Annual event provides pathways for entrepreneurs and social enterprises

The second annual Startup Vikes event will be held Friday, April 24^th through Sunday April 26^th and will offer developers, designers, marketers, inventors, entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts an opportunity to share ideas, form teams, build prototypes and launch a business within one weekend.

Using Lean Startup methodologies, the weekend event begins on Friday with pitches, voting for the top ideas and team formation. A series of workshops guide participants through building a business including business modeling, customer development, branding, revenue/financial models, legal and pitching to investors.

This year, Startup Vikes has partnered with SEA Change, Northeast Ohio’s social enterprise accelerator. This partnership allows for a track for social enterprises using the same methodologies developed for startup business enterprises.

A Cash Infusion and Prize Packages are awarded to the top three businesses and social enterprises formed from the weekend.

“Startup Vikes provides a pathway for entrepreneurship,” said Colette Hart, senior director for the Centers of Outreach and Engagement. “It demonstrates Cleveland State University’s commitment to providing innovative programing that engages beyond the classroom and impacts the greater community.”

Tickets are $39 for students and $79 for community members and include all workshops, meals, snacks, resources and coffee for the weekend. Registration is at: www.startupvikes.com