ChicoSTART Strategy & Innovation Workshops + Pitch Challenge

SPRING into the ChicoSTART + GrowTECH 2024 Spring Workshop Series!⁠ These strategic and innovative workshops will be held at the Tres Hombres Blue Agave Room located in Downtown Chico, CA. PLUS, we will host a ChicoSTART Hang and Pitch Challenge!

Who should attend?

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup, small business, or just looking to learn something new for your business or idea, you'll want to sit in on these sessions! Plus, have a chance to win money at the Pitch Challenge!

12:45 p.m. : Attendee Check In

1:00 p.m.: Welcome!

1 :15 p.m.: How to Engage in State Contracts & Speak the Procurement Language

This workshop will cover essential aspects of state procurement, including understanding the process, finding contracting opportunities, and marketing your business to enhance visibility. Participants will learn to speak the procurement language and assess their readiness for contracting with practical insights and strategies. Additionally, the workshop will highlight why it's an excellent time for small businesses to engage in state contracts and the importance of thorough research for success.

Presented by: Pierre Washington, Bilingual Business Outreach Liaison, Office of Small Business and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise Services

Pierre, a Business Outreach Liaison, assists small and disabled veteran-owned businesses (SB/DVBE) in understanding and complying with state contracting requirements. He ensures these businesses are prepared for government procurement opportunities by offering guidance on compliance and fostering relationships with key stakeholders. His career began in Human Resources, and he later gained expertise in procurement and contracting, including managing workflows, negotiating contracts, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Pierre is dedicated to increasing access to state funding opportunities for SB/DVBEs and fostering a supportive environment for their long-term success.

2:30 p.m. Power of Microstories: Storytelling for Connection: In this one-hour workshop, join Bonnie Pipkin, creator, producer, & host of the popular Bonfire Multi-Generational Storytelling, as she guides you through the art of crafting a compelling two-minute microstory. Whether for a business pitch or a deeper personal connection, you’ll learn how to shape a true and vulnerable story that resonates. Through expert tips and hands-on exercises, discover how stakes, tension, and authenticity can transform your story into a powerful tool for engaging your audience and connecting to something greater.

Presented by Bonnie Pipkin. Bonnie is a writer, producer, and community builder dedicated to the power of storytelling. After seventeen years in Brooklyn, she returned to her hometown of Chico, California, with two babies and a drive to make things happen. She is the Chair of the city's Arts Commission, an associate faculty member in the English Department at Butte College, and is currently working on her second novel. Through Bonfire Multi-Generational Storytelling, Bonnie fosters joy, connection, and community by bringing people together to share their stories.

3:45 p.m. Pitch Workshop & Challenge

Presented by ChicoSTART

before registering!

Ready to take your business to the next level? Sign up for the Startup Pitch Workshop and then share your startup story live! Prize money will be awarded to 3rd, 2nd and 1st place challengers.

*In order to be part of the PitchChallenge YOU MUST take the Pitch Workshop! However, you don't have to be part of the Pitch Challenge to take the workshop. Anyone is welcome to register for workshop to observe and learn about pitching your business idea.

5:30 p.m. GrowTECH HANG + Pitch Challenge

Whether you attend the workshop sessions or not, be our guest at the Hang to connect and support the Pitch Challengers. Our Hang attendees will be part of the FUN voting process to determine winners!

Connections, beverages, and small bites will be served.

*In Person Event

**Space is limited!

Follow us!

Presented by ChicoSTART & GrowTECH

Supported by Partners: Tri Counties Bank and Half a Bubble Out

Info: This workshop will cover essential aspects of state procurement, including understanding the process, finding contracting opportunities, and marketing your business to enhance visibility. Participants will learn to speak the procurement language and assess their readiness for contracting with practical insights and strategies. Additionally, the workshop will highlight why it's an excellent time for small businesses to engage in state contracts and the importance of thorough research for success.
Presented by: Teresa Macias-Ruiz, Bilingual Business Outreach Liaison, Office of Small Business and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise Services

Info: Storytelling is the new execution! Learn how to be master of you and your companies story.
Learn valuable tips you need to be able to tell a compelling story that resonates with your audience. Whether you're pitching to investors, engaging customers, or inspiring your team, storytelling is a powerful tool that can make all the difference.

Info: Ready to take your business to the next level? This workshop will offer tips, practice skills and feedback needed to execute your impactful pitch. Workshop attendees will then present at the Pitch Challenge following the workshop. Prize money will be awarded to 3rd, 2nd and 1st place challengers.
*In order to be part of the Challenge YOU MUST take the Startup Challenge Workshop! However, you don't have to be part of the Challenge to to take part in the workshop. Anyone is welcome to sit in on the workshop to learn. YOU MUST APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN BOTH THE WORKSHOP AND CHALLENGE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemM_-yRoN49-6w9aXB9qFmFkmevZn1BzloUpn-JYoTdkRkWA/viewform?usp=header

Info: Whether you attend the workshop sessions or not, be our guest at the Hang to connect and support the Pitch Challengers. Our Hang attendees will be part of the FUN voting process to determine winners!
Connections, beverages, and small bites will be served.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

100 Broadway St, 100 Broadway Street, Chico, United States