Ever wondered what it takes to be an entrepreneur?

The professional and personal challenges, the high and lows, the failures and the success?

Startup Weekend is a global grassroots movement of active and empowered entrepreneurs who are learning the basics of founding startups and launching successful ventures. It is the largest community of passionate entrepreneurs with over 400 past events in 100 countries around the world in 2011.

The non-profit organization is headquartered in Seattle, Washington but Startup Weekend organizers and facilitators can be found in over 200 cities around the world. From Mongolia to South Africa to London to Brazil, people around the globe are coming together for weekend long workshops to pitch ideas, form teams, and start companies.

Got an idea? Join us for Startup Weekend at PSU!

Don't have an idea? Join us for Startup Weekend at PSU!

Whether you have an idea or not, Startup Weekend is an experience for anyone who wants to be part of creating a new business or developing a technology. In teams and with the help of coaches and advisors from the Portland business community, you'll do everything from refining the concept to validating the market, contacting customers, building the business model, forecasting revenues and expenses, developing a prototype, to creating your pitch.

All Startup Weekend events follow the same basic model: everyone gathers Friday evening to hear pitches made by anyone with a startup idea (Remember! You don't need to have an idea to participate!). We've seen a variety of ideas from the most creative apps to flame-retardant racing suits to nonprofit organizations. The diversity in backgrounds and talents makes for the collaboration and innovation extremely high quality. Teams organically form around the top ideas (as determined by popular vote) and then it’s a 54 hour frenzy of business model creation, market validation and team execution. The weekends culminate with presentations in front of local entrepreneurial leaders, awards, and another opportunity for critical feedback.

Whether entrepreneurs found companies, find a cofounder, meet someone new, or learn a skill far outside their usual 9-to-5, everyone is guaranteed to leave the event better prepared to navigate the chaotic but fun world of startups. If you want to put yourself in the shoes of an entrepreneur, register now for the best weekend of your life!