Based on Google’s famous Startup Weekend model, this inspirational and action-packed weekend will spark innovation and entrepreneurial action focused in solving problems in Agriculture and Food sectors.

On Friday night, we will hear from award-winning horticulturalist, David Pratt. Teams will then form and learn more about problems for which they will develop solutions. Teams develop solutions and business models with support from mentors and workshops on Saturday, then pitch to a panel of expert judges on Sunday afternoon. Judges will award one winning team the grand prize package (details below).

Register online for Friday's Keynote Presentation or the whole weekend experience at: agrifoodstartupweekend.eventbrite.ca 

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Friday, January 27
Welland Campus, Auditorium AH141
5:00-5:30pm - networking
5:30-6:30pm - Keynote Presentation ft. David Pratt 
6:30-8:00pm - registration & set-up for weekend 

Saturday, January 28
Welland campus, various locations
9:30am-10:00pm - develop solutions and pitches; workshops 

Sunday, January, 29
Welland Campus, Auditorium S160
9:30am-1:30pm - teamwork time 
2:00pm-4:30pm - Pitch Presentations 

GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE

• $500 cash from Meridian Credit Union
  

• marketing services, including website development by EnactusNC students (valued at $500) and media release by ncTakeOff

• free tickets for each team member to attend the Food and Beverage Convention, March 3, 2017 (value of up to $120 per person)

• automatic advancement into the Niagara College Pitch Perfect: a pitch competition for early-stage entrepreneurs in March 2017

• Discovery meeting with Manager, Business Planning & Commercialization, Vineland Research Innovation Centre 

• "Beverage Driven Innovation" (5 coffees with 5 mentors via BioLinc)

• if the solution involves interactive digital media strategies, the team may access workspace and equipment at ncTakeOff's IDM lab in the Generator at one

TERMS OF PARTICIPATION

It's our job to provide you with an incredible networking and learning opportunity. Our intention is that you meet some amazing, like-minded people that you might actually start a company with, build relationships with mentors, and learn from your peers. This event is intended to be a collaborative forum for sharing, learning, building, and having fun.

By registering as a participant, you acknowledge that any ideas shared by you or anyone else over the course of the event are contributions to the overall experience and community. If you as a participant are worried about someone stealing your ideas, please reconsider your participation in the event itself or simply refrain from sharing specifics about your idea.

As a member of Niagara's startup community, you agree to be inclusive of any and all people and their ideas. You agree to act professionally, treat everyone with respect, and treat the event facilities with proper care. You agree that you are responsible for any accidents or damages that you cause. You also agree to not hold event organizers, volunteers, or any of the event supporters liable for any loss, damage, injury, or any other unforeseeable incident.

By entering the event premises, you consent to photography and/or video recording as well as its/their publication for event promotional purposes.

Online registration is mandatory. The cost to participate in the Whole Weekend is $15 (includes materials, meals & brain fuel). If you are a student, and cost or transportation is a barrier to your participation, please email Rachel (rcrane@niagaracollege.ca) to work out a solution.