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  • Coffee & Conversation w/ HiView Solutions Founder

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

    Register 8:30-9:30AM - Keynote Speaker 9:30-10AM - In Person Networking Join us this month to hear the entrepreneurial journey of Miles Hischier, the visionary behind HiView, a Google Workspace Reseller and Professional Services Firm. With experience gained from working at Square in San Francisco, Miles established HiView in 2016, providing businesses not only with Google Workspace subscriptions but also invaluable support and migration services. Engage in insightful discussions as Miles shares his path from Square to HiView's success, demystifying Google Workspace's potential, and learn how HiView's 17-strong team caters to 450+ clients. This event offers networking opportunities, a Q&A session, and a spotlight on HiView's achievements. Reserve your spot now for a morning of inspiration, knowledge-sharing, and connections with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals.

    Free

  • QuickBooks Intermediate

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

    Register QuickBooks Intermediate is the second step in a three part workshop series. Learn how to manage and secure company files, list items, order and sell inventory and how to apply vendor discounts. We will cover best practices for the online and desktop platforms of the QuickBooks software. Led by Damon Watkins, the Director of Finance & Operations for Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. He is a motivated, personable business professional with a 15+ year track record in multiple aspects of financial control, management and policies/procedures.

    $20.00

  • Coffee & Conversation

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

    Register Agenda: 8:30-9:30AM - Keynote Speaker 9:30-10AM - In Person Networking   Join us for this month's Coffee & Conversation featuring Kristin Tara Horowitz, CEO of The Pad Climbing and a recognized community leader. Kristin will share her entrepreneurial journey from being an English professor to leading a nationally acclaimed indoor climbing community, offering insights into building a business centered on community and inclusivity. This event includes a keynote address, a Q&A session, and the chance to network with fellow attendees over complimentary coffee. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, this workshop provides a unique opportunity to learn from a successful woman entrepreneur and to connect with others in the community. Mark your calendar and join us for a morning of inspiration and valuable networking in a supportive environment!

  • Coffee and Conversation

    872 Higuera St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Register Agenda: 8:30-9:30AM - Keynote Speaker 9:30-10AM - In Person Networking   Join us for this month’s Coffee & Conversation, featuring keynote speaker Stephanie Stackhouse, Owner of The Center SLO. The Center SLO is the largest yoga studio on the Central Coast of California. Stephanie embarked on this journey to create a space that fosters personal growth, health, and community connection. She began with a clear vision to integrate her corporate expertise in market research and strategic planning with a dedication to holistic well-being. As a small business owner, she is involved in all facets of business operations—from strategic planning and financial management to staff recruitment and program development. Stephanie’s unique blend of professional acumen and personal passion has driven the success of The Center SLO over the past decade. This event is an excellent opportunity to gain insights from Stephanie’s entrepreneurial journey and to network with like-minded members of the business and entrepreneurial community. Engage in stimulating conversations, exchange ideas, and build valuable connections that could benefit your own ventures. Plus, enjoy free coffee as you mingle with other attendees!

  • Coffee & Conversation w/ Pashion Footwear

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

    Register 8:30-9:30AM - Keynote Speaker 9:30-10AM - In Person Networking Join us this month for a special Coffee & Conversation featuring keynote speaker Haley Pavone, founder and CEO of Pashion Footwear. Haley is a Cal Poly alum and entrepreneur who revolutionized the footwear industry with her innovative convertible high heels. Her journey from a student startup to a nationally recognized brand is an inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial success. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear Haley’s insights on building a brand, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and bringing a bold idea to market. Connect with fellow business professionals, enjoy free coffee, and engage in meaningful conversations with our vibrant community.

  • Coffee & Conversation w/ 2025 Business of the Year Winner

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

    Register 8:30-9:30AM - Keynote Speaker 9:30-10AM - In Person Networking Join the SBDC this month for a special Coffee & Conversation featuring Quantum Energy, our center’s Business of the Year winner! Quantum Energy is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions while reducing impacts on public health, ecosystems and the economy. Hear directly from Andrew DeMille, Founder and CEO, about their inspiring journey toward success, commitment to sustainability, and the powerful impact they’ve made within our community and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights on building an impactful business, overcoming industry challenges, and embracing innovation. Connect with fellow business professionals, enjoy free coffee, and join engaging conversations with our thriving entrepreneurial community.

  • AngelCon 2025

    Rod & Hammer Rock 855 Aerovista Pl, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Six brilliant tech-driven startups from Central California compete in a pitch competition to win $100,000+ in equity-backed funding at the eighth annual AngelCon on Thursday, May 1st at 5 p.m. The hybrid event will take place in person at Rod & Hammer Rock and stream on YouTube Live. Purchase tickets here!   Agenda: 5-6PM Dinner & Networking w/ Startups (in-person only) 6-7:15PM Startups Pitch 7:15-7:25PM Audience Choice Voting/Investors Deliberate 7:30PM Winner Announcements - Audience + Investment Choice Early Bird Tickets (Jan 31-Mar 4) Virtual - $10 In Person - $65 Full Price Tickets (Mar 5-Apr 30) Virtual - $20 In Person - $80

    $10 – $80

  • Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Resilience for Sustainable Success

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

    Register Burnout is more than just stress—it’s a real and rising challenge for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders juggling competing priorities. In this practical, down-to-earth workshop, executive leadership coach Kiki Wilkinson will guide you through how to spot the early warning signs of burnout, develop strategies to prevent it, and equip yourself with tools to bounce back when it hits. Drawing on her 15 years of leadership development experience—including nearly a decade shaping global teams at Airbnb—Kiki shares actionable steps and compassionate insights to help you protect your energy, sustain your passion, and reconnect with the joy of what you do. Whether you’re feeling the pressure now or just want to build better boundaries for the future, this session will help you cultivate resilience, boost clarity, and thrive both personally and professionally.

  • Cabernet & Conversation

    THE SANDBOX Paso Robles + Zoom 1345 Park St, Paso Robles, California, United States

    Register This month, Coffee & Conversation gets a summer twist with a special evening edition: “Cabernet & Conversation” featuring Gretchen Roddick, Executive Vice President of Hope Family Wines and a leader in the Paso Robles wine community. Gretchen’s story is one of vision, grit, and community. Since joining Hope Family Wines in 1997, she has played a pivotal role in its transformation from a small, family-run business to a nationally recognized winery producing nearly one million cases annually. Along the way, she has helped the winery earn national awards, including Wine Enthusiast’s 2022 American Winery of the Year, and has become a champion for the Central Coast wine region. Join us to hear Gretchen’s journey from Cal Poly grad and seasonal cellar assistant to executive leadership and industry mentor. She will share behind-the-scenes insights into building a successful winery, lessons learned from decades in the business, and her thoughts on what makes Paso Robles such a special place for entrepreneurs and makers. The evening will be relaxed and interactive, with plenty of time for audience questions and informal networking over local wine. Whether you work in the wine industry, own a business, or simply want to learn from one of […]

  • 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