Here’s our latest wrapup of upcoming conferences, contests, workshops, application deadlines and socials happening across North Carolina in February.
Included are upcoming meetups, conferences, workshops, socials and networking events happening in Asheville, Charlotte, the Triad, Wilmington and other areas across North Carolina.
This post is part of our weekly column of upcoming events. To find out what’s happening this month in the Triangle specifically, check out part one of this week’s column.
Another post previews events coming in March. Recurring monthly meetups are listed here.
These columns are an extension of our interactive calendar of tech and startup events. If you’d like to suggest an event to be added to the calendar, feel free to send me an email.
Story Driven Marketing
February 4, 12-1 p.m. @tekMountain
Parker Wilson, owner of branding consultancy Sparked, will lead a workshop on story-based marketing messaging for small businesses and startups.
NC IDEA Spring 2019 Grants Info Session Webinar
February 4, 2-3 p.m.
In this webinar, NC IDEA Program Director Amy Bastian will share details on the organization’s upcoming funding opportunities: NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED. Applications for both programs are due March 4.
Davidson PitchBreakfast
February 5, 8:30-10 a.m. @Hurt Hub@Davidson
In this monthly event, a group of three Davidson/Lake Norman-area companies will present their products and services for five minutes, after which they will answer questions from the audience and a panel of experts. Breakfast and coffee provided.
Winston-Salem State of the Economy
February 5, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Benton Convention Center
The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce is hosting a luncheon with business leaders to examine the momentum the community has faced in the past year and discuss what’s next for the future.
How to Succeed in Digital Transformation: Strategies & Practical Steps
February 5, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Packard Place
This NC TECH program will discuss “digital transformation” and practical strategies for all types of businesses.
Winston Starts INFORM Event Series: Ryan Forrest
February 5, 12-1 p.m. @Winston Starts
This event features a talk from Ryan Forrest of Fungi Marketing, who will discuss strategies used in defining the ideal customer for your business.
Lunch & Learn: Do I Need to Charge Sales Tax in Other States?
February 5, 12-1 p.m. @Advent Coworking
Kathleen Holston of Cherry Bekaert LLP will lead a workshop on sales tax filing requirements and recent tax changes that affect remote sellers.
Lunch & Learn: From Climate Indicators to Action
February 5, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
Laura Stevens, a research scientist with North Carolina State University and the Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites-North Carolina, will discuss the U.S. Global Change Research Program’s climate change indicators.
Ventureprise Launch Alumni Event
February 5, 5:30-8 p.m. @PORTAL
Ventureprise is throwing an event to celebrate alumni from the program’s past cohorts.
Build Awesome IoT with LoRa and LoRaWAN
February 5, 6-8 p.m. @SnapAV Corp Office
At this workshop, Charles Lord of Asheville-based Blue Ridge Advanced Design will show participants how to build their own LoRa networks.
Asheville Chamber Smart Series
February 6, 8-9 a.m. @Asheville Chamber
This month’s Smart Series features a seminar on the use of Instagram for brand marketing. The session will be presented by Stephanie Kissel, co-founder and COO of Supportedly and program director of Talent Jam.
1 Million Cups CLT
February 6, 8:30-10 a.m.
Held every month, 1 Million Cups Charlotte features a presentation from a local startup followed by a Q&A from the community. Free coffee is included.
Lunch & Learn: Participatory Budgeting Idea Collection
February 6, 12-1 p.m. @Action Greensboro
At this lunch and learn, attendees can learn all about the process behind Participatory Budgeting (PB), a democratic program that allows residents in Greensboro to decide how to spend $500,000 of City-owned funds.
Data Connectors Charlotte Cybersecurity Conference
February 7, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. @Embassy Suites Charlotte
Companies can attend this conference to learn how to protect their data from the latest attack vectors. The day-long event features keynote speakers, educational sessions, a cybersecurity exhibit, and more.
Small Business Roundtable: Working Capital
February 7, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Winston Salem State University Enterprise Center
Join for the latest monthly business development roundtable hosted by the North Carolina Small Business Center.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
February 7, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
Pitch Party, Presented by Hatch + Venture Asheville
February 7, 6-7:45 p.m. @Hatch AVL
Entrepreneurs are invited to test and develop their pitch at this monthly event hosted by Hatch AVL. Presenters will receive helpful feedback from the audience, and the best-voted pitch will land a spot at 1 Million Cups Asheville.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
February 7, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
February 8, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks
Young Mogul Development Group Fundraiser
February 8, 6-7:30 p.m. @tekMountain
The Young Mogul Development Group (YMDG) introduces young men ages 13 to 18 to entrepreneurship, self-branding and decision-making through innovation. Hear from Travis Corpening, YMDG’s founder, and some of the organization’s participants at this fundraiser.
CONNEXXPO: Entrepreneurship for Makers
February 8, 6-9 p.m. @MIXXER
This event features a lineup of entrepreneurs who’ve built companies out of their creative work.
Application Deadline: REDI 2019
February 8
The Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI), a program of the North Carolina Rural Center, is welcoming applications for its 2019 cohort. REDI helps participants enhance their leadership skills and rural development strategies in their communities.
Application Deadline: Homegrown Leaders Training
February 8
North Carolina Rural Center’s Homegrown Leaders training program, held March 4-6 in Asheville, aims to support community leaders who are working to build regional collaboration across North Carolina. Eligible counties include Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe, Madison, Yancey, Mitchell and Avery.
Women & Minority Veterans Business Summit
February 9, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship
Veterans, community leaders and government agencies join for an event highlighting the various services offered to veteran business owners.
Learn UI/UX: Prototyping & Testing Your Next Idea
February 9, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @BLKTECHCLT HQ
This workshop covers tools and techniques, designs and usability testing involved with creating an interactive product mockup. The session will be led by Feleesha Sterling, founder of Quick Usability.
Wilmington Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Meetup: Special Guest Bitcoin Ben
February 9, 3:30-5:30 p.m. @tekMountain
Come out to the next Wilmington Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Meetup to hear about the latest innovations and projects in the crypto world. February’s event features special guest Bitcoin Ben.
Small Business Federal Certifications Workshop
February 12, 9-11 a.m. @U.S. SBA NC District Office, Charlotte
The North Carolina office of the U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting an info session covering the various federal certifications offered via the SBA, including Woman-Owned Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Program, 8(a) Business Development Program and HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program.
Charlotte Angel Fund Info Session
February 12, 5:30-7 p.m. @Hurt Hub@Davidson
Join this info session to learn more about the Charlotte Angel Fund and its contributions to early-stage companies in North Carolina.
Financial Literacy Series: Money Talks
February 13, 7:30-9 a.m. @MassMutual
The Charlotte Business Alliance South Chapter is hosting a three-part financial literacy series. The first session, “Money Talks, will show participants how to make long-term financial goals while managing short-term goals.
Charlotte PitchBreakfast
February 13, 8-10 a.m. @The Garage at Packard Place
Every month, a handful of Queen City-based companies headline Charlotte PitchBreakfast, pitching their products and services for a total of five minutes, after which they will answer questions from the audience and a panel of entrepreneurs and experts.
Winning SBIR/STTR Grants for Science & Technology Startups
February 13, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. @East Carolina University
Hosted by First Flight Venture Center, this half-day seminar will explain the basics of SBIR/STTR grant programs for entrepreneurs, covering the participating agencies involved, what goes into developing a proposal and how the award process works.
synerG February On Tap
February 13, 5:30-8 p.m. @Leveneleven Brewing
Join synerG for an evening of networking at Leveneleven Brewing, one of Greensboro’s newest breweries.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
February 14, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
Idea Tap Davidson
February 14, 5:30-8 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking – Davidson
Held by Flywheel at the HurtHub@Davidson once a month, the Idea Tap Davidson event series offers local entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their ideas through short pitch sessions and network with like-minded innovators in the community.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
February 14, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
February 15, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Science Pub: Pollinators, People & the Planet
February 15, 5:30-7 p.m. @The Collider
The Asheville Museum of Science and The Collider are co-hosting a free guest speaker series, Science Pub. The next edition of the program features a discussion on pollinators and agriculture. Enjoy a night of science over light snacks and refreshments.
Application Deadline: IdeaFest Pitch Competition
February 18
The Launch Place’s 6th Annual IdeaFest Business Pitch Competition on March 21 will host 20 startups who will compete for a total of $10,000 in prizes.
Launch Greensboro IdeaLaunch
February 20, 8-9 a.m. @Co//ab
The Triad startup community is invited to attend Launch Greensboro’s free IdeaLaunch program, which features a series of four-minute pitches from local startups, along with opportunities to network with fellow entrepreneurs and innovators in Greensboro.
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Middle Market Series
February 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. @The Employers Association
This event features a panel of business leaders with experience in buying and selling abroad. Speakers include Dyke Messinger of Power Curbers & Power Pavers, Crystal Miller of the U.S. Department of Commerce, international transport consultant Clement Schrader and Patrick Weaver of First National Bank. The panel will be moderated by Dan Fogel of SP3 Capital.
Intro to the Asheville Startup Scene
February 20, 6-7:30 p.m. @Venture Asheville
Join Jeff Kaplan, director of Venture Asheville, and co-founder of Supportedly, Stephanie Kissel, for an introduction to Asheville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Tickets are free. Drinks provided.
CATALYST for SBIR/STTR
February 21, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. @UNCC, Barnhardt Student Activity Center
The Small Business Technology & Development Center is hosting a free, half-day session on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding programs.
Tax Prep for Creative Entrepreneurs
February 21, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Center for Design Innovation
This workshop helps creative entrepreneurs handle their taxes and finances. Tickets are free for Center for Creative Economy-Swerve members and $20 for non-members. Lunch provided.
SciTech Lecture Series: Clinical Trials Enterprise in the 21st Century
February 21, 4-5 p.m. @Forsyth Tech, Strickland Auditorium
This month’s SciTech Lecture Series is presented by Jennifer Byrne, CEO of Javara.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
February 21, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
February 21, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.
Team RWB Leadership Seminar w/ Mike Erwin
February 22 @7:30 a.m. in Pinehurst
This one-day leadership seminar is presented by Mike Erwin, CEO of The Character & Leadership Center and author of Lead Yourself First.
2019 Marketing Summit
February 22, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. @Bermuda Run Country Club
At Marketing Summit, five local presenters will lead sessions on online marketing and promotional tools, offering effective and cost-efficient strategies attendees can take to their work. Ticket includes breakfast and lunch.
Train the Trainer: SBIR/STTR Grant Funding Seminar
February 22, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. @UNC Charlotte
Hosted by First Flight Venture Center, this full-day seminar will explain how startups can obtain funding from the SBIR/STTR grant programs for entrepreneurs, covering strategy, preparing competitive proposals, internal procedures, and more.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
February 22, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
BLKTECH Presents: Career Development Boot Camp
February 23, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. @BLKTECHCLT
This interactive workshop led by Latesha Byrd of Byrd Career Consulting will cover job search strategies, salary negotiation, resumes and more.
2019 Business of Farming Conference
February 23 @AB Tech Conference Center, Asheville
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s annual conference brings together professional farmers to network and share resources to grow their businesses.
Biz & Brews Happy Hour
February 26, 5-6 p.m. @Focal Point Coworking
Focal Point Coworking is hosting Asheville professionals and entrepreneurs for an hour of networking over snacks, local beer and cider.
Cape Fear Women In Tech: HODL—The Cryptocurrency Market
February 26, 5:30-7 p.m. @tekMountain
Entrepreneur and marketing specialist Bambi Weavil will present a session on the opportunities of the digital currency market.
Free Workshop: Web Development Essentials
February 26, 6-9 p.m., Charlotte, NC (venue TBD)
Tech Talent South Charlotte is hosting a free, three-hour 101 workshop covering HTML, CSS and Bootstrap. Learn the fundamental tools needed to build your own website.
Tech Talent South Charlotte: VR Party
February 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Come explore Virtual Reality—learn how it works, what it can do, and try it out for yourself!
UNC Charlotte Biohacking Series, Feat. Marina Levina
February 28, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. @UNC Charlotte
UNC Charlotte’s Center for Professional and Applied Ethics is hosting an informative discussion with Marina Levina, Ph.D., an associate professor of Media Studies at the University of Memphis.
Skookum Volcano Tour
February 28, 12-1 p.m. @Skookum Charlotte
Join an open tour of the Skookum office to get an introduction to the tech and ideas powering the community. The Skookum team will be available for any questions or comments participants may have. Lunch will be provided.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
February 28, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
BLKTECHCLT Learning Lab: Getting Funding for Your Business
February 28, 6-8 p.m. @BLKTECHCLT
This workshop will cover what lending institutions look for when examining applications, how to prepare to apply and helpful resources. The lesson will be led by Ron Fisher, business development officer at Carolina Small Business Fund.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
February 28, 6-9 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.
TechWorks Maker Meetup
February 28, 7-9 p.m. @Rivermen Brewing Company
Join TechWorks Gaston for networking over free beer and appetizers.
