Business Builders Bash 2025

Dive into entrepreneurship at the Business Builders Bash, powered by the innovative curriculum and style of Weekend Ventures and hosted by The Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship.

No business skills? No big deal.

No business idea? Not a problem.

Come as you are, you wonderful, beautiful nerd. Let's be weird and save the world together.

Here's what you will need:

• an open mind & willingness to learn
• self awareness & emotional intelligence
• "can-do, nothing will stop us" mentality
• courage to step up and get the job done
• generosity of spirit to share your skills, knowledge, and know-how

Already have a business idea?

Great!! Build a team to power your business dream!

Business Builders Bash is meant to bring ideas to life through teamwork, creativity and ingenuity. That amazing idea that's been hiding in your sketchbook? Time to let the world see it =)

This is your sign to take action. Our team of experienced entrepreneurs and mentors will help you get your ideas off the ground and into the real world. Don't worry; our coaches and facilitators will support you every step of the way by providing training and hands-on support.

No matter your skill set—be it business acumen, design prowess, coding, computer science or engineering or anything in between—your contributions will be valued . Come with an open mind, a team-player attitude, and get ready to dive into an adventure where your ideas could evolve into a startup reality.

The weekend will be led by Katherine Zobre from The Founders Playground, utilizing the Weekend Ventures curriculum. You'll immerse yourself in the essentials of launching a business from scratch. You'll figure out business models, create prototypes, validate your market, and pitch—all in a team setting that's both friendly and empowering. It's the perfect playground for college students and community members eager to transform passion into action and explore the thrill of entrepreneurship.

Are you a student?

Sign up with your student email & use promo code: STUDENTDISCOUNT for $20 off!

Participation Agreement:

At the Business Builders Bash, we're dedicated to providing a phenomenal learning opportunity. Our goal is for you to connect with incredible people, potentially kickstart a venture together, and gain insights from both coaches and peers. The weekend is a collective experiment in sharing, learning, building, and, most importantly, having fun.

By joining, you agree to contribute to a culture of inclusivity, respect, and professionalism. You're responsible for your actions, and you pledge to treat people, ideas, and the venue with care. Any ideas shared over the weekend should be considered part of the community's collective wisdom, enhancing the event's value for everyone. Of course, if you have intellectual property concerns, you are welcome to keep the "secret sauce" private while pitching and working on ideas in broad strokes.

Your participation also means you're okay with us capturing the magic through photos and videos, which helps share our collective story. You agree that you are responsible in the event of any accidents or damages that you cause. You also agree not to hold Auburn University, your local volunteer team, or any of the event supporters liable for any loss, damage, injury, or any other unforeseeable incident.

By securing your ticket, you accept these terms and our commitment to a safe, open, and respectful environment. Should you have any questions or need a reimbursement, just reach out.

Get ready to be a part of something truly special. Join us at the Business Builders Bash, where your entrepreneurial journey takes a bold leap forward.

Info: Arrive at the venue, get checked in, and meet fellow entrepreneurs!

Info: Eat some good food, hear from the lead organizer and facilitator. Get energized with an ice breaker activity.

Info: Share a brief pitch for your business idea. This portion is optional, if you don't have a business idea you'll still join a team to work with over the weekend.

Info: Participants vote for their favorite business ideas.

Info: Start discussing the ideas and form teams for the weekend.

Info: Each team will be assigned a space for them to work from throughout the weekend.

Info: Meet your teammates and take an inventory of skills. Be honest, and direct about what resources and skills are needed for the weekend. You may stay and work as late as the venue allows.

Info: Arrive, simple breakfast & coffee

Info: The facilitator will share tips for fleshing out your business idea and confirming that it's something that customers will want/need.

Info: Coaches will cycle to each team offering feedback and suggestions.

Info: Coaches will cycle to each team offering actionable feedback and suggestions.

Info: You may stay and work as late as the venue allows.

Info: Arrive, simple breakfast & coffee.

Info: The facilitator will share tips on how to best pitch your business idea.

Info: Coaches will cycle to each team offering feedback and suggestions.

Info: Teams quickly cycle through the presentation room to ensure their slides and demos are working properly with the A/V system.

Info: Present, watch and celebrate all your hard work throughout the weekend!

Info: Relax and grab a bite to eat while the judges deliberate. As soon as deliberations are complete, award recipients will be announced.

Info: Teams can hear a few minutes of feedback from the judges on how to improve their business ideas.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

425 W Magnolia Ave, 425 West Magnolia Avenue, Auburn, United States