StartingBlock Madison is hosting three events centered around highlighting diversity and collaboration in the Madison startup community during the 12th annual Forward Festival. The Forward Festival is Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival, attracting more than 5,000 attendees and serving as host for more than 40 events over 8 days every August. StartingBlock has strongly supported and sponsored Forward Fest in the past.
Social Impact Cohort Pitch Competition: The StartingBlock Social Impact Cohort has been working diligently at solving problems of societal importance with their small scrappy teams. These inspirational social impact entrepreneurs will be competing with one-minute pitches to win $2500 in a cash prize. This event is brought to you in collaboration with the American Family Institute for Corporate and Social Impact and Associated Bank.
Founder Hour: Entrepreneurship Identity & Industry: A panel of diverse entrepreneurs from around Wisconsin will be sharing their lived experiences. Entrepreneurship can take many forms – music, the arts, tech, social impact, and service. Hear engaging stories of identity in the entrepreneurial space through a variety of industries. This event is brought to you in collaboration with the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber and Dane Arts.
Brews and Views: StartingBlock Open House: StartingBlock will host an open house in our 50,000 square foot entrepreneurial space, providing complimentary beverages and light appetizers. Learn about the services offered at StartingBlock, meet the team and members of the board of directors and hear updates about all of the things happening at StartingBlock and in the Madison ecosystem. Get to know the startup resources and organizations from around the community that are working to help entrepreneurs thrive. Attendees will receive a complimentary one-day pass to StartingBlock and may enter for the chance to win a full year StartingBlock flex membership valued at $2,000.
About StartingBlock
StartingBlock is a nexus for entrepreneurs, fundraisers, and business people to gather and grow. Our mission is to put Madison on the national map for entrepreneurship and innovation by creating the intersections that cultivate entrepreneurs, accelerate growth and drive innovation. Learn more at www.startingblockmadison.org.
About Forward Fest
Forward Fest is Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival made by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs. Whether events are in-person or virtual, your experience will be just as robust in terms of learning, professional growth and networking. Learn more at www.forwardfest.org.