The SCN 2022 Summit is Around the Corner!

This story is adapted from the Forward Cities monthly e-newsletter. Subscribe for the latest news and updates from cities across the country.

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March 2022

Startup Champion Network Spring 2022 Summit is Coming to The Triangle!

Twice annually, Startup Champions Network (SCN) members meet to connect, learn, and share experiences that fellow entrepreneurship ecosystem builders truly understand. SCN's Spring 2022 Summit will be hosted by Forward Cities alongside supporting hosts Social Venturers and First Flight Venture Center from April 4-6.

A very special thanks to NC IDEA as they continue to be a leader in advancing entrepreneurship in NC through grants and programs centered on providing opportunity for all entrepreneurs.

As ecosystem builders from around the nation are seeking tangible solutions to rebuild better in their local communities, Triangle, NC is the perfect backdrop for our Spring Summit’s timely theme: “Building Together: Catalyzing Regional Inclusive Prosperity.” In addition to the general Summit awesomeness, we're mixing it up this time and will explore what inclusion looks like and who is leading the work from three different lenses:

Regional Matters: Building effective regional economic development strategies that prioritize inclusion and economic mobility
Racial Equity: Best practices for equitable and asset-based ecosystem building strategies- with a racial equity lens
Reimagining Tech: Creating intentional strategies to diversify the tech sector and address barriers to capital access for underrepresented demographics

Storytelling For Impact (and Success)

While we didn't have Larry David in the (virtual) building, Forward Cities was still able to pull off an awesome Storytelling for Impact workshop to kick off the month of March. Major thanks to Orange County, The City of Orlando, Black Orlando Tech for all of their support.

The two-hour training was both timely and necessary since storytelling will forever be an effective tool in garnering support and interest. We touched on everything from visuals and logos to tools and technology to branding to target audience and jargon. E3 Orlando is doing some amazing work with three very active working groups on the ground in the Orange County/Orlando ecosystem and we're excited to continue the work there.

E3 ORANGE COUNTY/ORLANDO

Pitch at Durham SOUP

Do you have an innovative idea or business that benefits the Durham community? Apply to pitch at Durham SOUP, sponsored in part by Forward Cities, on Thursday, April 7th at 6:30 pm at the Bullpen (359 Blackwell St #135, Durham, NC 27701)!

Durham SOUP events feature four pitches from entrepreneurs with ventures that benefit Durham. Attendees eat dinner, listen to the pitches, meet other members of the Durham community, and then vote on the best pitch to win the proceeds from the event. Forward Cities is a proud sponsor of Durham SOUP

Apply to pitch: https://forms.gle/4Y5qgBzFbfwpDWZU7

The application to pitch at Durham SOUP is now open and will close on March 20th at 11:59 p.m. EST.