Current and aspiring local area entrepreneurs can learn how to build a business startup in just 54 hours at the Triangle Startup Weekend Global Battle held at HQ Raleigh this weekend.

Triangle Startup Weekend (TSW) is a volunteer-led 54-hour event that supports early stage entrepreneurship in the community. Anyone with a business idea is welcome to pitch their startup idea and receive feedback from peers and experienced professionals. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. at HQ Raleigh (hqraleigh.com), 310 S. Harrington St.

Organizers expect this event to provide insight and networking connections for participants, coaches, and judges, and to provide a true learning environment for those interested in startups and innovation.

“Startup Weekend provides a road map to starting your company,” said Nate Branscomb, team lead for Triangle Startup Weekend, who has participated in three prior Startup Weekend events.

TSW is part of a global movement to encourage entrepreneurship, and has attracted nearly a half-million participants in 135 countries. The event is the best way for local business startups to explore and learn entrepreneurship from entrepreneurs, business leaders and subject matter experts, including:

  • Ken Romley, CEO at Zift Solutions;
  • Lewis Sheats, director of the North Carolina State University Entrepreneurship Clinic;
  • Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy, resident of Shaw University;
  • Suzanne Gordon, Retired CIO of SAS software;
  • John Austin, Director of Groundwork Labs; and
  • Kya Johnson, Founder & CEO at RainbowMe, Inc.

“We are dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship to strengthen our community, and to create an environment where passionate people can come together to get things done” said Branscomb. “This event is a great way for early stage businesses to learn, network, bridge the gap between trades, expose their potential, and see actual results.”

At this event, entrepreneurs, developers and designers of all ages, backgrounds and skillsets will:

  • Learn the basics of founding and launching a successful startup;
  • Network with experienced and up-and-coming entrepreneurs;
  • Test their idea with potential customers;
  • Receive coaching from experienced business professionals; and
  • Win prizes to help take their startup to the next level.

After the business pitches are heard, teams are formed around the top ideas. Participants then create a business model, validate the market for the business, refine computer coding and design ideas, and create a prototype. A panel of local entrepreneurs, experts, and business and community leaders serves as coaches and judges, providing technical guidance and real world experience to help these startups get off the ground.

Event organizers are also hosting Twitter chats with various judges and coaches on Wednesdays leading up to the event from 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., using the hashtag #TSWchat and @TriangleStartup. For more information and to register, visit the Triangle Startup Weekend website.