STC Supports Ozarks Startup Weekend, Encourages Local Entrepreneurs with Tech Ideas to Register Now
Codefi announced it is collaborating with other regional and statewide partners specializing in tech-based economic development, to create and host Ozarks Startup Weekend, September 13-15, 2024 in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield Tech Council is proud to help support this event.
For entrepreneurs with tech ideas in SW Missouri, the opportunity to successfully launch their company just got easier! Springfield Tech Council is proud to support Ozarks Startup Weekend, a 54-hour event hosted by Codefi that challenges participants to dream big, build fast, and start strong. Registration is now open for the event, which will take place September 13-15, 2024 in Springfield, Missouri.
"Ozarks Startup Weekend is an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs in our community to quickly transform their tech ideas into reality," said Emily Reed Buckmaster, Executive Director of Springfield Tech Council. "STC is happy to support this event and provide resources to help local startups succeed."
During the three-day event, participants with ideas will work with volunteer team members to develop a business idea, design and build a software prototype, and compete for the chance to win cash prizes, free services, and potential investment from Codefi. The weekend culminates in a final pitch competition where the teams present their work to a panel of judges. With similar events offered in other regions in Missouri, what sets Ozarks Startup Weekend apart includes:
$15,000 in cash prize money
Potential $100,000 investment
Eligibility for admission into Codefi’s pipeline of programs for one year
Coaching, office, legal, branding, and customer acquisition services.
"Ozarks Startup Weekend provides a sort of pressure cooker where aspiring entrepreneurs can come together with developers and designers to transform their big tech ideas into reality, and learn from other experienced tech founders," said Crystal Owens, Head of Startup Programs at Codefi. "It's an incredible opportunity to build something truly unique in an exciting, fast-paced setting and it takes the support of community partners like STC to make this scale of an event a success in Southern Missouri.”
Interested participants can learn more and register at codefiworks.com/startupweekend. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Volunteers are also needed for a few hours at a time, or more! Indicate on the interest form you would like to volunteer.
About Codefi:
Codefi is a nationally recognized tech-based development non-profit organization that specializes in deploying an innovation ecosystem by building and attracting software-focused companies, educating and training tech talent and founders, and expanding the tech economy to improve the quality of lives, companies, and communities. On the heels of its collaboration with the efactory at Missouri State University and the creation of the Southern Missouri Innovation Network, Codefi announced its expansion to Springfield last year, including the relocation of its co-founder and President/CEO, Dr. Stapleton.
