5 things you need to know about Entrepalooza Siouxland
This year’s Entrepalooza Siouxland event was so big that it now stretches into a second week.
The event, started five years ago by Judy Thompson at Briar Cliff University, was created to “put a spotlight on entrepreneurship” which Thompson teaches at the Sioux City college. Thompson started the Swimming with the Sharks event at Briar Cliff and brings in a keynote speaker each year to talk about business growth, community building and startsups.
Tangentially, the Sioux City Growth Organization started its own event, the Innovation Market (above), about the same time. That event, which gives the community a chance to vote on the best small business ideas, also includes a night of networking, speakers and fun. An after party sponsored by Startup Sioux City caps off the evening.
Now, a number of related events and outgrowths have arisen to create what is a 10-day celebration of entrepreneurship.
Already Entrepalooza is underway – a student and executive speed networking event was held Wednesday. And the rest of the schedule promises to attract hundreds of people from across Siouxland at a number of great events. Here’s 5 things you need to know about Siouxland’s Entrepalooza events.
- It’s a big deal. I’ll start with one of the biggest things on this year’s schedule. It is an event that is often overlooked – the featured speaker at Briar Cliff, which this year is Brad Feld. Seen as a leader in the national entrepreneurial movement, Feld is a big deal, and to have him speak, albeit via videoconference, is a coup. Feld keeps full schedule, and is a respected author, entrepreneur and investor. Bonus: The first 150 people get a free copy of Feld’s book “Startup Communities,” which documents entrepreneurial growth and the burgeoning support for the startup movement in Boulder over the past 20 years. Get there early.
- It’s about more than startups. This one could not be more true – while the focus many nights centers on starting businesses and great business ideas, the reality is this is about supporting Sioux City’s future business owners, about economic development, about community prosperity. Entrepalooza events are for anyone who cares about the future success of our city and region.
- It’s about education. Many of this year’s new events are anchored in educating a future of creativity. The Speed Networking event was aimed a college students. On Friday, Feb. 20, the 5th Grade Jumpstart Market will feature products developed by young Siouxland visionaries. And on Tuesday, before the Innovation Market, high school students will get a chance to shine at the Innovation grow event. These events are a great way
- It’s a lot of fun. Truly these events are great for networking, but they also expose attendees to a wealth of creative people helping drive ideas for a better Siouxland. Whether they be artists, business owners, investors or students, the connections being made make for a more exciting community.
- It’s important. Fact: Nearly 100% of all net new job growth in America can be attributed to startups. While many larger companies ebb and flow over time as firms relocate and get bought, sold or closed, small business owners are invested in their communities and the success of their neighboring companies, so supporting new company growth and expansion is key to a brighter Sioux City.
Find a complete schedule of events, speakers and more at http://entrepaloozasiouxland.com/.
About the Author
Thomas Ritchie I love food, cycling, family, music, social media and especially Sioux City. Got an idea for a story - shoot me a note at siouxcitynow1@gmail.com.
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