Next Startup Weekend will be part of Global Battle

Local entrepreneurs and those excited about startups will come together for the fourth Startup Weekend Kalamazoo. This time it's part of a larger event--the Global Startup Battle.

As part of the competition, winning teams from Kalamazoo are eligible to move on toward competing globally and winning further awards.

Startup Weekend involves starting a business over 54 hours. The business goes from the idea stage to forming teams who will work on developing the idea over the weekend. Before weekends' end they will have launched a startup.

It all begins when attendees pitch their ideas to the group. They have 60 seconds to convince potential team members. Teams refine their ideas by working with mentors and experienced startup entrepreneurs over the weekend. On Sunday, teams present their ideas to a panel of judges--local entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and industry experts.

Startup Weekend will take place Nov. 22-24 at the MLive Hub on the Kalamazoo mall downtown.

For more information on the weekend’s event, as well as tickets to participate, please visit here or email the Startup Zoo here.

The weekend also is part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov 18-24. During the week, various activities will be happening in Kalamazoo to highlight the entrepreneurial activities and support available locally.

"This weekend is what I mean when talking about bold ideas to move Kalamazoo forward," says Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell. "It builds on our history of innovation while tapping the best, most creative thinking within our community. And it is one more example of why Kalamazoo is nationally recognized as a great place for young professionals. I encourage everyone to come out and participate."

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Kathleen LaFleur, Startup Weekend

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