“Business Builder” Networking Program
One of StartOut’s main goals is to connect gay and lesbian entrepreneurs – including current entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and successful entrepreneurs – in order to provide opportunities for everyone along the entrepreneurial spectrum. Our networking events are a critical part of fulfilling that goal.
Our Business Builder Networking events are held on a regular basis, and are designed to connect LGBT entrepreneurs along the lines of their mutual interests. For aspiring entrepreneurs, this means meeting others who may also be looking to build a business, or meeting those looking to build out their current business. For current entrepreneurs, this means meeting others who can provide opportunities, advice and other resources to help them build and grow their businesses. For successful entrepreneurs, this means the opportunity to use their knowledge and expertise to help young companies grow – and perhaps even take an interest in working with a startup.
Business Builder events have a variety of formats to address the needs of different groups:
- Our general events, held on a regular basis, are open to all persons with an interest in entrepreneurship.
- Our Entrepreneurs Network events are open to current entrepreneurs who have already achieved a certain level of success with their business.
- Our Industry Networking events are smaller, more intimate events designed to bring together entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs with an interest in a particular industry.
Our events are structured to maximize the potential for networking. For example, in past events, we have had participants wear nametags not only with their name, but identifying their industry of interest and whether they were an aspiring entrepreneur or currently running their own business. Additional events will include such concepts as:
- “Networking Speed Dating” in which participants each spend 30 seconds with each other participant at the event.
- Company presentations whereby selected startups present their beta versions of their company/product/service to the StartOut audience, and conduct a brief Q&A on their company following the presentation.
- Other fun activities meant to stimulate both the social and business aspects of strong networking