SXSW is still kicking, NYC’s ban on sugary drinks launches, Harvard’s MOOC platform welcomes humanities, Southeastern treps unite, the GoCelerator’s application deadline hits, get inspired at TEDxTeen and meet generation wh(Y), St. Patty’s Day is here, finally… this week’s notable news and startup events for young treps:
1. SXSW still going strong: The SXSW Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas might just be your quickest route to making it big. Here are two panels Entrepreneur’s Jason Fell suggests keeping an eye on:
- “When Bad Names Happen to Good Startups“ (Monday, March 11) Speakers from brand agency archer>malmo will discuss the aspects of a successful brand name one that “fully captures your story, highlights your point of difference, and inspires a spark of desire in your target.”
- “The Rise of the Impact Entrepreneur“ (Tuesday, March 12) A panel of presenters discusses the technologies and companies that are “poised to tackle our 21st century problems, and witness the growing movement of ‘tech for good.’”
2. NYC’s sugary drink ban: come Tuesday the Big Apple’s mayor Michael Bloomberg’s ban on the sale of large-sized sugar-filled drinks will go into effect. While jumbo sodas will disappear from certain shops, coffee drinkers could also face some challenges. Sorry latte lovers! (New York Times)
3. All about accelerators: Aimed at helping early-stage startups attract financing, Startup One Stop offers a discussion about accelerators. Among other questions they’ll aim to answer: What are they? Why should you consider them? And how can you get in? (New York City, March 12)
4. The MOOC revolution: The World is Flat author, Thomas L. Friedman talks about the massive open online course “revolution.” This week, the first humanities offering on the M.I.T.-Harvard edX online learning platform will launch, with Michael Sandel as the professor. As a result of the courses, Sandel’s work is celebrated by students all over the world. Maybe entrepreneurship classes will be next? (New York Times)
5. Entrepreneurship in the Southeast: Hopkinsville Community College is organizing a regional conference for area entrepreneurs of all ages and service providers. There are breakout sessions and two keynote addresses – one of which will be led by Jeet Banerjee, 20-year-old tech trep and author. (Hopkinsville, Ky., March 13)
6. Get going with GoCelerator: The first ever startup accelerator for young treps (or those born in 1983 or later), GoCelerator is constructed by and for young entrepreneurs. This unique program offers a 12-month ‘runway’ where you’re provided office space, mentors, housing and other startup tools. (St. Louis, March 14 is the application deadline)
7. The tax man cometh: For corporations, the tax filing deadline is Friday. Other businesses still have a month to go before the main tax day – that is, April 15. In the meantime, make sure your receipts are in order, suggest tax expert Mark Kohler. (Entrepreneur)
8. TEDx for teens: Bringing together youth leaders and curious minds from Generation (wh)Y, this TEDx (x stands for independently organized TED event) is meant to show young people their power to change the world and encourage this curious generation to keep challenging the status quo by asking, ‘why?’ (New York, March 16)
9. The Windy City starts up: Overhauling its already highly successful Restaurant Startup Program, Chicago’s city hall is announcing a redesigned Small Business Center. The goal of the center is to provide entrepreneurs with a “one-stop shop” for permits, licenses and guidance. (Chicago Sun-Times)
10. St. Patrick’s Day, yay: Finally, that annual day of revelry returns, where everyone can celebrate their Irish heritage… even if you don’t have any. Should you really want to have fun, check out one of these top party-town destinations. Who knew St. Patty’s Day was a big deal in Florence, Italy? (San Jose Mercury News)
Got any events for young treps or startups coming up? Send us a note at contactus@youngentrepreneur.com
