Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

Events

Today

  • Cómo Emprender Su Negocio (Spanish Business Start Workshop)

    BridgeWorks Coworking Space 6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA, United States

    Register Ser propietario de un negocio puede ser una empresa estimulante, exigente y lucrativa, pero no es para todo el mundo. Un elemento clave del éxito es la capacidad de planificar el presente y el futuro. Cuanto más planifiques, más informado estarás, lo que a su vez te ayudará a centrar tus prioridades y a tomar grandes decisiones en el proceso. José Huitrón es un pilar de la creación de capacidad empresarial en la Costa Central desde hace mucho tiempo, habiendo lanzado varias empresas que abarcan la creación de contenidos, el marketing digital y la activación del acceso al capital para fundadores subrepresentados. Opciones de asistente en persona e híbrido

  • Capital Access & Alternative Funding Pathways for Your Business

    Online

    Securing funding is one of the most critical—and often most challenging—aspects of growing a small business. The Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Small Business Development Center and the Mission Community Services Corporation (MCSC) Women’s Business Center are partnering to host this virtual workshop designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs navigate the various pathways to capital. Join us for an informative session featuring four expert speakers from the worlds of banking, the Small Business Administration (SBA), community development financial institutions (CDFIs), and angel/venture investing. Each speaker will present for 15–20 minutes on their area of expertise, followed by a group Q&A session. You'll gain insights into: The different funding sources available to small businesses Which options may be the right fit for your business What requirements and preparations are needed for each pathway How to position yourself for success when approaching potential funders Featured Panelists Include: CDFI Representative – Cecy Toro Brooks Wise – Executive Vice President, Pacific Premier Bank George Flores – Deputy District Director, SBA Fresno Office David Benham – Angel investor focused on ClimateTech and limited partner in two venture funds; Element 8 Angels screener; NREL Industry Growth Forum pitch selection committee Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, […]

    Free

  • AngelCon 2026 Investor Info Session

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Have you ever wanted to be an investor, but weren’t sure where to start? Whether you're brand new to angel investing or already have experience and want to expand your impact, this info session is for you. Join us in-person or virtually to learn how you can become part of AngelCon 2026, an exciting annual event that brings together tech-driven Central California startups and local investors for a live startup competition—where one company walks away with at least $100,000 in funding. Through a hands-on investor training program offered by the Cal Poly CIE SBDC, new investors receive expert guidance on how to evaluate early-stage companies, conduct due diligence, and select high-potential startups for investment. You'll gain real-world experience alongside a group of engaged investors while contributing to the growth of our regional innovation ecosystem. Why attend? Learn how to get started with angel investing—even if you’ve never invested before Hear how the AngelCon investor group works together to pool funds, evaluate startups, and make investment decisions Meet like-minded professionals passionate about supporting entrepreneurship and local economic growth Discover how you can participate in AngelCon 2026 and help select the startup that will receive $100,000 in funding Whether you're curious, cautious, or ready […]

    Free

  • Coffee & Conversation featuring Cara Wright

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Join us this month for a special Coffee & Conversation featuring keynote speaker Cara Wright, Director of Development and Community Engagement at Must! Charities and former CEO of Farm Supply Company. Cara is a fourth-generation SLO County resident and Cal Poly alum whose career spans nearly three decades leading one of the region’s most beloved farmer-owned cooperatives. She rose through the ranks at Farm Supply—from salesperson to marketing, V.P. of Communications, and ultimately CEO—before transitioning this year to her new role at Must! Charities. Cara will share lessons from her journey from a local co-op to a local non-profit, insights on leadership, and the ways business and community impact intersect. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear Cara’s perspective on leading with purpose, navigating career transitions, and fostering meaningful change. Connect with fellow business professionals, enjoy free coffee, and engage in meaningful conversations with our vibrant community.

    Free

  • QuickBooks 101 Beginner Workshop

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Description: New to QuickBooks? This beginner-friendly workshop led by QuickBooks expert, Marissa Jones, will walk you through the essentials of setting up and navigating the platform with confidence. Whether you’re launching a business or simply ready to get your books in order, this session will help you build a strong foundation for managing your finances. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn: How to set up QuickBooks and get started Tips for organizing your books for a smooth year-end handoff to your tax professional How to use QuickBooks reports to stay financially informed and make better business decisions Common mistakes new businesses make—and how to avoid them About the Speaker:Marissa Jones is the Founder & CEO of Carpe Digits, where she helps businesses grow—from inception to exit—through modern accounting and finance solutions. With a background in economics and accounting, Marissa is a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs and a frequent speaker at industry events.

    Free

  • Unlocking Growth for Your Business: Finding and Competing for Grants & Federal Funding

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Are you exploring ways to grow your business without giving up equity? Join us for this in-depth workshop on non-dilutive funding led by funding expert, Carolyn Kreuzcamp, MBA, and learn how to identify, pursue, and secure grant opportunities that align with your business goals. Is non-dilutive funding right for your business? Gain a clear understanding of grants and federal funding, how they work, and when they’re the right fit. How to find the right opportunities for your business. Discover strategies for identifying relevant opportunities across public (municipal, state, and federal) and private (foundation) sources. About the speaker Carolyn Kreuzkamp, MBA is a seasoned funding strategist with extensive experience preparing grant proposals and responding to solicitations at the Municipal, State, and Federal levels. Carolyn specializes in building commercialization strategies for regulated industries, with a strong focus in healthcare and medtech. Her expertise spans tech transfer, finance, innovation, government contracting, and storytelling. She also serves as a member of the NIH Center for Scientific Review and as a mentor for the Department of Commerce Select Global Women in Tech program. Based in San Francisco, Carolyn is proud to be part of the SBDC at Cal Poly and visits San Luis Obispo quarterly to advise teams in person. IMPORTANT NOTE: Carolyn […]

    Free

  • QuickBooks Intermediate – Virtual Workshop

    Zoom

    Ready to take your QuickBooks skills to the next level? In this live, virtual workshop, QuickBooks expert Marissa Jones will guide you beyond the basics to help you strengthen your financial systems and maintain accurate, insightful records. Perfect for business owners and professionals who already use QuickBooks and want to enhance efficiency, consistency, and confidence in their bookkeeping. In this interactive online workshop, you’ll learn: -Best practices for clean, consistent recordkeeping -Tools to streamline monthly reviews and stay on top of business health -How to track KPIs to measure performance and make data-driven decisions About the Speaker Marissa Jones is the Founder & CEO of Carpe Digits, where she helps businesses grow—from inception to exit—through modern accounting and finance solutions. With a background in economics and accounting, Marissa is a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs and a frequent speaker at industry events. Register for free

    Free

  • Coffee and Conversations with Peter Falzon

    SLO HotHouse 872 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Join us for a special Coffee & Conversation as we welcome Peter Falzon, the new Executive Director of the Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE)! Peter is a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of creating economic value in venture-stage and public companies with a focus on life sciences and technology. For the past seven years, Peter has been the CEO of Ripple Science, a healthcare IT spinout of the University of Michigan that provides cloud-based software for recruiting and retaining participants in clinical research studies. Before Ripple Science, Peter spent 10 years studying and working in Japan and 15 years managing life science companies in San Francisco and Silicon Valley. He is a native of Michigan and a graduate of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, where he earned his degree with distinction. We are incredibly excited to have Peter join the Cal Poly CIE community! This event is a wonderful opportunity to hear his story, learn about his vision for the CIE, and connect with other members of our vibrant business community. Enjoy free coffee, great conversations, and the opportunity to build meaningful connections with like-minded professionals!

    Free

  • AngelCon 2026 Startup Info Session (Online)

    Interested in $100K+ to grow your startup? Join us for this online info session to learn how your startup can participate in  AngelCon 2026 — the Central Coast’s biggest annual startup competition that brings together tech-driven entrepreneurs and local investors. Each year, one company walks away with  $100,000+ in equity-backed funding to accelerate their growth.During this session, you’ll: Get an overview of AngelCon — from application to the live pitch event. Learn about eligibility requirements and what makes a competitive startup. Understand the time commitment and expectations for participating companies. Participate in an open Q&A session to get your specific questions answered. We’re seeking a diverse group of innovative, high-potential startups from across Central California (from LA to the Bay) — to compete for $100K+ in funding. Previous winners have collectively earned  $875,000 in AngelCon funding and secured $2–20M in follow-up investments. Join us to learn how you can become part of AngelCon 2026 and take the next step in scaling your startup! A Zoom link will be provided to registrants on the morning of the session so you can join us online.  Startup applications are open now through January 16th. 

    Free

  • Year-End Financial Planning for Business Owners & What You Need to Know for 2026

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time for business owners to review their finances, get organized, and prepare for the year ahead — including new California employer requirements taking effect in 2026. Join us for a practical workshop designed to help you reflect on your business finances and identify the steps needed to build a strong financial future. Led by Chloe Feingold, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, this session will walk you through key year-end planning essentials while helping you understand and prepare for these upcoming state requirements. The format will be interactive and informal, with the opportunity to ask Chloe questions throughout. During this session from 4-5PM, we’ll cover: Finance basics and best practices to strengthen your business’s finances in the new year How to create a simple financial plan that supports both business and personal goals Key updates for 2025–2026, including the SECURE 2.0 Act and California’s new retirement-plan requirements After the session, you will have a chance to network with other business owners from 5-5:30PM over small bites and beverages. About the Speaker: Chloe Feingold is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones who helps business owners align everyday financial decisions with their long-term goals. She brings a practical, approachable style to […]

    Free