| Sep 5 Thrive Entrepreneur Application 2018 |
**This page is for entrepreneurs looking to apply for Thrive. If you're interested in registering for the event as an attendee, click HERE.**
Thrive is a community-based approach to supporting local entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs take the stage to present their crowdfunding pitch campaign, competing against one another for community members' votes.
Entrepreneurs find ambassadors who can spread their brand's message and the top vote-getting entrepreneur takes home a cash prize to scale up their operation. Previous Thrive winners include Katie Rugeley of The Initialed Life, Morgan Richards of Morgan Rhea and Emily Sokolosky of Base Camp Printing.
Click 'Register Now' above to apply. Choose the 'Click here to continue your event registration' link under the 'Not a member?' heading to proceed to application.
How does it work?
Whether you have a fantastic idea, are looking to expand or are a startup already operating - if you have a business or product that could use financial support, then apply to participate in Thrive.
- Entrepreneur applicants must register online by 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21. Must be 18 by Nov. 14 to apply.
- Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of judges who will select finalists to be featured at Thrive.
- Leading up to the event, finalists meet with local business coaches to get tips and suggestions for their respective business plan presentations.
- Finalists pitch business plan to promote their idea and outline need for capital investment at Thrive.
- Top vote-getting entrepreneur will take home cash prize to scale-up operations.
Where does capital investment come from?
- Community members pay a $30 entry fee to attend Thrive, which gives them the opportunity to vote for an entrepreneur to support for capital investment.
- Community member attendance fees are combined with seed capital from event sponsors for the top vote-getter's capital investment.
Click HERE for a flyer with more information for applicants.
Click here for information on Thrive sponsorships. |
| Date: |
September 5, 2018 |
| Location: |
University of Charleston Russell and Martha Wehrle Innovation Center
2300 MacCorkle Ave. SE, Charleston, WV 25304
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| Contact: |
Chris Ferro, Vice President of Economic Development |
| EMail: |
cferro@charlestonareaalliance.org |
| Date/Time Details: |
- Thrive applications are due by 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21
- Finalists will be announced Oct. 29
- Thrive: 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, with doors opening for Entrepreneur Meet & Greet at 5:30 p.m.
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| Fees/Admission: |
There is no fee to apply. You do not have to be a Charleston Area Alliance member to apply. |
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| Sep 12 Brown Bag Concert - September 2018 |
The Brown Bag Concert is a free lunchtime concert taking place on Lee Way in Downtown Charleston. The September 12 concert will feature Down Beat Dixie, Dixieland Jazz.
Sponsored by American Medical Facilities Management, local musicians perform in the park 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month May through October. The Brown Bag Concerts are planned in coordination with American Federation of Musician’s Local 136.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch, grab takeout from a Downtown Charleston restaurant or purchase on-site from local vendors. Tables and chairs will be setup for those attending.
The lunchtime concerts stems from the Imagine Charleston Downtown Redevelopment Plan. The concerts are designed to showcase the talent of local musicians, encourage people to get away from their desk at the lunch hour and put a spotlight on various locations in Downtown Charleston. |
| Date: |
September 12, 2018 |
| Time: |
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM |
| Location: |
Lee Way is between Capitol and Hale Streets |
| Contact: |
Anne Strawn, Downtown Events Coordinator |
| EMail: |
astrawn@charlestonareaalliance.org |
| Date/Time Details: |
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 12 |
| Fees/Admission: |
This is a free event. |
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| Sep 14 Generation Charleston Ballet Workshop |
Join Generation Charleston and the Charleston Ballet for a ballet workshop in the heart of downtown Charleston! Kim Pauley will lead an hour-long barre class perfect for dancers of all experience levels.
After class, enjoy refreshments while learning about upcoming Generation Charleston events and mingling with other young professionals!
Dress Code: leggings and tank tops are welcome, as well as full ballet attire. Bare feet or ballet slippers are suggested.
The Charleston Ballet studio is located at 100 Capitol St., on the corner of Virginia and Capitol. The studio is on the Mezzanine Floor. There is a $5 class cost and registration is required.
This event is being sponsored by Highmark. |
| Date: |
September 14, 2018 |
| Time: |
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM |
| Location: |
100 Capitol St., Mezzanine
Charleston, WV 25301 |
| Date/Time Details: |
Friday, Sept. 14
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
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| Fees/Admission: |
$5 |
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| Sep 15 Downtown Streetfest - Sept 2018 |
Head down to the first block of Capitol Street for the Downtown Streetfest block party on Saturday, September 15. There will be dancing in the streets with the River Jam Band featuring tunes from the Motown era through today.
The event coincides with the Kanawha River Navy's popular Funeral Parade, which will kick off at 5:00 p.m. at Davis Park. The parade will travel south on Capitol Street and end at Streetfest for the costume awards presentation.
Meet up with friends and family between 5 and 9 p.m. for live music, food and drinks, kids' activities, pop-ups, balloon art from Kanawha County Public Library, corn hole, giant Jenga and chess, and much more. Grab a bite to eat at your favorite downtown establishments while enjoying live music.
It’s FREE, fun, and family-friendly.
Special thank you to our sponsors: Title Sponsor - City National Bank; and Supporting Sponsors - Brewer & Company, Spriggs Distributing Company, Bud Light, AARP, GAI Consultants, City of Charleston, Kanawha County Public Library, Rock 105/The Mix, and Tony The Tailor.
Capitol Street will close from 2:00 – 10:00 pm on September 15.
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| Date: |
September 15, 2018 |
| Time: |
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Location: |
Capitol Street between Kanawha Boulevard and Virginia Street. |
| Contact: |
Susie Salisbury, Vice President of Community Development |
| EMail: |
ssalisbury@charlestonareaalliance.org |
| Date/Time Details: |
Saturday, September 15
5:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
| Fees/Admission: |
This is a free event. |
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| Sep 20 ArtWalk - September 2018 |
Celebrating its 16th year, Downtown Charleston ArtWalk is a free self-guided walking tour of Charleston’s shops, galleries and businesses featuring regional art and performances. Typically held the third Thursday of each month, participating shops and organizations extend their hours for browsing, shopping and mingling.
For details about this month's ArtWalk, visit the Downtown Charleston ArtWalk website for the monthly participating venue map. Participating shops are located in Downtown Charleston and feature a variety of art – from paintings and sculptures to photography and music.
Attendees can stroll along at their own pace, dip in and out of stores and stop off along the way for a bite to eat at a downtown restaurant. This well-loved family-friendly event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. and attracts art aficionados as well as folks who just want to get out and try something new.
For more information, visit www.artwalkcwv.com. ArtWalk is sponsored by The Masters Law Firm. |
| Date: |
September 20, 2018 |
| Time: |
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Website: |
http://www.artwalkcwv.com |
| Location: |
Downtown Charleston. Check monthly map for participating venues. |
| Contact: |
Susie Salisbury |
| EMail: |
ssalisbury@charlestonareaalliance.org |
| Date/Time Details: |
5 - 8 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 20 |
| Fees/Admission: |
This is a free event. Visit www.artwalkcwv.com to learn more about this month's participating locations. |
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| Sep 27 Business After Hours - Fairfield Inn & Suites 2018 |
Please join the Charleston Area Alliance at the Fairfield Inn & Suites for Business After Hours and Grand Opening Celebration. The newly renovated Fairfield Inn & Suites, managed by the Monarch Family of Hotels, is the newest addition to the Charleston hotel landscape.
Enjoy amazing food and beverages, take a tour of the new hotel and enter to win a free night's stay or meeting space. Network with colleagues and connect with business and community leaders at this monthly Alliance event.
Registration is $15 for Alliance members and $25 for future members. Add $10 if registering fewer than 24 hours in advance.
Invoicing is available for groups of 10 or more. No cancellation refunds within 48 hours of event.
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| Date: |
September 27, 2018 |
| Time: |
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
| Location: |
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Charleston West
402 Second Ave. SW
South Charleston, WV 25303
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| Contact: |
Jeri Adkins |
| EMail: |
jadkins@charlestonareaalliance.org |
| Fees/Admission: |
$15 Alliance members
$25 future members
Add $10 for tickets purchased fewer than 24 hours in advance.
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