworking is hosting Asheville professionals and entrepreneurs for an hour of networking over snacks, local beer and cider.
Cape Fear Women In Tech: HODL—The Cryptocurrency Market
February 26, 5:30-7 p.m. @tekMountain
Entrepreneur and marketing specialist Bambi Weavil will present a session on the opportunities of the digital currency market.
Free Workshop: Web Development Essentials
February 26, 6-9 p.m., Charlotte, NC (venue TBD)
Tech Talent South Charlotte is hosting a free, three-hour 101 workshop covering HTML, CSS and Bootstrap. Learn the fundamental tools needed to build your own website.
Tech Talent South Charlotte: VR Party
February 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Come explore Virtual Reality—learn how it works, what it can do, and try it out for yourself!
UNC Charlotte Biohacking Series, Feat. Marina Levina
February 28, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. @UNC Charlotte
UNC Charlotte’s Center for Professional and Applied Ethics is hosting an informative discussion with Marina Levina, Ph.D., an associate professor of Media Studies at the University of Memphis.
Skookum Volcano Tour
February 28, 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
February 28, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem
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.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
February 28, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.