Startup Weekend, a national grassroots business-launching event, is coming to Reno, Nevada for the first time on February 22-24, 2013. Startup Weekend Reno will connect local entrepreneurs, developers, designers and startup enthusiasts with mentors and resources for a weekend of sharing ideas, forming teams and launching startups.
Whether participants found companies, make a new business connection or learn a skill outside the usual 9-to-5, they will be better prepared to navigate the exciting and challenging world of startups.
“Northern Nevada has a lot of talented entrepreneurs and this fast-paced startup proving-ground will help to propel them to action. It’s exciting to see the dynamics when we bring together entrepreneurs, mentors and supporters. Startup Weekends are full of energy and creativity all focused around a model of ‘build and test as-you-go” said Walt Borland, President and CEO of NIREC, which has partnered with Startup Weekend to bring the event to Reno, following the success of the Startup Weekend that NIREC organized in Elko at the end of September.
On Friday night, attendees pitch their ideas in 60 seconds or less. The remainder of the weekend is spent in groups formulating the most popular ideas—often Web and mobile applications—with the help of mentors and seasoned startup entrepreneurs. The weekend is a 54-hour frenzy of business model creation, coding, designing and market validation. It culminates with presentations in front of entrepreneurial thought-leaders, bankers, venture capitalists, and marketing and sales gurus, who provide critical feedback.
The event’s principle sponsors are NIREC and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). “GOED is proud to back this kind of innovative, grassroots effort that leads to real job creation. Roughly 80 percent of participants continue working with their team or startup after the weekend, and over 36 percent of participating groups are still going strong after three months” commented GOED Executive Director Steve Hill.
Software developers and designers as well as individuals with business skills (i.e., marketing, PR, graphic design) are encouraged to sign up for Startup Weekend. Registration is open to everyone, though spots are limited to ensure a great experience. Register online at swreno.org. If you are interested in sponsoring, mentoring or helping to organize the event, please connect with us on Twitter @SWReno or by emailing [email protected].
