Launch Week Encourages Innovation and Entrepreneurship

A week of events relating to innovation and entrepreneurship will take place in Sioux City as part Iowa’s West Coast Initiative annual Launch Week, November 14^th - 17^th. Launch Week aims to inspire and promote collaboration among students, business owners and professionals throughout northwest Iowa by providing workshops, startup presentations and networking opportunities.

The events kick off with a lunch & learn event titled, Social Media for Small Business on Tuesday, November 14^th at 12:00 p.m. at Design West (1014 Design Pl, Sioux City, Iowa 51101). Special guest Elizabeth Johnson with Best of Siouxland will provide entrepreneurs and small business owners an update on trends in social media that may help them grow their impact.

On Wednesday, November 15^th local entrepreneurs, small business owners and business professionals will gather for Biz Brew from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Jackson Street Brewing (607 5th St, Sioux City, IA 51101). Biz Brew brings people together who are interested in fostering a startup community and creating a positive environment for businesses to grow. Everyone is welcome to stop by and enjoy beverage specials, light appetizers, and great conversation.

A second lunch & learn event will be held on Thursday November 16^th at 12:00 p.m., at Design West (1014 Design Pl, Sioux City, Iowa 51101). Intellectual Property Rights & Patenting with an aim to educate the community on copyright eligibility and trade secret development. Attendees can look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of their legal rights. The event will feature Attorney William Hale with Goosman Law Firm, who will share his invaluable insights and expertise in this field. A great opportunity to broaden one's legal knowledge.

Later, Thursday, November 16^th the economic development organizations in northwest Iowa will host The BIG Challenge pitch competition at the Wells Visitor Center and Ice Cream Parlor in Le Mars (115 Central Ave NW, Le Mars, IA 51031). In September, entrepreneurs in northwest Iowa submitted their dreams to start or expand a business, and from the entries, five finalists have been selected to present their idea to an audience and judges in a pitch event for a chance to win thousands in cash prizes. The first-place winner will receive $5,000, second place will receive $3,000 and third place will receive $2,000. The event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. for a social hour with light appetizers and beverages, with the pitch competition starting at 6:00 p.m.

The culmination of Launch Week will happen with the City of Sioux City Economic Development and Iowa’s West Coast Initiative hosting Business for Breakfast. This year’s highly anticipated guest is Adam Carroll, who will provide tactics, strategies and a mindset for “Building a Bigger Life at Work”. The event is open to the public and will start at 8:00 a.m. at the Sioux City Convention Center. Breakfast will be provided and registration is requested by visiting locatesiouxcity.com/business-breakfast.

A special thank you to the featured sponsor of Launch Week, Iowa’s West Coast Initiative, and co-sponsor Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses for underwriting the cost of many of these events.