Here’s our exclusive wrapup of upcoming events happening across North Carolina in April and May. Included are the latest meetups, conferences, workshops, application deadlines and networking events happening in Asheville, Charlotte, the Triad, Wilmington and other parts of the state.
This post is part of our weekly column of upcoming events, along with our comprehensive resource guide for startups in the Triangle. 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 June. Recurring monthly meetups in the Triangle are listed here.
These columns are an extension of our interactive calendar of tech and startup events. If you’d like to submit an event, feel free to send me an email.
Note: The following list is our lineup of Triangle events through the end of May—most have been switched to a virtual format due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements.
Current Lessons from COVID-19 & Moving Forward
April 28, 12-1 p.m. (online)
Charlotte Artificial Intelligence & Deep Learning is hosting a virtual meetup featuring the team from H2O.ai discussing how to leverage AI and machine learning in healthcare.
Gig East Virtual Meetup
April 28, 2-3 p.m. (online)
Join Gig East for its first virtual meetup, featuring a discussion on innovative approaches to dealing with new changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The session will feature panelists from RIoT, Cisco and WRAL.
Coding Bootcamp: Test Your Skills
April 28, 6 p.m. (online)
Join this free virtual coding education event, hosted by Flatiron School and BLKTECHCLT.
1 Million Cups Lake Norman
April 29, 7:30-9 a.m. (online)
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.
Low Code Technology Webinar
April 29, 8:30-10 a.m. (online)
In this webinar, Humana Digital Channels Director Bruce Buttles will show how the insurance giant is using low code technology to boost its business. $50 will be donated to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC for each person who RSVPs. More TechWire coverage here.
1 Million Cups Wilmington
April 29, 9-10 a.m. (online)
This weekly event brings together entrepreneurs in the Wilmington and Cape Fear community to gather for coffee, casual startup pitches and conversation.
1 Million Cups Asheville
April 29, 9-10 a.m. @Archetype Brewing
Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear presentations and support one another in continuing to grow.
DIG SOUTH Wild Pitch Wednesday w/ Interloop
April 29, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (online)
Join DIG SOUTH to hear how Interloo is using machine learning and AI to help organizations better understand their sales forecasts.
Small to Mid-Size Business Recovery Solutions Webinar
April 29, 3-4 p.m. (online)
The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance is hosting a webinar with McKinsey & Company experts discussing challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic poses for small- and medium-sized businesses.
Packard Place Public House
April 29, 4:30-6:30 p.m. (virtual)
Every Wednesday, Packard Place is hosting a virtual gathering with Charlotte’s tech community. Join for networking and conversations over drinks.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
April 30, 5-8 p.m. (online)
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.
Get2Know NC TECH Webinar
May 1, 9-9:30 a.m.
This free monthly interactive webinar provides participants with an overview of NC TECH’s activities, resources and member offerings.
UNCW CIE Dial-Up Disrupt
May 1, 12-1 p.m. (online)
UNCW’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is hosting a weekly discussion where members of the community share their ideas for innovative products/services.
Venture Connect Summit 2020 (Online)
May 4 (online)
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development is bringing its flagship Venture Connect Summit online—tech and life science companies can join to network and connect with other entrepreneurs and investors virtually. More TechWire coverage here.
Venture Connect Summit 2020 (Online)
May 4 (online)
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development is bringing its flagship Venture Connect Summit online—tech and life science companies will pitch their products and participate in virtual sessions in multiple installments this month. More TechWire coverage here.
Application Deadline: City of Winston-Salem Small Business Plan Competition
May 4
The City of Winston-Salem’s Office of Business Inclusion and Advancement is hosting its sixth Business Plan Competition, in which winners can receive grants and micro-loans for starting up their business.
Asheville Small Business Week: Salute to Small Business
May 4-7 (online)
This year’s Asheville Small Business Week will center around the theme “Salute to Small Business,” focused on how the community can work together to overcome the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CIO + IT Executive Roundtable
May 5, 7:45-9 a.m. (online)
In this virtual session, IT leaders at NC TECH member companies will discuss relevant topics and best practices in their field.
Tech Slam ‘N Eggs
May 5, 8-9 a.m. (online)
Presented by Flywheel Coworking and hosted by Benekiva CEO Bobbie Shrivastav, this event will feature live technology demos from Triad-area startups.
1 Million Cups Lake Norman
May 6, 7:30-9 a.m. (online)
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.
CISO + IT Security Executive Roundtable
May 6, 7:45-9 a.m. (online)
This online meeting will convene CISOs, VPs and director-level security leaders from NC TECH member companies.
1 Million Cups Charlotte
May 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.
1 Million Cups Wilmington
May 6, 9-10 a.m. (online)
This weekly event brings together entrepreneurs in the Wilmington and Cape Fear community to gather for coffee, casual startup pitches and conversation.
1 Million Cups Asheville
May 6, 9-10 a.m. @Archetype Brewing
Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear presentations and support one another in continuing to grow.
Packard Place Public House
May 6, 4:30-6:30 p.m. (virtual)
Every Wednesday, Packard Place is hosting a virtual gathering with Charlotte’s tech community. Join for networking and conversations over drinks.
Ellevate Charlotte: Sip & See (Matthews)
May 6, 6-8 p.m. @Black Chicken Wine Cellar
The Charlotte chapter of the Ellevate network is hosting a casual social for both members and non-members in Matthews.
PayCLT: Dave Hunkele, FinTech & Banking – Observations for 2020
May 7, 8-9 a.m. (online)
For its next virtual event, PayCLT is hosting a talk with Kreativelabs Consulting CEO and Founder Dave Hunkele on issues impacting the fintech industry.
Rural Talk: An Advocacy Speaker Series
May 7, 11 a.m. (online)
In this webinar series, leaders from public, private and nonprofit sectors will discuss key issues affecting rural communities in North Carolina. Topics include broadband, entrepreneurship, small business development, housing, water, infrastructure and more.
MISSION-R Launch: First Response Entrepreneurs Combat COVID-19
May 7, 1-2 p.m. (online)
Join this virtual session to meet the six teams selected for RIoT’s new MISSION-R program. Hear their ideas on how they’re using technology to address COVID-19 response.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
May 7, 5-8 p.m. (online)
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.
UNCW CIE Dial-Up Disrupt
May 8, 12-1 p.m. (online)
UNCW’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is hosting a weekly discussion where members of the community share their ideas for innovative products/services.
Venture Connect Summit 2020 (Online)
May 11 (online)
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development is bringing its flagship Venture Connect Summit online—tech and life science companies will pitch their products and participate in virtual sessions in multiple installments this month. More TechWire coverage here.
1 Million Cups Lake Norman
May 13, 7:30-9 a.m. (online)
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.
PitchBreakfast Pitch Your Pivot Challenge (Round 2)
May 13, 8:45-10:15 a.m. (online)
PitchBreakfast’s Pitch Your Pivot Challenge returns for round two, in which four companies will present how they’re adapting to the COVID-19 crisis. Funding of over $5,000 will be rewarded.
1 Million Cups Wilmington
May 13, 9-10 a.m. (online)
This weekly event brings together entrepreneurs in the Wilmington and Cape Fear community to gather for coffee, casual startup pitches and conversation.
1 Million Cups Asheville
May 13, 9-10 a.m. @Archetype Brewing
Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear presentations and support one another in continuing to grow.
Accelerating Innovation: NCATS Funding for Biotech & Life Science Small Businesses
May 13, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (online)
Join this webinar to learn more about the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) and how to get R&D funding through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs.
Packard Place Public House
May 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m. (virtual)
Every Wednesday, Packard Place is hosting a virtual gathering with Charlotte’s tech community. Join for networking and conversations over drinks.
Rural Talk: An Advocacy Speaker Series
May 14, 11 a.m. (online)
In this webinar series, leaders from public, private and nonprofit sectors will discuss key issues affecting rural communities in North Carolina. Topics include broadband, entrepreneurship, small business development, housing, water, infrastructure and more.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
May 14, 5-8 p.m. (online)
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.
Ellevate Charlotte: Sip & See (Southpark)
May 14, 6-8 p.m. @Rooster’s Southpark
The Charlotte chapter of the Ellevate network is hosting a casual social for both members and non-members.
Ellevate Charlotte: Sip & See (Cornelius)
May 14, 6-8 p.m. @D9 Brewing Company
The Charlotte chapter of the Ellevate network is hosting a casual social for both members and non-members in Cornelius.
UNCW CIE Dial-Up Disrupt
May 15, 12-1 p.m. (online)
UNCW’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is hosting a weekly discussion where members of the community share their ideas for innovative products/services.
Ice House Entrepreneurship Workshop
May 16, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. @Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – West Boulevard
In this free workshop, participants will learn how to adopt and apply the entrepreneurial mindset in their lives.
Venture Connect Summit 2020 (Online)
May 18 (online)
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development is bringing its flagship Venture Connect Summit online—tech and life science companies will pitch their products and participate in virtual sessions in multiple installments this month. More TechWire coverage here.
1 Million Cups Lake Norman
May 20, 7:30-9 a.m. (online)
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.
Virtual Tech Job Fair
May 20, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (online)
NC TECH’s Job Fair series connects local tech talent to the companies and organizations looking to hire in the community. This Spring, the event will be held online, with companies hosting “virtual hiring rooms.”
1 Million Cups Wilmington
May 20, 9-10 a.m. (online)
This weekly event brings together entrepreneurs in the Wilmington and Cape Fear community to gather for coffee, casual startup pitches and conversation.
1 Million Cups Asheville
May 20, 9-10 a.m. @Archetype Brewing
Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear presentations and support one another in continuing to grow.
Packard Place Public House
May 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m. (virtual)
On the third Wednesday of every month, the Queen City’s entrepreneurial community joins together for an evening of networking and connections over drinks.
Rural Talk: An Advocacy Speaker Series
May 21, 11 a.m. (online)
In this webinar series, leaders from public, private and nonprofit sectors will discuss key issues affecting rural communities in North Carolina. Topics include broadband, entrepreneurship, small business development, housing, water, infrastructure and more.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
May 21, 5-8 p.m. (online)
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.
UNCW CIE Dial-Up Disrupt
May 22, 12-1 p.m. (online)
UNCW’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is hosting a weekly discussion where members of the community share their ideas for innovative products/services.
1 Million Cups Lake Norman
May 27, 7:30-9 a.m. (online)
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.
1 Million Cups Wilmington
May 27, 9-10 a.m. (online)
This weekly event brings together entrepreneurs in the Wilmington and Cape Fear community to gather for coffee, casual startup pitches and conversation.
1 Million Cups Asheville
May 27, 9-10 a.m. @Archetype Brewing
Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear presentations and support one another in continuing to grow.
Rural Talk: An Advocacy Speaker Series
May 28, 11 a.m. (online)
In this webinar series, leaders from public, private and nonprofit sectors will discuss key issues affecting rural communities in North Carolina. Topics include broadband, entrepreneurship, small business development, housing, water, infrastructure and more.
Skookum Volcano Tour
May 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
May 28, 5-8 p.m. (online)
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.
NIH SBIR/STTR Proposal Development & Commercialization Strategy
May 29, 1-4:30 p.m. (online)
The NC Small Business and Technology Development Center is hosting a SBIR/STTR workshop for university faculty who are developing proposals for the program.
UNCW CIE Dial-Up Disrupt
May 29, 12-1 p.m. (online)
UNCW’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is hosting a weekly discussion where members of the community share their ideas for innovative products/services.
Application Deadline: New Ventures Accelerator [EXTENDED]
May 31
New Ventures is currently accepting applicants for its latest accelerator cohort. Companies accepted into the three-month program receive a residency at Flywheel Coworking, acceptance into Winston Starts’ Explore Program, mentorship, and access to top investors in the Triad and beyond. The accelerator culminates in a competition where an average of $50,000 in funding is awarded per startup. (NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 crisis, New Ventures has rescheduled the accelerator to August. The application deadline is now extended to May 31.)
