Here’s our latest wrapup of upcoming conferences, contests, workshops, application deadlines and socials happening across North Carolina over the rest of March.
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 April. 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 suggest an event to be added to the calendar, feel free to send me an email.
New Ventures Info Session
March 18, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking – Davidson
Join this info session to learn more about the 12-week New Ventures Accelerator ahead of the application deadline on March 31. Companies accepted into the program receive an average equity investment of $50,000. A three-month residency at Flywheel follows their completion of the accelerator.
Venture Asheville Startup Road Trip: Charlotte
March 18, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. @Hygge Coworking at Camp North End
This month, six Asheville-based startups are hitting the road to bring a two-day showcase of funding-ready startups to Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Durham and Cary. The founders will each give an eight-minute pitch followed by five minutes of Q&A. More details here.
Application Deadline: Asheville Chamber Sky High Growth Awards
March 18
Nominations are now open for the 2019 Sky High Growth Awards, taking place April 24—a yearly event in which Asheville Chamber honors the accomplishments of members who are leading growth in the local business community.
Venture Asheville Startup Road Trip: Winston-Salem
March 18, 5-7 p.m. @Venture Cafe
This month, six Asheville-based startups are hitting the road to bring a two-day showcase of funding-ready startups to Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Durham and Cary. The founders will each give an eight-minute pitch followed by five minutes of Q&A. More details here.
Basics of Business Bookkeeping (Quickbooks)
March 18, 6-8 p.m. @Piedmont Community College Small Business Center
This seminar will teach participants the basics of bookkeeping with Quickbooks so they can save money and keep records accurately and professionally.
Federal Proposal Writing Workshop (Winston-Salem)
March 19, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. @Small Business Center at Forsyth Tech, Innovation Quarter
At this free workshop, government counselors from the North Carolina Procurement Technical Center will guide participants through the process of completing their next federal proposal. This event is part of a state-wide series hosted by the Small Business & Technology Development Center. More dates and locations here.
Lean Startup Circle LKN: Protecting a Startup
March 19, 11:30-1 p.m. @The Hurt Hub@Davidson
Lean Startup Circle LKN is hosting a workshop covering common legal matters relevant to startups. The session will be led by Lyle Gravatt and Adam Wanee of Forest Firm.
Winston Starts SPARK Speaker Series: Jen Brown
March 19, 11:30-1 p.m. @Winston Starts
Winston Starts is hosting Jen Brown of The Engaging Educator and Fearless Winston Salem for a talk on how to “Yes, And” your way to success. Tickets are free.
Lunch & Learn: Edge-Controlled & Cloud-Connected Design Patterns
March 19, 12-1 p.m. @The Launch Factory
Join John Breitenbach of RTI for an overview of the “Big 3” architectural patterns recommended by the Industrial Internet Consortium’s Industrial Internet Reference Architecture.
Collider Lunch & Learn: SEO Mistakes to Avoid
March 19, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
Join this lunch and learn to hear about the worst SEO errors and how you can avoid them.
EPIC Energy Seminar
March 19, 5-6:30 p.m. @EPIC Center, UNC Charlotte
Join this free seminar to learn about modern power conversion solutions, from electric power grids to aerospace power applications. The talk will be presented by Brandon Grainger, assistant professor and associate director of University of Pittsburgh’s Electric Power Systems Laboratory.
Indeavor Club: Lake Norman
March 20, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking @Hurt Hub
Indeavor, a networking club offered to all Flywheel Coworking members, is an opportunity to get to know fellow entrepreneurs and swap helpful resources with one another. The lunches are held on the third Wednesday of each month.
PLANIT GSO 2040 Fair
March 20, 12-6:30 p.m. @Greensboro Central Library, Nussbaum Room
This free drop-in event features hands-on activities and interactive discussions about Greensboro’s future. Sessions are designed to encourage conversations about goals proposed by PLANIT GSO, aiming to update Greensboro’s current Comprehensive Plan to the city’s investments and growth for the next 20 years.
Effectively Navigating Changing Careers Webinar
March 20 @1 p.m.
Shavonne Gordon, head of tech talent acquisition at Capital One, and Sherrell Dorsey, founder of The Plug Daily, will lead a webinar guiding participants through the process of successfully changing their career paths and landing a new job in tech.
Rural Day 2019 Training Webinar
March 20, 3-4:30 p.m.
At this webinar, the North Carolina Rural Center will provide an overview of its upcoming Rural Day on March 26. This session will cover issues facing rural communities and how to engage with elected leaders.
Launch Greensboro ‘tbd’ Event
March 20, 5-7 p.m. @Co//ab
Launch Greensboro is launching a new networking and community-collaboration program in 2019 called tbd. Events are held every other month.
Joules Accelerator Catalyst Kickoff
March 20, 5-7:30 p.m. @Duke Energy Innovation Center
Join the Joules Accelerator in celebrating the launch of Duke Energy Innovation Center at Optimist Hall. Enjoy refreshments and hear pitches from the latest class of Joules Catalyst participants as they’re introduced to the cleantech ecosystems in Charlotte and Raleigh. Read about the 2019 cohort here.
Cape Fear Women in Tech Meetup
March 20, 5:15-7:15 p.m. @Flying Machine Brewing Company
Cape Fear Women In Tech’s Meetup is a networking event for anyone who wants to meet like-minded people in the city and discuss all things tech.
Packard Place Public House
March 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Packard Place
On the third Wednesday of every month, the Queen City’s entrepreneurial community joins together for an evening of networking and connections over drinks.
Prospera’s How to Start a Home-Based Business
March 20, 6-8 p.m. @Biblioteca Pública de Cornelius
This free seminar in Spanish will cover useful information and resources—such as licenses and permits, state regulations, financing options and business development services—to help entrepreneurs start a business in North Carolina.
Center for Creative Economy: ‘Swerve’
March 21, 11:30-1 p.m. @Center for Design Innovation
At this month’s “Swerve” series event, Bull & Beard Co-Founder Jason Drass will share tips about influencing an audience through email communication.
Fireside Chat w/ Smashing Boxes CEO Nick Jordan
March 21, 11:30-1 p.m. @Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
The next Startup Grind Davidson event features a fireside chat with Nick Jordan, founder and CEO of Durham-based Smashing Boxes,
IdeaFest Pitch Competition (Danville, Virginia)
March 21, 1-6 p.m. @Cottontail Weddings & Events in Danville, VA
The Launch Place’s 6th annual IdeaFest competition will feature live presentations from 20 early-stage startup companies seeking seed and pre-seed funding. Three awards are on the table: $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second and $2,000 for third. This event is free and open to the public.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
March 21, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant
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.
Silicon Hollar Startup Social
March 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Lost Providence Brewing Co.
Silicon Hollar’s monthly Startup Social provides casual space to connect with others in the High Country area who are interested in technology and entrepreneurship.
Introduction to the Charlotte Startup Community
March 21, 6-7:30 p.m. @BLKTECHCLT
Those unacquainted with the Queen City startup scene are invited to attend a free orientation to the community, presented by StartCharlotte. The event will offer attendees introductions and networking, along with connections to local resources, events, companies, programs, investors, and more. Food and drinks will be provided.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
March 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.
hackathonCLT MMXIX
March 22-23 @Discovery Place Science
hackathonCLT, the 7th annual event of its kind, is an opportunity for local hackers, coders, developers, creatives and innovators to put their skills to the test. Over $30,000 in prizes will be awarded to the winning teams.
Tech Job Fair: Charlotte
March 22, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Pfeiffer University
NC TECH’s Job Fair series connects local tech talent to the companies and organizations looking to hire in the community.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
March 22, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Energy Technology Series Featuring Tokai Carbon USA
March 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m. @UNCC PORTAL Building
This event features a presentation and discussion on the emerging energy technology being developed in the Carolinas. The event features a talk from Scott Carlton, president of Tokai Carbon GE LLC, on the company’s technology and business model.
TechTalks on IoT 101: Opening a New World of Possibilities Through Data
March 26, 12-1:30 p.m. @Advent Coworking
Join Advent Coworking for a lunch and learn about IoT and its applications in business development and customer experience.
Biz & Brews Happy Hour
March 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.
Startup Grind: Fireside Chat w/ Betabox CEO Sean Maroni
March 26, 5:30-8 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking
The next event from Startup Grind Winston-Salem is a fireside chat with Sean Maroni, CEO and founder of Betabox.
How to Write an Adaptable & Innovative Business Plan
March 26, 6-8 p.m. @Piedmont Community College, Caswell Campus
This workshop serves as a hands-on introduction to the Business Model Canvas. Learn how to test out your new business plan using this strategy.
RIoT XXXIII: How IoT Is Disrupting Sports & Entertainment (Atlanta)
March 26, 6-8 p.m. @Atlanta Tech Village
RIoT comes to Atlanta this month for an event covering the latest trends disrupting the sports and entertainment industries, featuring the leading innovators paving the future in this space.
Using Data to Drive Growth
March 27, 8-9:30 a.m. @Flywheel Coworking
This workshop shows participants how to collect and interpret real-time data involving customer interaction, so they can better understand consumer behavior and boost their marketing strategy.
Ag Forward: Small Farms Agribusiness Conference
March 27, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. @Carver Lake Venue, Prospect Hill
This event features a day of discussion on whole farm business planning, agritourism and other topics affecting the agribusiness space.
Federal Proposal Writing Workshop
March 27, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. @UNC Charlotte PORTAL Building
At this free workshop, government counselors from the North Carolina Procurement Technical Center will guide participants through the process of completing their next federal proposal. This event is part of a state-wide series hosted by the Small Business & Technology Development Center. More dates and locations here.
Wilmington Biz Conference & Expo
March 27, 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. @Wilmington Convention Center
The WilmingtonBiz Expo brings together 2,000+ attendees for keynotes, an expo hall of over 100 exhibitors, strategy seminars and networking.
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Power of Women Meetup
March 27, 3-5 p.m. @The Bass Tap
Dawn Nicole, speaker, author and BrandDisco certified soft skills executive trainer, will lead a seminar on overcoming unconscious biases, exercising empathy and applying compassion in leadership.
DIY DNA: Ready to Design Your Grandchildren?
March 27, 5-7:30 p.m. @The Hurt Hub@Davidson
Join LaunchLKN and speaker Dr. Rachid El Beijani of the Davidson College Biology Department for a discussion on gene editing and the future of CRISPR technology.
Greenville Region Pitch Competition
March 27, 6 p.m. @StillLife
This pitch competition gives Greenville-area entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their business concepts for cash awards and network with other entrepreneurs. Anticipated awards range from $1,000 to $7,000. Applications are due by March 6.
Top 10 Technology Trends in Data Privacy
March 28, 8:30-10:30 a.m. @Northeastern University-Charlotte
Join Northeastern University-Charlotte and Charlotte International Arbitration Society for a discussion covering data privacy and cyber liability law in North Carolina. Breakfast is included.
Skookum Volcano Tour
March 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.
Startup High Country: Business Financials Workshop
March 28, 5-6 p.m. @Ransom
In this helpful workshop, Madelyn Hjertman of Startup High Country and Erich Schlenker of Appalachian State University’s Entrepreneurship Center will walk attendees through the basics of business financials for startups.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
March 28, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant
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.
Queens Pitch Competition
March 28, 5:30-8 p.m. @Queens University of Charlotte, Crown Room
This competition gives Queens University of Charlotte undergrad students from all disciplines the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas to an audience and panel of experts, and win up to $5,000 in cash.
Blockchain LKN Labs: Crypto Talks Thursdays
March 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.
WomanUP Presents Conquerors: Stories of Reaching for Success
March 28, 8-10:30 a.m. @Crowne Plaza Hotel Asheville
Asheville Chamber is hosting four women business leaders to share their experiences. Speakers include JoAnn Yoder of Arby’s/Brumit Restaurant Group, Murphy Funkhouser Capps of Kudzu Brands, Madeline Delp of Live Boundless and ALNUGE Codes Visual Language inventor Cleaster Cotton.
Webinar: NSF SBIR/STTR Program
March 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
The Small Business Technology & Development Center is hosting a free 45-minute webinar session on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding programs.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
March 29, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
City Startup Labs: Class of 2018 Demo Day
March 29, 6-9 p.m. @UNCC Center City
Meet the latest class of City Startup Labs founders as they present their ventures in a series of lightning round pitches before a panel of judges and compete for thousands of dollars in prizes.
Fleurix Conference
March 29-30 @Camp North End
This two-day event aims to increase the number of women in tech careers by connecting them with community and resources that can help conquer barriers to entry, retention and promotion of women in IT.
Techstars Startup Weekend Wilmington
March 29-31 @UNCW Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
At this 54-hour immersive Startup Weekend presented by Techstars, Wilmington developers, designers, marketers, students and innovators can collaborate together in teams to start their own projects and pitch their products/services to the audience for feedback.
Climate City Expo
March 29 – April 7
Climate City Expo (or CCx) is a multi-part, 10-day celebration of Asheville’s creativity, innovation and dedication to climate change awareness. (More coverage here.)
Application Deadline: Clean Fuel Advanced Technology Project
March 29
Cleantech innovators are encouraged to apply for the latest round of funding allocations under the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project, funded by the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program of the Department of Transportation.
CCx: Hack
March 31, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. @The Collider
This full-day challenge tasks coders, developers, designers and systems engineers to create climate data solutions using public datasets from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information, based in Asheville.
Application Deadline: New Ventures Accelerator
March 31
New Ventures is currently accepting applicants for its latest accelerator cohort. Companies accepted into the program receive an average equity investment of $50,000. A three-month residency at Flywheel follows their completion of the accelerator.
