Greensboro Startup Week, an initiative launched by Launch Greensboro, a branch of the city’s Chamber of Commerce, was considered a resounding success by its leaders. The week-long event, held from March 11-15, 2024, provided new business owners in the Triad region with a variety of educational sessions and networking opportunities.
Joey Cheek, executive vice president of entrepreneurship at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, played a pivotal role in launching the new annual initiative. Cheek emphasized the importance of knowing what not to do when starting a business and highlighted the value of the week’s programming.
One standout event during Greensboro Startup Week was the Capital Connects pitch competition, where entrepreneurs from across the Triad competed for a $10,000 prize. Business partners Hayley Figueroa and Irma Marrero, founders of Dig – a gardening subscription box business – expressed their gratitude for the opportunities provided by events like this. They found that connections made and opportunities presented during Greensboro Startup Week were invaluable to their business growth.
In 2023 alone, over 172,000 businesses were created throughout North Carolina. A report by Wallet Hub ranked North Carolina as the ninth-best state in the nation to launch a business, further solidifying its position as an ideal location for entrepreneurship in the United States. Events such as Greensboro Startup Week play a vital role in fostering an environment that supports entrepreneurs and encourages them to succeed.
