Omaha has a unique community ecosystem that allows for connections and collaboration. If you know the right folks, it is easier to get a project done. This tight knit community has been crafted with intention and innovation which is exactly what Start Up Omaha Week is out to do this year. From July 25th to July 29th, they will be hosting events for entrepreneurs, startups, investors and their communities. Entrepreneurs will not only be able to network, but to collect resources for their companies.
“I’m excited for Startup Omaha Week because since the pandemic, it feels like there has been so many years since there was a strong community vibe. We need a fresh start to see who is around and who is doing what. There’s been a few years of hardship and I think this week will be a celebration of our community and a fresh start,” said Kate White, founder of Women in New Endeavors (W.I.N.E.) and Startup Omaha Week committee member.
This isn’t the first time that Omaha has had a startup week, after five years, The Greater Omaha Chamber has decided it’s time for a comeback. With many events throughout the week, there are endless possibilities to foster the entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Omaha. Our staff wanted to highlight some of the events that we are looking forward to throughout the week.
The first day of Startup Omaha Week is packed with a variety of events. All events on Monday will take place at The Granary, 7401 Main St, Ralston, NE 68127. The first is the “We are Entrepreneurs” Panel where attendees can learn how to take that big first step into the world of startups. The panel features Alejandra Valdez, founder of Viva Fit Kitchen, Kellee Mikuls, Co-Founder of Swishboom, Teri Healy, Owner of Made in Omaha, and Michael Young, Founder and CEO of Technology Consulting Solutions & Rooted Synergy Gallery.
Right after the panel, startups from across the Metro will be showcasing their businesses. With over 20 startups to visit, attendees will be able to learn more about their strengths, solutions, teams, and products. You’ll be able to learn what startups are hiring, what problems they are solving and how you can help them find success! Some of the startups include Burst, Elevator, Peeq, Loophire and Swishboom.
Afterwards is the big event – the kickoff party! A celebration of the Omaha startup ecosystem with food trucks, yard games, a DJ and chances to connect with community members. This is your chance to mix and mingle with folks across the Omaha Metro who are passionate about all things startup.
The final event we want to showcase is the Woman Up Event at Site-1 Brewing at 2566 Farnam St, Omaha, NE. This is an chance for the women of Omaha in the startup community to meet founders, entrepreneurs, small business owners, or dream of the above. Members from four different women’s groups in the Omaha Metro will be attendance to share a little bit about their group. The groups included are Women With Voices, The Lily Pad Collective, Embolden, and W.I.N.E.
I went to find as many women groups as I could to help open up opportunities for women to find their space that they fit. I want women to be exposed to other active folks in entrepreneurship. I am excited about intersectionality. You may find your fit with all four groups that are speaking or one or two. Each group has their own purpose and flavor, said White, event organizer.
To see a full list of events, visit startupomahaweek.com. Registration is free for all but one event and supports a local startup, Event Vesta.