Startup Champions Network, a nonprofit that supports entrepreneurial ecosystem builders, is bringing its national conference to Phoenix later this month.
The SCN 2023 Fall Summit will host hundreds of the nation’s top industry leaders and entrepreneurs to discuss funding trends, policymaking and entrepreneurship from Oct. 24-26 at the 850 PBC building in downtown Phoenix.
It marks the first time the Startup Champions Network conference will be held in Phoenix. The nonprofit previously held its Spring summit in Washington, D.C.
At the summit, Startup Champions Network board member Jenny Poon will introduce attendees to entrepreneurs, policymakers, and economic leaders helping to cultivate resilient communities that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusive innovation. The summit will also include networking opportunities, an innovation tour and entrepreneur showcase, according to the nonprofit's website.
Poon is founder of local coworking space Co+Hoots and HUUB, a digital platform that connects small businesses with government resources.
National speakers at the Fall Summit include Victor Hwang, founder and CEO of Right to Start; Sima Ladjevardian, chair of the National Women’s Business Council; Christopher Miller, board member of the Nation Coalition for Community Capital; and Jennifer McDonald, director of Cities Work at the Institute for Justice.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Mesa Mayor John Giles, Mesa City Councilwoman Jenn Duff and Black Chamber of Arizona President Robin Reed are all expected to be in attendance, along with economic development leaders, universities, utility companies, entrepreneur support organizations, incubators, accelerators and banks.
Startup Champions Network partners with local communities to host two summits per year to connect ecosystem builders with resources, provide networking opportunities, improve best practices and develop critical skills, according to the organization’s website.
The nonprofit's summits are intended to address topics relevant to SCN's members, including inclusive entrepreneurship, collaboration and engaging underrepresented populations.
For registration and more information, visit https://www.startupchampions.co/summit-2023.
For more startup news, sign up for one of Phoenix Business Journal's free daily newsletters.
