13 startup-themed events to attend this summer

If you have an interest in entrepreneurship but aren’t sure how to get involved, check out one or more of these events! Gain fundamental business skills, meet like-minded people, and maybe even start building your very own startup!

Learn from a wide variety of people with hands-on experience at one of our workshops, or check out one of our pitch competitions for a front-row seat to the action. Plus, our events almost always include free pizza. To stay up to date, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and Linkedin or subscribe to our weekly newsletter. We look forward to seeing you at an event this summer!

A panel of guest speakers for an AMA geared towards learning from common and frequent mistakes made during the startup journey. These people have been there and done that, and are here to tell you all about it.

When: Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Where: Velocity Start (2nd floor of South Campus Hall), University of Waterloo

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

2. WHAT’S YOUR PROBLEM?

Presented by legendary Larry Smith, Adjunct Associate Professor and Director of the Problem Lab at UWaterloo, Larry will share his take on how to find (and solve), “killer” problems. Trust us, this is a talk you do not want to miss.

When: Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Where: Velocity Start (2nd floor of South Campus Hall), University of Waterloo

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

3. BUILDING A KICK A** TEAM

Led by Velocity Startup Coach Phil Everson, this workshop will help you build the perfect team for your business. Meet other eager entrepreneurs and network your way to success! You’ll be hearing from some fantastic speakers:

When: Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Where: Velocity Start (2nd floor of South Campus Hall), University of Waterloo

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

4. AIN’T NO MODEL LIKE A BUSINESS MODEL

Startup Coach, Phil Everson, will take you through the ins and outs of business models, specifically the lean canvas. You’ll walk away from this workshop with the tools to create your own rockin’ business model!

When: Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Where: Velocity Start (2nd floor of South Campus Hall), University of Waterloo

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

5. DO PEOPLE WANT YOUR SH*T?

Find out all about market validation at this workshop. By the end of the night, you’ll be an expert in interacting with the right people and asking the right questions to determine whether your idea could be a viable business.

When: Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Where: Velocity Start (2nd floor of South Campus Hall)

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

6. QUANTUM VALLEY INVESTMENTS® PROBLEM PITCH COMPETITION

Join the audience to watch students pitch important industry problems they have identified for a share of up to $15,000 in grant funding. You’ll even get to have your say, with the audience deciding which team wins the People’s Choice Award! Want to compete? Applications are open and close May 21.

When: Thursday, June 14, 2018

Where: Room 105, Arts Lecture Hall, University of Waterloo

Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm

7. HOW TO FIND YOUR CUSTOMERS ONLINE

Join us to learn the ins and outs of using online platforms to find potential customers! We’ll cover strategies, tactics, and programs that you can use to conduct online market research and get your business in front of the right people.

When: Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Where: Velocity Start (2nd floor of South Campus Hall), University of Waterloo

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

8. PITCH TO WIN

Led by Wes Worsfold, Velocity Business Advisor, discover the components of a great pitch and have the chance to practice informally with your peers. A great way to test your skills and to share your ideas in a low-pressure environment.

When: Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Where: Velocity Start (2nd floor of South Campus Hall), University of Waterloo

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

9 & 10. VELOCITY FUND $5K QUALIFIERS

Pitch your startup idea to qualify for a chance to win $5K, or come watch. Early stage ideas are welcome. The winning teams will be invited to pitch at the Velocity Fund Finals on July 25, for a chance to win one of three $5,000 prizes.

Applications to pitch at the Velocity Fund $5K Qualifiers will close June 19. Applications for the separate Velocity Fund $25K competition will also close June 19. Register to attend in the audience.

When: Wednesday, July 4, and Thursday, July 5, 2018

Where: Room 0060, Science Teaching Complex, University of Waterloo

Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm

This workshop will address general legal and accounting considerations that will affect your business. Learn about the “nitty gritty” details of setting up your business.

When: Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Where: Velocity Start (2nd floor of South Campus Hall), University of Waterloo

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

12. BILLION DOLLAR BRIEFING

At this workshop, we will introduce you to five different billion-dollar problems! Learn what makes them empire-building opportunities, what mistakes were made in previous attempts to solve them, and what a powerful solution would need to deliver. A systemic approach to solving such problems will also be presented.

When: Thursday, July 19, 2018

Where: Velocity Start (2nd floor of South Campus Hall), University of Waterloo

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

13. VELOCITY FUND FINALS

The most action-packed, and thrilling day of the term – the Velocity Fund Finals. Watch 20 startups pitch for glory and $130K in funding. Learn more about the Velocity Fund, and the application deadlines here. Register to attend. Watch past pitches.

When: Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Where: Student Life Centre (SLC) Great Hall, University of Waterloo

Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm