Navigating Startup Week in Chattanooga, TN

This month, the city will celebrate its annual Startup Week Chattanooga, which is a showcase of all cool things entrepreneurial.

Chloé here, and I’ve had the privilege of covering every Startup Week here so far, and this year’s schedule just came out, so I’m excited to help guide you through this year’s celebration.

Power is pizza, y’all. | Gif by Giphy

First things first

📅 Mark your calendars — Startup Week Chattanooga is happening Oct. 19-23.
📱 You can find the entire schedule here (after you put in your contact information).
🖥️ Usually, in-person events are spread throughout the city, but — you know, COVID-19 — so, this year, it’s all virtual.

ProTip: The one challenge I’ve always had with Startup Week is a good one to have — there are so. many. events. So, look at this year’s virtual experience as an opportunity to attend more than you might usually. 🙌

Startup Awards

One of the highlights of the week is the Startup Awards, for which nominations are open now.

The categories are:

Startup of the Year — honors forward-facing, problem solving, inspiring startups that embody the innovative spirit.

The Company Lab’s High Growth — celebrates a founder who has taken the entrepreneurial journey head-on, attracted capital, demonstrated success.

INCubator’s Goldfinch of the Year — honors clients of the business incubator who have excelled and implemented innovative designs + growth strategies.

Launch Cha’s Micro Business of the Year — celebrates the LAUNCH entrepreneur with fewer than five employees who has worked and persevered, despite the challenges.

Society of Work’s Coworker of the Year — honors the person or org who is a positive force in the Society of Work community + beyond

Charlie E. Brock Ecosystem Builder of the Year — dedicated to the person who encouraged collaboration between organizations + shows selfless dedication to making Chattanooga stronger, more inclusive

Enterprise Center/Tech Goes Home Volunteer of the Year — honors individuals for their commitment to outstanding volunteerism and making a difference for startups and organizations

Chloé’s picks

It pains me to have to pick only a handful because I know how much work goes into each event. So, use this as a starting point, but there’s usually something for everyone, so peep that schedule + keep it bookmarked. Note: Registration is required for some events.

• Will This Float?: Black Founders Edition | Mon., Oct. 19 | 12-1 p.m. | This is a pitch competition to highlight black founders + their businesses. ProTip: This event predates Startup Week and shouldn’t be missed. Many of our leading entrepreneurs started here.
• Managing Grief in the Workplace | Tues., Oct. 20 | 3-4 p.m. | Companies lose billions each year because of stress and trauma and right now 1 out of 3 employees could be grieving a COVID-19-related loss. Learn how to manage grief.
  
• The Future of Entrepreneurship in Chattanooga | Wed., Oct. 21 | 2 p.m. | Four entrepreneurial experts discuss what’s next for Gig City | Register.
• Chambliss Startup Group office hours | Thurs., Oct. 22 | 1-3 p.m. | If you’re a startup, free legal advice might be priceless. Get it in this session. | Register.
  
• Working Moms: How We Show Up and Show Out | Fri., Oct. 23 | 10-11 a.m. | The Company Lab and The Enterprise Center host a convo with working moms — those who are entrepreneurs, work with entrepreneurs, and run organizations.| Register