Denver is the host to one of the largest start-up weeks in the nation – last year Denver Startup Week had nearly 19,000 people register for this week-long event. Denver Startup Week (DSW) is a chance for entrepreneurs, business leaders or those interested in sharpening a skill or two to learn about market trends, hear from innovative leaders and network. And, the best part -- it’s free!
Check out the Chamber’s start-up week schedule of must-attend events and create your own schedule. We’ll see you there!
Monday, Sept. 24
Noon – 1:30 p.m.: Your Best Leads Are Right Under Your Nose
Get actionable tips and tactics for sourcing new leads and meaningful growth from your company’s greatest asset—your existing customer base.
4 – 6 p.m.: Trout Tank Pitch Event: Denver Startup Week Edition
Want to hear about innovative business ideas from Colorado entrepreneurs? Join the Chamber, our affiliate, the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center, Colorado Lending Source and Mission Yogurt for Trout Tank: DSW Edition. You’ll hear from three Trout Tank favorites while networking with entrepreneurs.
Tuesday, Sept. 25
10 – 11:30 a.m.: Don’t Go Pitching without One: Your Financing Narrative
In business, money doesn’t fall off trees but there are some tips and tricks to make fundraising easier. In this session you’ll hear from Zach Hummel, relationship manager for Chase Business Banking; Dianna Martinez, small business banking manager for Guaranty Bank; and Kerby Meyers, founder of The Communications Refinery, about how you can craft your business’ financial narrative.
2 – 3 p.m.: 10 Common Website Mistakes and How to Fix Them
How many of your leads are leaving your website because of the experience? In this session, you will hear about common SEO, content and user experience website mistakes and how to fix them so that your site is appealing to both customers and search engines.
Wednesday, Sept. 26
Noon – 1 :30 p.m. Secrets of Leadership with Women on the Rise
Discover the secret to leading a more powerful and profitable start-up from leading women in Denver. Learn about the research that shows how organizations with compassion and authenticity are dominating the market.
4 – 5:30 p.m.: Social Media Strategy for Start-ups – Hands-on Workshop
Working on your start-up's social media strategy? It’s a powerful marketing tool, but knowing how to use it to achieve your goals, or even knowing where to start, can be a challenge. Find out how to create a social media strategy that aligns with your business goals and budget.
Thursday, Sept. 27
8 – 9 a.m.: All Things ‘Talent’ for Small Business Owners
Finding and retaining great talent is one of the most expensive, time consuming and challenging issues facing small business owners today. But when you get it right, it can mean the difference between achieving success or not. Hear from talent acquisition experts to learn helpful tips and best practices when it comes to recruiting and retaining talent in the start-up space.
2 – 4 p.m.: What the (Food) Truck?
Interested in owning a food-based business? Not sure how to test your market to ensure that you’re setting yourself up for success? Hear the lessons learned in food-based businesses, from owning a food truck to opening a restaurant and the challenges and successes they faced along the way.
Friday, Sept. 28
10 – 11:30 a.m.: Selling/Showing/Wearing the Story of Your Business
The story of your business needs to be in everything you do. In this workshop, experts in storytelling, spacial design and apparel will walk you through case studies of how different businesses create immersive storytelling experiences – and you’ll have an opportunity for coaching on immersing customers in your story.
2 – 3:30 p.m. #MakeItHappen: Tips for Starting a Business at Any Age
Makers come in all shapes and sizes and even all ages. Hear from entrepreneurs as they share their experiences and share knowledge about Denver’s maker movement. Panelists include successful youth and adult business owners who are making both amazing products and sizeable profits. You’ll step away with inspiration and ideas to start and grow your own business, big or small.
Find business resources all year long through our Denver Metro Small Business Development Center. From one-on-one consulting to financial and marketing programs – there’s something for everyone.
Laura James is the senior marketing and communications specialist for the Denver Metro Chamber.
