Startup Weekend Louisville is where you learn to think, work, and build like a startup — all in one weekend.
April 12th - 14th | University of Louisville Harry Frazier Hall | 110 W Brandeis Ave. | Louisville, KY 40208
Sponsored By:
.png){kind=logo}
This 54-hour event equips individuals of all backgrounds with the training, mentorship, and tools needed to start a business.
Startup enthusiasts of all backgrounds and skill sets are invited to join this action packed weekend whether they have an idea or not.
We kick off the weekend with 1-minute pitches on back-of-the-napkin ideas you’ve been thinking on. Ideas are voted on and teams are formed. If you don't have an idea you'll be able to join up on an existing one.
Spend the rest of the weekend validating the problem, building a solution, and creating a business plan. We’ll teach you how to do all of this in our workshops.
Present your new startup with a Shark Tank style pitch to a panel of judges. The winners get a sweet prize package to help them grow their business.
The first thing you'll learn Saturday is how to interview people for validation of your idea and the problem you are trying to solve. We'll teach you the do's & don'ts of customer discovery and how to make the most out of every conversation.
After doing some customer discovery, you may find that the problem you're addressing isn't as big of a pain point for people as you thought. That's okay - we'll teach you how to pivot and iterate quickly on your idea to something more viable.
Now that you've identified a valid problem that people will pay to have solved, it's time to build out your product. We'll teach you what a minimum viable product is, some examples from previous teams and other startups, and how to build one.
It's great to have an awesome idea and a built out product, but if you don't figure out how to make it profitable, the startup will die. We'll teach you how to build a business model and how to figure out your roadmap towards profitablity.
It's time to share with the world (and our judges) what you've built! We'll teach you how to give a winning pitch that paints the picture of a better future because of your product. We'll help you construct a concise & inspiring presentation.
Our workshops are packed full of great and practical lessons but the learning doesn't stop there. You'll learn lots more from your mentors, organizers, customers, and fellow attendees. Soak up as much as you can!
While our workshops are phenomenal, chances are you’re still going to have questions on specific topics or need someone experienced to give feedback. We’re bringing in 15+ entrepreneurs and subject matter experts to help you throughout the weekend.
We’ll keep you energized, nourished, and delighted throughout the weekend with all of your meals, snacks, coffee, and drinks provided by local restaurants and vendors.
Not only does a startup need space to work, there also needs to be tools in that space. We’ll provide the giant sticky notes, markers, post-it notes, and other brainstorming tools. Some attendees like to use their computer to work - just don’t forget the charger!
Our venue sponsor is proud to offer teams their own office for the weekend! Your startup will have dedicated space to work all weekend, throw ideas on the wall, build out your product, and rehearse your pitch.
While we can’t bring in every subject matter expert, we’ll teach you how to tap into your personal network, other attendees and organizers, and the broader community so you can get answers to validate your idea and build your business.
With just 54-hours, it’s best not to spend your time re-inventing the wheel - or business model canvas. We’ll share all of our recommended resources with you so you can follow a proven system as you work on your startup.
