Montanans are cut from a unique cloth. Perhaps because of the landscape this state encompasses or the rugged western spirit that envelops its residents. Whatever it is, it makes Montanans a unique and creative breed.
In an effort to tap into those creative juices, the Flathead Valley is hosting its second annual Glacier Startup Weekend from Oct. 9 to 11. The event brings together entrepreneurs, designers and developers and challenges them to launch a business in just 54 hours.
“There is a strong startup culture in the Flathead Valley and in Montana,” said Kellie Danielson, president and CEO of Montana West Economic Development and one of the event’s volunteer organizers. “People here in Montana are resourceful and they find ways to make their own living.”
Startup Weekends around the world follow the same format. It invites people to pitch ideas and then the audience votes for the best. Teams form around the crowd’s favorites and then they embark on a three-day journey to create a business model and market their idea. At the end of the weekend, the teams are able to present their startups to local entrepreneurial and business leaders and the best are awarded prizes and services that could help the startups become a reality. Throughout the weekend, seasoned business professionals will be on hand to provide advice and guidance to each team.
Startup Weekend was founded in 2007 and since then has held over 1,500 events in more than 700 cities around the world. Nearly 125,000 entrepreneurs have taken part in the event.
The event was first held in Kalispell in 2014 and Danielson said the turnout was impressive, with about 150 attending opening night. She said a similar number is expected to attend this year. The Friday evening kick-off features the startup pitches and guest speakers, including Neil Stuber, founder and creator of Hurraw! Balm in Whitefish. Diana Damron, a former television news anchor and now a public speaker, will also be speaking, along with Connie Cermak, a local business person who focuses on social media and marketing in the valley.
Like last year, the event is held at Flathead Valley Community College. Jill Seigmund, entrepreneurial coordinator for the college, said the partnership between Glacier Startup Weekend and the school is a logical one.
“We have a lot of people here who are dedicated to making businesses grow and succeed and so the startup weekend really fits in with our programs,” she said.
Registration for the event is limited to 120 participants and costs $99. However, $25 tickets are available for the “Demo Day” where people can hear the business pitches as well as see the kick-off speakers. For more information visit www.glacier.startupweekend.org.