Launch Week Encourages Innovation and Entrepreneurship

A series of events relating to innovation and entrepreneurship will take place as part of Launch Week, November 17^th-19^th. Launch Week aims to inspire and promote collaboration among entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals throughout northwest Iowa by providing workshops, business presentations and networking opportunities.

The week of creativity begins with Biz Brew on Wednesday, November 17^th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Buffalo Alice (1022 4^th St). 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 beverages, free pizza and great conversations.

On Thursday, November 18^th Chatterkick CEO and founder, Beth Trejo, will share her expertise on how to best utilize social media as a small business. Beth will provide tips for getting the most out of your social media presence, engaging and building a following, creating a brand for different platforms, and more! Don’t miss this free workshop held at 9:00 a.m. at Design West in downtown Sioux City (1014 Design Place).

Later that day, the economic development organizations in northwest Iowa will host The BIG Challenge pitch competition at Willow Creek Golf Course in Le Mars (935 Park Lane). Entrepreneurs in northwest Iowa submitted their ideas to start or expand a business, and from the entries, five finalists have been selected to present their idea to an audience and judges for a chance to win thousands in cash prizes. The first-place winner will receive $5,000, second place will receive $2,500, third place will receive $1,500, and fourth and fifth place will receive $500. The event is free and doors will open to the public at 5:00 p.m.

To conclude the week, a Business for Breakfast event will be held on Friday, November 19^th at the Sioux City Convention Center. As co-founder and CEO of Lemonly, home of the world’s best infographics, John T. Meyer has spent more than 10 years building a people-first company were people want to work. John recognizes that the world has changed and that we need to change as people AND as organizations. John will inspire you to embrace this new world and push your mindset forward. The free event begins at 7:30 a.m. and RSVP’s are requested by calling 224-5500 or online at www.locatesiouxcity.com/business-breakfast.

A special thank you to the featured sponsor of Launch Week, Iowa’s West Coast Initiative, for underwriting the cost of many of these events. To view additional details for each event, visit https://www.facebook.com/iowaswestcoast.