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Startup Challenge
Startup Challenge Overview
The Startup Challenge is a weekend of DOING, not TALKING. Three days to make real traction on an idea you've been looking to bring to fruition.
It's a weekend-long experiential learning event, Friday night through Sunday night. We begin by forming teams around brand-new ideas, and teams have just one weekend to turn an idea into a real business.
Anyone's welcome to participate — even if you don't have an idea.
No business knowledge or special skills required.
You'll learn how by doing it.
We have all the resources you need to succeed.
Teams must be present for the bulk of the weekend.
If you're wondering whether the Startup Challenge is right for you, then it probably is.
Note: You must be 18 years or older to participate.
Learn How to Launch a Startup by Launching a Startup!
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Daily Schedule
- Friday, November 13: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday, November 14: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday, November 15: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Note: On Friday and Saturday, the venue closes at 11:00 PM.
Accessibility: If any special accommodations are needed, please let us know at least two weeks in advance so we can secure them.
Contrary to popular belief, startups aren’t about the idea!
They’re about the execution: so now that you have an idea and a team, it’s time to get to work. You have from Friday night to Sunday night to turn those ideas into a real business.
That’s less than 48 hours.
If this sounds hard or scary, that’s fantastic. In fact, you might even be thinking, “holy cow, that’s a crap-ton of work, and I have no idea what I’m doing!”
And you’re probably right! That’s why the Startup Challenge is for you.
Note: You must be 18 years or older to participate.
Support from Mentors and Facilitators
We’ve got a great team of facilitators and mentors to demystify the entire startup process and help you make rapid forward progress during the weekend, including:
- Seasoned entrepreneurs to ensure you’re on the right track
- Coaches and subject matter experts to answer your questions
- Free resources that you can use
- and more!
Seriously, we’ve got everything — you go home to sleep, but otherwise we provide all the food, coffee, snacks, and mentorship that you need to power through.
And your team’s hard work culminates Sunday night, where you’ll present your new business in front of a panel of judges for some amazing prizes — including cash!
It’s not about pitching “good ideas” (whatever that even means). Whoever gets the most traction wins.
Startup Challenge Spring 2025 Teams
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Startup Challenge Testimonial
So let's recap
We begin by forming teams around brand new ideas.
- Anyone’s welcome to participate — even if you don’t have an idea.
- Teams have just one weekend to turn the idea into a real business, and you’ll learn how by doing it.
- We have all the resources you need to succeed.
- No business knowledge or special skills required.
If you’re wondering if the Startup Challenge is right for you, then it probably is!
Our Team
