CHARLESTON — Featuring experienced investors, assistance providers and innovators who have “been there and done that,” the 3 Steps to StartUp Venture Fair aims to provide West Virginia tech-focused, research-driven entrepreneurs an opportunity to learn critical strategies for managing and growing their business. The event, to be held virtually, is set for 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 16.
To register, visit us02 web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ah2IApAXT6qLODVcIMdkoA.
Event presenters and topics include:
- Mitch Carmichael, secretary of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, will discuss the role and importance of entrepreneurism to the state’s economy.
- To help educate entrepreneurs on how to give a sound investor pitch, several West Virginia startups — Parthian Battery Solutions, Legend Sneakerz, and Easy Leash — will provide a “live” pitch to a panel of experienced investors. The investors will also offer constructive feedback and strategies for honing this skillset.
- Many entrepreneurs ask, “how do I know when I’m ready to pitch” or “how do I find investors to pitch to?” The Presenting Can Be Such a “Pitch” segment, featuring Don Morrisson with Pittsburgh’s BlueTree Allied Angels and Scott Ewing with the Appalachian Investors Alliance, will provide the answers.
- In the Role of the Investor Post-Investment, representatives from state and regional venture/angel funds will highlight the expectations an investor has for their newly backed startup and how to effectively structure the relationship.
And, in Perspectives From the Starting Gate, Kyle Gillis, CEO of Morgantown-based Iconic Air, will facilitate discussion among multiple West Virginia entrepreneurs offering lessons learned, best practices and words of wisdom for those starting out.
The event is open to all entrepreneurs, assistance providers, small business owners, funders, economic developers and others. There is no cost to attend.
The INNOVA Commercialization Group in collaboration with TechConnect West Virginia and the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust created the 3 Steps to Start Up Program, which is funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation through a federal POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) grant. To learn more about the 3 Steps to StartUp Program, or to apply, visit http://3steps2startup.com/.
For more information, contact Bryan Brown at 304-546-5500.
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