CSUB to host second annual Techstars Startup Weekend

Local business students and entrepreneurs put their skills to the test

By California State University, Bakersfield

February 19^th, 2020

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) will host the Second Annual Techstars Startup Weekend from Friday, Feb. 21 through Sunday, Feb. 23. Startup Weekend is a 54-hour event designed for creators and idealists to pitch their innovative ideas, form a team, build a prototype and present their product to a panel of judges to compete for up to $30,000 in prizes.

For the second year, CSUB is partnering with Techstars to host the event, which is sponsored by Bank of America.

“Startup Weekend is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue growing entrepreneurship on the CSUB campus and in the Kern County community,” said Jeremy Woods, assistant professor of management in the School of Business and Public Administration. “It’s a vital source of new ventures for our CSUB student venture incubator. It provides the ‘next generation’ of student ventures that will continue helping us turn Kern County, California into a globally recognized hub for innovation over the next decade.”

CSUB to host second annual Techstars Startup Weekend

Beginning at 4 p.m. Friday with registration, dinner and networking, attendees will have the option to pitch ideas, vote for the top pitches, as well as form teams and discuss ideas. As teams begin to work together, it will be important to note the inventory of skills and resources that will be available for the projects throughout the course of the weekend. Teams can work on their projects on campus until 10 p.m.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, the real work will begin, with breakout sessions in Business Development Center (BDC) classrooms. Teams will meet with local coaches participating in the event, so they can provide advice or answer any questions. Teams are able to work on campus until 10 p.m.

Coaches confirmed for the event:

Shannon LaBare, Purveyor Branding Co.;
Vavani Sarma, Software Solution Architect and Entrepreneur (Newport Beach);
Michael Russo, owner of Russo’s Books;
Kelly Bearden, director, Small Business Development Center;
Jay Thompson, consultant, Small Business Development Center;
Elizabeth Hamlin, Small Business Development Center;
Angel Cottrell, entrepreneur and coach;
Kamal Bhakta and Julissa Bhakta, director of operations, Capstone Partners Bakersfield;
Dani Arnaout, Techstars facilitator;
Jeremy Woods and Sumita Sarma of CSUB.

The event will conclude on Sunday. Teams will have a chance to continue working with coaches, and put finishing touches on their presentations. The final presentation of the products and services will begin at 6 p.m. Final judging and awards will take place at 7 p.m.

“It is a very exciting time for entrepreneurs in Bakersfield, now being regarded as a West Coast startup hub. With the right resources and support, these great ideas can be the next great source of jobs in the region” said Karen Zuber, market manager, Bank of America Bakersfield. “As the nation’s number one small business lender and the expertise to help them grow into global brands, Bank of America is excited to once again partner with CSUB for the Techstars Startup.”

Techstars Startup Weekend will provide the opportunity for the top three teams to win up to $30,000 worth of services from local partners, including: Klein DeNatale Goldner (legal consulting), Barbich Hooper King (accounting consulting), Purveyor Branding Co. (graphic design and brand consulting), Mesh Cowork (coworking space), Amazon Web Services (software services) and more.

The event will take place in the Student East Housing Multipurpose Room, at CSUB, and is free and open to the community. All ages are welcome.

To register for the Techstars Startup Weekend, please visit the following link: http://bit.ly/2vyEWu5. For any additional questions, please contact: bakersfield@startupweekend.org.