Southeast Shoutouts | Programming across the region
From Atlanta to Birmingham, Greenville, and Raleigh, there are several opportunities this month.
From Birmingham, AL:
Birmingham Bound is a non-profit organization dedicated to growing the local tech ecosystem in what is frequently referred to as The Magic City. Founded in 2018 to bring technology companies to Birmingham and grow the tech ecosystem, the organization announced in March 2022 that it would transition to a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status and operate independently from Shipt, founded in the city as a delivery service and now owned by Target Corporation.
In mid-December, the organization named Maria Underwood, a native of the region, as its President. In the announcement of her appointment, Birmingham Bound wrote that it had recruited more than 20 companies to Birmingham and has helped those companies thrive by connecting them with key leaders and innovators in its tech-forward, entrepreneurial, and obnoxiously supportive community.
The nonprofit works closely with local leaders to recruit, retain, and grow startups to build our tech-forward community. Since launching as an independent nonprofit, Birmingham Bound has received generous support from community partners including Shipt, Landing, and Alabama Power.
From Raleigh, NC:
It is promoted as “not your average tech event.
For three days just past the middle of October, attendees will gather in the Tar Heel capital city for “Pandemonium 2023,” a celebration of products. Started in 2017, it is targeted at attendees who represent product teams, as well as those who support product customer support, marketing, UX, training, information technology, and sales. This year’s event will include more than 30 breakout sessions across tracks including “Drive workplace efficiency,” “Lead in product,” and “Accelerate your Pendo initiatives.”
The full agenda can be found here, and a link to registration can be found here.
From Atlanta, GA:
The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) has received a $1 million grant from PayPal Holdings, Inc. to launch the “PayPal Retail Academy,” which will provide a robust curriculum of innovative coaching, specialized tools, and valuable resources to help entrepreneurs based in Atlanta grow their businesses.
As an extension of PayPal and RICE’s shared missions to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs, the PayPal Retail Academy will educate participants on every aspect of successfully starting and scaling a retail business. The curriculum will include training on non-traditional retail paths, up-leveling checkout and digitization, developing global marketing strategies, and navigating supply chain issues. Other key components will include research and recommendations to eliminate some of the barriers underrepresented retail SMBs face.
“Beyond education, this partnership symbolizes growth for our entrepreneurial community,” said Jay Bailey, President and Chief Executive Officer of RICE. “We recognize the paramount importance of harnessing retail avenues and embracing digital transformation. The PayPal Retail Academy will serve as a conduit for this knowledge, empowering RICE Stakeholders to navigate the complexities of retail with resilience and innovation. Every facet of the Academy is meticulously designed to elevate entrepreneurs to new heights.”
Participants in the PayPal Retail Academy will receive both financial and human capital. These entrepreneurs will be eligible to receive grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 alongside mentoring and coaching from PayPal employees.
More information can be found here.
From Greenville, SC:
The NEXT Venture Summit will highlight 10 of the region’s most exciting start-ups and offer expanded opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with funders, founders, and other experts over two days starting September 12. Now in its eighth year, the event kicks off September 12 from 1-5 p.m. at Huguenot Mill with an invitation-only investor match day where start-ups will have the chance to connect with potential investors. The summit conference follows on September 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Greenville One Center with a variety of keynote speakers.
Also from Atlanta, GA:
Eighty-three companies have been selected to participate in this month’s Venture Atlanta Conference. Scheduled for September 26-28 at the Woodruff Arts Center and Atlanta Symphony Hall, the event draws 1,300 attendees who represent 350 funds.
