SHOULD I STILL COME TO STARTUP WKND IF?

1.       I’M NOT A STUDENT?

Of course, you should be at startup weekend, anyone with a passion for an idea should join startup weekend! Where else can you test the feasibility of your theories and ideas, it’s those little conversations that you have with mentors who have done it before and the atmosphere of working with other people with amazing ideas that really helps you understand what it means to launch your own company. One of the world’s best entrepreneurs, Jeff Bezos started Amazon when he was 30 and according to the BDC 40% of Canadian entrepreneurs are over 35. At startup weekend we welcome everyone between the ages of 18 and 65 from all walks of life, because at the end of the day if you truly have the passion to build an amazing startup age doesn’t make any difference!

2.       I DON’T HAVE A START-UP COMPANY?

Well neither will more than half the people at startup weekend! The idea is to learn is in a short period of time what it actually takes to launch a company, it doesn’t matter whether you are a computer engineering who’s been working for years in a company or if you are a student with a great idea, just come by and see if your skills can help develop tomorrow’s amazing ideas!

3.       I DON’T WANT TO GO INTO BUSINESS FOR MYSELF?

Where else in the Hamilton area are you going to get so many like-minded and skilled individuals with expertise ranging from business to technology in one place? This is the perfect opportunity for you to network and see if anyone needs your expertise, maybe even work with a startup in the future and push the boundaries of innovation in Ontario.

4.       MY START-UP IS ALREADY UP?

Awesome! As with any new fast growing startup you need highly motivated and like-minded people to help grow your startup. What does a resume or an interview tell you about how someone will work under the pressures of a startup? Startup weekend is one of the best proving grounds for talented people and an opportunity for startup founders to mingle and get to know each other, because believe me it’s tough being a founder! Meet new people and see what value they can add to your startup or see how you can collaborate in the future!

5.       I DON’T EVEN REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT A STARTUP IS?

Well, every company in the world today at one point or another was a startup. Yes, even Dofasco was a startup in 1912! Startup weekend is the best place to learn the differences between a startup and an established corporation, and there are huge differences like the speed of development, the level of collaboration and your opinion matters in a startup! More and more corporations are trying to become like startups lean, priority oriented and efficient – learn what this actually feels like at startup weekend and see if your company could use a little bit of the startup magic.