StartupCincy is happening now through Friday, Oct. 14 and promises to offer entrepreneurs opportunities for growth, learning and connection, according to Dave Knox, Executive Director of Blue North.
“This week gives entrepreneurs a chance to stick their heads up and engage,” Knox said. “A lot of times our entrepreneurs are busy building and don’t have much time for learning and coming together. This event offers them the much-needed opportunities to learn and engage.”
Blue North, a sustainable hub for entrepreneurs and small businesses, launched in 2019 under Northern Kentucky Tri-ED. The Covington-headquartered nonprofit became its own entity in July 2020. Blue North offers an array of services and programs, including one-on-one counseling for entrepreneurs, in 11 counties – Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton Mason, Owen, Pendleton and Harrison.
This is Blue North’s first year being involved with StartupCincy Week, which was founded in 2017. The annual, four-day free event includes startup-specific educational programming and networking opportunities.
Knox shared some highlights of the week he’s looking forward to the most:
- Power to Pursue presents Women in Food & Happy Hour – 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11. This session will feature discussion and tasting of food from some of the top women in the region. A panel discussion will take place, as well as sharing the stories of what it’s like being a woman in the food industry. Panelists include Toa Green, Crank & Boom Ice Cream from Lexington and Julie Lincoln of DohJoy among other incredible panelists. More than 12 vendor booths will be set up for you to shop, support and sample delicious bites.
- Panel: Building the Team – 2:30-4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12. This panel will dive into how to recruit the right person for the right role, what makes certain teams outperform others, and why having the right people in place will help your startup/organization succeed far into the future. Some featured speakers include Nick Cromydas, CEO of Hunt Club and Adam Weber Chief Marketing Officer of Nerdy.
- Brewing the American Dream – 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12. Visit the Over-the-Rhine Sam Adams for the Brewing the American Dream Happy Hour. In 2008, Cincinnati native Jim Koch launched the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program. The program supports small business owners in the food, beverage, and brewing industries through access to business capital, coaching, and new market opportunities. Since the inception of the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream, the program has supported its non-profit lending partners in providing over $79 million to over 3,600 small business owners, helping the create or maintain more than 9,000 jobs.
- Cintrifuse Annual Meeting – 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 13. This fast-paced session will highlight Cintrifuse’s strategic focus areas of fintech, supply chain, and sustainability, and include commentary from Cintrifuse Board Chair Guy Persaud, P&G President of Growth, and senior executives from Kroger, Fifth Third Bank, and other top LPs. You’ll also hear from some of the most promising local startups and local fund managers.
For complete information about panels and StartupCincy Week events, visit startupcincy.com/startupcincyweek.