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More than 150 have already registered to attend the 3 Steps to StartUp Venture Fair, to be held virtually from 9:30am-noon on Tuesday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 10.

To register for the event, click here.

The event aims to provide West Virginia tech-focused, research-driven entrepreneurs an opportunity to learn strategies for raising funds and how to make an effective pitch to investors.

Entrepreneurs across West Virginia and the region, along with assistance providers, small business owners, funders, economic developers, and others, are encouraged to attend this virtual event.

The full agenda has been released and can be found below. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from those who “have been there, and are doing that!”

AGENDA

Day One: “So You Want to Start a Tech-Based or Research-Driven Business?”

9:30am Opening Remarks

Anne Barth, 3 Steps to StartUp and TechConnect WV

9:40am “What It Takes to Launch, And How to Be, An Effective Tech-Based Startup”

Eric Dobson, Managing Partner, Sheltowee Medical Device Fund

10:05am “Descriptions of, Differences Between Funding Categories”

• Moderator: Guy Peduto, 3 Steps to StartUp/INNOVA Commercialization
• Richard Giersch, Giersch Consulting
• Tim James, First Microloan of WV
• Guy Peduto, INNOVA Commercialization Group
• Michele O’Connor, WV Jobs Investment Trust
• Don Morrison, BlueTree Allied Angels
• Kevin Combs, Country Roads Angel Network
• Matt Harbaugh, Mountain State Capital
• Steve Webb, WV Economic Development Authority

11:10am “Trends in Early Stage Investing”

Larry Miller, Managing Director, Lifesciences, Innovation Works

11:30am Keynote Presentation/Fireside Chat

“Why Entrepreneurship Is Important And Attainable”

Brad Smith, Executive Chairman of the Board, Intuit

Introduction by Michael Graney, Deputy Director, WV Department of Commerce

Noon / Closing Remarks

Day Two: “Persuasive Pitching: What’s It Take to Sell Your Concept?”

9:30am Opening Remarks

Anne Barth, 3 Steps to StartUp and TechConnect WV

9:35am “Why Pitch Prep Is Critical And How To Do It Effectively”

Scott Ewing, Appalachian Investors Alliance

9:55am “Watch & Learn: Pitches from WV StartUps”

• Moderator: Bob Wentz, Stonewall Capital
• Feedback: Michele O’Connor, WV Jobs Investment Trust
• Feedback: Yvonne Campos, Next Act Fund
• Presenter: Trevor Moon, NeuroWired
• Presenter: Ali Oliashirazi, Tri-State Orthopaedics, LLC
• Presenter: Mara McFadden, Endolumik

10:40am “Entrepreneur Panel: Lessons Learned/Best Practices/Words of Wisdom”

• Moderator: Michael Graney, WV Department of Commerce
• Kyle Gillis, Iconic Air
• Kate Nichols, GoJaneGo
• Michael Murawski, Pickatto
• Zach Wright, SwifTag Systems

11:25am “Resources Available To Help StartUps Move Their Concept Forward”

• Moderator: Debra Martin, WV Small Business Development Center
• Bruce Mutter, Center for Applied Research & Technology (CART)
• Derek Scarbro, Robert C. Byrd Institute
• Todd Crump, 3 Steps to StartUp
• Erienne Olesh, West Virginia University, StartUp WV
• Tricia Ball, Brad D. Smith Business Incubator

Noon / Closing Remarks