Startup Week Worcester
A Partnership with Auxilium and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to Startup Week Worcester!
Join us for a dynamic series of events celebrating entrepreneurship and innovation in Central Massachusetts. Hosted by Auxilium and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Startup Week Worcester highlights where the region stands today and its’ bright future ahead.
What to Expect:
- Workshops: Gain valuable insights and skills to empower your entrepreneurial journey.
- Innovation Crawl: Explore key innovation hubs across Worcester and connect with leaders shaping the future.
- Venture Forum WooTank: Experience an exciting student pitch competition that highlights the region’s entrepreneurial talent and innovative ideas.
- Investor Connections: Opportunities to connect investors with local talent, fostering relationships that drive business growth and innovation.
- Media Spotlights: Discover stories that showcase the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the area.
Startup Week Worcester provides resources, education, and support to local innovators, connecting them with investors and opportunities while attracting new businesses exploring growth in Worcester. Be a part of shaping Worcester’s future as a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and creative ventures.
WORKSHOPS: April 8-10, 2025
Advanced registration required. Space is limited.
Tuesday April 8, 2025
Worcester Innovation Crawl
9am-5pm | $75 includes lunch and full-day tour | Register
Auxilium and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce invite you to the Innovation Crawl, a guided tour through Worcester’s thriving innovation ecosystem. This event showcases businesses, institutions, and organizations that are driving economic growth, fostering creativity, and inspiring innovation and entrepreneurship across Central Massachusetts.
This event is ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs and innovators looking to connect with Worcester’s innovation community.
- Investors seeking opportunities to engage with promising startups and emerging industries in Central Massachusetts.
- Business leaders and professionals interested in regional growth and collaboration.
- Students, educators, and anyone passionate about technology, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship.
WooTank Event
5pm – 8:30pm | Off the Rails, 90 Commercial Street, Worcester, MA | More Info
Get ready for the second annual WooTank! An intercollegiate pitch competition held in Worcester, MA, where student entrepreneurs from local colleges present their business ventures to a panel of investors, aiming to secure real-time funding and mentorship. The event is organized by The Venture Forum, a startup community dedicated to fostering economic growth and supporting entrepreneurs in Central MA.
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Daytime 1: Leveraging Local Resources: Growing Your Start-Up in Worcester: Discover the wealth of resources Worcester offers to support your start-up, from incubators and accelerators to funding opportunities and mentorship programs. Learn how to tap into the city’s innovation ecosystem to scale your business successfully. REGISTER.
Sponsored by:
2pm – 3pm | Crafting Your Startup Story – Building a Brand That Connects: Learn how to create a compelling narrative that captures your startup’s mission, vision, and value. This session explores the art of storytelling and branding to help you connect authentically with your audience and stand out in a competitive market. REGISTER.
Evening 3: Legal Basics for Startups: What Every Founder Should Know: Learn the key legal essentials for starting your business, including incorporation, contracts, and protecting intellectual property. This session simplifies complex legal concepts, helping founders avoid pitfalls and set their ventures up for success. REGISTER.
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Daytime 1: Building a Successful Leadership Team: Learn how to assemble and lead a high-performing leadership team that aligns with your start-up’s vision and goals. This session explores strategies for identifying key roles, attracting the right talent, and fostering collaboration to drive your business forward. REGISTER.
Sponsored by Wilmington Trust
Daytime 2: Demystifying AI: Addressing fears and unpacking the reality of Artificial Intelligence: Explore the truth behind artificial intelligence, separating myths from facts and addressing common concerns. This session provides a practical understanding of AI’s capabilities, limitations, and its real-world applications in business and innovation. REGISTER.
Evening 3 (WPI) Show Me the Money: Funding Options for First-Time Founders: Explore the diverse funding options available to early-stage entrepreneurs, from bootstrapping and crowdfunding to angel investments and venture capital. Learn how to identify the best financial strategy for your start-up and position your business for success. REGISTER.
Sponsored by SVB