Denver is among the top 10 cities in the nation for startup activity, and next week, Sept. 25 – 29, marks Denver Startup Week, the largest startup event in North America.
Last year, Denver Startup Week set record attendance with 13,334 attendees. There’s something for every business, so celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and discover ways to grow your skills. (Did I mention it’s free?)
Check out the Chamber’s startup week schedule and create your own:
Monday, Sept. 25
How to Leverage Public/Private Partnerships to Help Grow Your Business: 1 – 3 p.m.
Collaboration is key – this event is perfect for businesses who want to learn how unexpected partnerships can help solve some of the challenges facing startups and growing businesses.
Not to mention, you’ll see an example of a public-private partnership in action: the Comcast Media and Technology Center. Did you know? This center was started after leaders from Comcast and the University of Colorado Denver learned about a similar center while in Pittsburgh during the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation’s Leadership Exchange trip in 2013.
Real Solutions: Digging beneath the surface on diversity & inclusion: 2 – 4 p.m.
Diversity is a competitive advantage – companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35 percent more likely to have financial returns above their national industry means.
Discover the best practices for building a diverse pipeline, hiring diverse candidates and retention of underrepresented individuals, and make diversity your company’s competitive advantage.
Digital Marketing Workshop: 4 – 6 p.m.
Strengthen your business’ marketing. By 2021, digital marketers will spend nearly $120 billion over the next five years. Every industry will be affected; the best way to move with the ever-changing marketing landscape is to learn how to make it work for your business’ brand.
Tuesday, Sept. 26
How NOT to get screwed by the tax cops?: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
If you don’t think about taxes until your company starts earning revenue, you’ve waited too long. As a business owner, avoiding tax trouble and taking advantage of money saving tax activities should be near the top of your to-do list. Learn how to start your taxes off right and activities that tend to raise red flags.
Launching Startups Within Your Company: 2 – 3:30 p.m.
If your company were to rapidly and unexpectedly expand, could your current structure support the growth? Large and small companies alike are turning to a new trend in company organization where small “startups” are created to promote team collaboration and innovation. Discuss the ups and downs of adapting to this sustainable model for your business.
Doing Good with Design Thinking: 2 – 4 p.m.
How can a human-centered approach to innovation make real change, and real profits? Find inspiration from social entrepreneurs who are using design thinking to address some of the world’s most pressing problems. Change your thinking style to drive change in your business.
Wednesday, Sept. 27
The Power of the Personal Network and How to Build It: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
We live in a world of “who you know,” where relationships are everything. Building a network and surrounding yourself with people smarter than you is crucial to starting and growing a company. Where do you start? Who do you talk to? Check out this panel for tips to grow your network.
Designing Workplaces for High-Performing Teams: 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Your workspace can increase your employees’ productivity. Should your office be open concept, cubicles, collaborative pods or all of the above? Check out this panel to find out how space can influence the bottom line.
Both Sides of the Funding Table + Trout Tank: Denver Startup Week Edition: 5 – 7 p.m.
Peak behind the curtain for an entertaining and insightful look into the process that both entrepreneurs and financiers go through while creating a deal. And join the Chamber and our affiliate, the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center, for a special edition of the Trout Tank: Pitch Event, where fan favorites from past Trout Tank’s will compete in the Denver Startup Week pitch event.
Thursday, Sept. 28
Creating a Culture of Inclusion & Innovation: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Your company culture is an important part of your brand and success. Be purposeful and intentional with your culture from day one. A strong culture is the foundation of a sustainable, successful and innovative business.
Learn from small and large brands who have involved both employees and customers in the establishment and evolution of their culture. Walk away with a usable architecture for how to build a strong, unique and innovative culture so it becomes your competitive advantage.
Innovation + Health Care: Stories of Integration: 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Have you ever wondered about the struggles and challenges that come with introducing a little idea to a big system? Hear about the challenges that come with conquering one of the most archaic systems in the country: Health care.
Friday, Sept. 29
Global Entrepreneurs in the Mile High City: 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Denver has emerged as a hub for international entrepreneurs and is becoming a global city with 25 international destinations and growing with new international flights being announced throughout the year.
Hear from an array of entrepreneurs – from all corners of the globe – about how to harness the international community to drive success and create a thriving culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
VC Funding & Exit Strategies for Startup Owners: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Funding is important for all stages of your business lifecycle – whether you’re just getting started or are planning your exit strategy. Are you aware of all the potential funding opportunities for your business? Check out this panel at the Chamber to hear from experts about where your business is, where it can be and who to partner with along the way.
Cards Against HR-manity – Hiring, legal & HR tips for startups: 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Think human resources is boring? Think again with a spin on the game Cards against Humanity. Cards Against HR-manity is an interactive game to educate growth company leaders on the ever-changing human resources laws and talent policies in Colorado and the U.S. Learn how to best prepare your company for the changing landscape of the hiring and employment economy.
Laura James is the marketing and communications coordinator for the Denver Metro Chamber.