ideaCON 2017
2017-03-12 14:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | The City Winery, 209 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN, 37203
ideaCON is a conference for entrepreneurs and startups is hosted by Ideashares (presenters at last year’s CO.STARTERS Summit) and will feature some awesome food, pitches, speakers and a performance by the Katinas. Share this opportunity with your program graduates and learn more about this opportunity here.
Special Access! 50% discount for the CO.STARTERS community if you use the code “COSTARTERS.”
REGISTER HERE.

CO.STARTERS Generator Training
2017-03-15 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | The Edney Innovation Center, 1100 Market Street, Floor 5, Chattanooga, TN, 37402
Want to inspire teens to be entrepreneurs? CO.STARTERS Generator is here to help. Building on the proven CO.STARTERS model, CO.STARTERS Generator is a modular program that helps teens explore their passions through generating, testing, and launching ideas. This training will equip potential facilitators with the tools needed to use the Generator program and help students move from idea to action. Contact us if you’d like to learn more about Generator.
REGISTER HERE

TN Rural Development Conference
2017-03-22 13:00 - 2017-03-23 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Embassy Suites, 1200 Conference Center Boulevard , Murfreesboro, TN, 37129
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), USDA Rural Development (RD), and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) partner to bring together local leaders from across rural Tennessee to encourage, inspire, and learn from each other. At this event, you’ll find expert Speakers from across the nation speaking on a broad range of topics important to rural communities – from economic and community development strategies to leadership development.

REGISTER HERE

CO.STARTERS March Community Call
2017-03-22 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Wouldn’t a pop-up shop be a great way to help your graduates test their ideas on the ground? During the March Community Call, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from Allen Woods of MORTAR in Cincinnati share how their pop-up shop, Brick OTR, is doing just that – and how you can do the same. In the meantime, check out this video about their work with underserved entrepreneurs.
To join the call via Zoom click here.
Or call in the old-fashioned way:
Dial: +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll) or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll)
Meeting ID: 757 334 123

InBIA International Conference
2017-03-25 - 2017-03-29 | Sheraton Seattle Hotel, 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101
“The largest gathering of entrepreneurial ecosystem leaders on the planet,” this conference is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded peers. Learn more about the conference here.
Of special note, InBIA and CO.STARTERS will be announcing an exciting new partnership through a pre-conference event titled “An Ecosystem Development Workshop: Build your Community Framework to Accelerate Regional Collaboration.”
CO.STARTERS founder Enoch Elwell will also be leading a session during the main conference on “Engaging Entrepreneurs to Accelerate Cultural Transformation” that will highligh the successful work of CO.STARTERS communities around the globe.
As a member of the CO.STARTERS community, use “costarters31” to get a special access discount of 10% off ALL conference events.
REGISTER HERE

Hometown Summit
2017-04-13 - 2017-04-15 | Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, 233 4th St NW, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
Join hundreds of innovators from across the United States at the Hometown Summit, America’s biggest conference for small cities, taking place this April 13-15 in Charlottesville, VA. Sign up here using the promotional code COSTARTCITY for a 20% discount on your badge. Deadline for registration is March 15th.
REGISTER HERE

CO.STARTERS Alumni Support Program: Free Masterclass Preview
2017-05-10 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
This special preview of our newest partner’s program is an insightful and interactive conversation at the crossroads of entrepreneurship and cutting-edge leadership psychology. This free masterclass provides a preview of Good Startups’ Breakthrough Program, a new 12-week program that your organization can offer to CO.STARTERS graduates.
REGISTER HERE

CO.STARTERS May Community Call
2017-05-24 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
You’ve asked for it and we’ve listened: Introducing the new four-hour CO.STARTERS Get Started Workshop! During our May Community Call, you’ll have the opportunity to hear Rebekah Marr of CO.STARTERS and Ashlee Owens of The Company Lab share how the new CO.STARTERS Get Started Workshop (available June 2017) can help you serve a broader number of people in your community and better recruit for the nine-week program.
To join the call via Zoom click here.
Or call in the old-fashioned way:
Dial: +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll) or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll)
Meeting ID: 406 285 365

36|86
2017-06-04 - 2017-06-07 | Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 1 Symphony Place , Nashville, TN, 37201
Hosted by our partner Launch Tennessee, 36|86 is the Southeast’s premier technology conference for entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders from across the country. The event showcases the top early- and growth-stage startups that are driving innovation in traditional industries and positioning the region to lead the country’s next wave of entrepreneurship. Learn more about the conference here and use the code COSTARTERS25 prior to checkout to get 25% off the ticket code!
REGISTER HERE

New CO.STARTERS Alumni Support Program: Free Masterclass Preview
2017-07-06 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
This special preview of our newest partner’s program is an insightful and interactive conversation at the crossroads of entrepreneurship and cutting-edge leadership psychology. This free masterclass provides a preview of Good Startups’ Breakthrough Program, a new 12-week program that your organization can offer to CO.STARTERS graduates. CO.STARTERS is paying all the costs up front so that the first100 starters who sign up can access it for free! Time is running out to share this opportunity with your starters. Sign up here for the masterclass preview.

CO.STARTERS July Community Call
2017-07-13 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Hear Sammy Ortiz of Y.E.S., Sabrina Nagel of AUT, Jeff Brown of The Biz Foundry, and others discuss the importance of inspiring youth entrepreneurs and share the tools and programs they are using to impact the next generation.

Details on Joining the Call:
From PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/335465744
Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +14086380968,,335465744# or +16465588656,,335465744#
Or Telephone:
Dial: +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) or +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll)
Meeting ID: 335 465 744

CO.STARTERS Sponsored Breakthrough Program with Good Startups
2017-07-18 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
CO.STARTERS is sponsoring up to 100 participants who join in the first Breakthrough Cohort being offered in July. The 12-week Breakthrough Program provides the most important business development and mindset transformation tools required to create a thriving and sustainable venture. Offered in partnership with Good Startups, this program is now available for free to the first 100 CO.STARTERS graduates who sign up for the class through this link and use the promo code COSTARTERSGEN1 (A $450 value!).
Our only request is that whoever signs up will commit to showing up on time each week, ready to learn and participate. Our goal is to create a powerful case study that will inspire creative starters around the world to receive this type of entrepreneurial development coaching.

Unpolished Conference
2017-09-14 - 2017-09-15 | Crossroads Church, 3500 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45209
The 2017 Unpolished Conference presented by Fifth Third will be held on September 14-15, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Unpolished is a three-tier program designed to support entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing training, community and insight on integrating faith and business. The annual conference is the capstone event and hosts participants from across the nation. The other tiers include local networking and Cincinnati based extended training.
The first day of the conference features six entrepreneurs who grew a business because of their faith or launched a business in response to a faith crisis. Anne Beiler founded Aunt Annie’s Pretzels; Mary Miller founded Jancoa Janitorial Service; Mark Whitacre’s story was featured in the movie The Informant; David Roth founded workmatters; Clifton Taulbert is a bestselling author and Brian Tome co-founded Crossroads Community Church. Our conference emcee will once again be Allen Woods from Mortar. View the full speaker details here.
The second day of the conference features four 75 minute workshops. Integrating your faith into your business; building into employees as your foundation for success; telling your story as your primary marketing plan; and, funding your business. Each workshop is led by a renowned expert: Brandon Schaefer (Five Capitals); Joe Boyd (Rebel Pilgrim); Mary Miller (Jancoa Janitorial Service) and Fifth Third Bank.
Attendees can participate in one day or both days.
REGISTER HERE

CO.STARTERS September Community Call
2017-09-14 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Growing Inclusive Communities
While entrepreneurship is generally on the rise,there are significant barriers for many people. Last year the Kauffman Foundation put out a call for proposals to increase inclusion for women and minorities. Out of over 375 applicants, twelve were awarded grants. Out of that twelve, three were members of our CO.STARTERS community. Join representatives from The Commons on Champa, LAUNCH Chattanooga, and The Company Lab as we discuss the importance of inclusion and efforts to close the gap for the underserved. Click here to join the call.

CO.STARTERS Summit Retreat - Birmingham, AL
2017-09-29 - 2017-10-01
This year, we’re taking the Summit on the road for a casual retreat-style event in Birmingham, Alabama! Join us for a weekend of rejuvenation and collaboration with the greater CO.STARTERS community.
REGISTER HERE

CO.STARTERS Summit Retreat - Dunedin, NZ
2017-10-11 - 2017-10-14 | Dunedin Leisure Lodge, 30 Duke Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
For the first time, CO.STARTERS is hosting a retreat for our communities on the far side of the globe in Dunedin, NZ! Join us to connect with other community leaders, build meaningful relationships, and discover ways to support your community better.
REGISTER HERE

CO.STARTERS November Community Call
2017-11-09 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
At CO.STARTERS, we understand the importance of tracking measurable outcomes to gauge success. For this reason, we have been working to create an impact measurement system that will help all of us better understand the effectiveness of our work. During our November call, you’ll have a chance to hear about our new systems, what some of our members have learned from the data, and discuss how impact measurement can benefit our work moving forward. Click here to join the call.

CO.STARTERS January Community Call
2018-01-18 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
As we enter the new year, we want to take a moment to look back on 2017 and celebrate your successes across the CO.STARTERS community. To this end, our January Community Call will highlight stories of encouragement from you – our members – in as many five minute segments as we can fit. If you have a celebratory story to share, please let Molly know so we can include you on the schedule.
If you are not a member of the CO.STARTERS community and would like to know how you can participate in this or future calls, please contact us here.

CO.STARTERS March Community Call
2018-03-22 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Although we started out as a nine-week program for entrepreneurs, CO.STARTERS has been slowly evolving to be much more than just that. In our March Community Call, founder Enoch Elwell will share his vision about how CO.STARTERS is growing and changing in order to serve you – our community – better.

Startup Champions Network Summit
2018-04-03 - 2018-04-05
Twice annually, Startup Champions Network members meet in-person to connect, share knowledge/experiences, and take a deep, behind-the-scenes dive into the local host ecosystem. CO.STARTERS is hosting the Spring 2018 Summit in Chattanooga. If you are interested in learning more about the Startup Champions Network and how you might participate in this event, details can be found here.

Hometown Summit
2018-04-11 - 2018-04-14 | Charlottesville, VA
The Hometown Summit is a forum to advance resilience and thriving in America’s small cities. Launched in 2017 with over 450 changemakers from 76 US cities, the Summit returns this April for three days of insights and fellowship across geographies and sectors. Addressing national challenges with local solutions, the theme of 2018’s Summit is “Own It.”

InBIA International Conference on Business Incubation
2018-04-22 - 2018-04-25
This year, InBIA’s 32nd International Conference on Business Incubation will be held in Dallas, Texas, and they are inviting everyone who works with an entrepreneurial support organization (ESO) to join them at this year’s conference. The agenda will feature more than 30 educational sessions (including one on ecosystem building by our very own Enoch Elwell), powerful keynote speakers, and several unique opportunities to meet, connect and collaborate with peers from around the globe. Come hang out with us at this event!

Rural RISE Summit
2018-05-14 - 2018-05-16 | Canaan Valley Resort, 230 Main Lodge Rd, Davis, West Virginia
How do we empower the leaders, doers, and innovators in rural communities? Rural RISE is the inaugural summit for rural leaders fighting to answer that question in their communities, co-hosted by CO.STARTERS. Spend some time with the CO.STARTERS team as we work with others to bridge the gap for underserved entrepreneurs in rural communities. Go here to register.

CO.STARTERS May Community Call: Engaging Community Partners
2018-05-17 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Sometimes it’s challenging as one organization to provide everything your starters need. How do you create collaborative community partnerships with other support organizations to better support your starters? Join MORTAR Cincinnati, ETC Baltimore, and others to discuss how they have leveraged other existing resources in their communities to provide a continuum of support.
If you are not currently a CO.STARTERS member and would like to join the call, reach out and let us know.

Image Credit: Startup Week Chattanooga, a great example of community partnership

ESHIP Summit
2018-07-11 - 2018-07-13 | Kansas City Marriot Downtown, 200 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO
Launched in 2017, the ESHIP Summit is a three-year initiative designed to bring early adopters of entrepreneurial ecosystem building together to collaboratively create the tools, resources and knowledge the field needs to more effectively do the work of creating inclusive communities that empower entrepreneurs. For more information visit www.eshipsummit.org.

CO.STARTERS July Community Call: Ongoing Support for Alumni
2018-07-19 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
How do you keep alumni engaged and continue to support them on their startup journeys? On our July Community Call, learn about some valuable new programs coming from CO.STARTERS that will help with ongoing support for alumni. We’ll also hear a few stories from members of the community about how they support their alumni well.
If you are not currently a CO.STARTERS member and would like to join the call, reach out and let us know.

36|86 Entrepreneurship Festival
2018-08-29 - 2018-08-30 | Nashville, TN
Against the exciting backdrop of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, thought leaders nationwide convene for this two-day, high-impact event that offers the knowledge, connections and capital that are crucial to maintaining a competitive position in today’s globalized marketplace. Learn more and register for the Southeast’s premier gathering of founders, investors and ecosystem builders here.

e.Builders Forum
2018-09-17 - 2018-09-18 | Detroit, MI
This fall, CO.STARTERS will be partnering with InBIA on the second Ecosystem Builders (e.Builders) Forum. This two-day event in Detroit will combine InBIA’s seasoned practitioners, local industry leaders, and some CO.STARTERS flair as we share tools, resources, and success stories that highlight work being done in underserved communities. We’ll provide special ways for our CO.STARTERS community to connect with one another at the event, so be sure to join us! Learn more here.

CO.STARTERS September Community Call: What's Next?
2018-09-20 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
A question we’ve been hearing a lot from our CO.STARTERS community is “What’s next?” What’s next for our starters? What’s next for our local community? What’s next from CO.STARTERS? We’ve realized that the answer is not a one-size-fits-all approach. As CO.STARTERS changes and grows, part of that change is developing new ways to support you better on the local level. In our September Community Call, we’ll be sharing some of the ways we’re evolving (including our entire philosophy of how we engage communities), as well as new supports for current programs we’ll be rolling out in the coming months. We also will have an opportunity to hear from you—our community—to learn what you want from us.

IEDC Conference
2018-09-30 - 2018-10-02 | ATL
2018 Annual Conference
September 30 – October 3, 2018 | Atlanta, GA
In communities across the globe, there is a shared dream – one where every person has the opportunity to reach their fullest productive potential regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, income, background, or geography. Indeed, we are surrounded by neighbors who are facing significant barriers from fulfilling their dreams. How can we do better in helping all of the people living in our communities who would like to participate in the surrounding economy find a means to do so? How can we as economic developers work with our other community partners in helping to address these barriers? And how can we be more intentional about developing, recruiting, and expanding economic activities that would enable a community’s people to participate in those activities in their backyards?
Share cutting-edge ideas and engage your colleagues at the premier event for economic development practitioners.
