CONCORD, NH – The majority of startups fail and one of the chief reasons, according to Forbes, is that they “miss the mark when it comes to conveying a compelling and sustainable vision to investors.”
To help new ventures thrive rather than die on the vine, Business NH Magazine will hold the second annual Launch 603 interactive event aimed at helping startups that launched in the past five years as well as budding entrepreneurs who are considering starting a business.
Launch 603, a half-day accelerator program featuring over 20 startup experts under one roof, will be held on Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. It is being presented by Business NH Magazine and its partners, the Small Business Administration, the NH Small Business Development Center, the NH Tech Alliance.
“We are excited to once again gather so many experts to help startups launch or take their businesses to the next level,” says Business NH Magazine Executive Editor Matt Mowry. “Entrepreneurs will gain valuable information about the state of NH’s economy and learn about available resources through panel discussions, breakout sessions, keynote speakers and networking all focused on helping startups launch and grow their business.”
Attendees will be able to connect with resource partners from the Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center, The NH Tech Alliance and SCORE throughout the day to discover how these organizations can provide free assistance to help their business grow. Attendees can have a complimentary headshot taken at the event by a professional photographer.
The day will kick off with Brian Gotlob, director of the NH Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau, delving into the state of the economy and the challenges and opportunities it presents for startups based on his studies of economic issues in NH and 30 other states.
The day will wrap up with a Keynote address from Nadja Fromm, founder and CEO of Fromm Consulting, where she helps entrepreneurs and small business owners turn their ideas into profitable, sustainable businesses. Her talk, “Your Brain Needs a Software Upgrade: Why your caveman brain holds you back & how to rewire it for founder success,” will reveal how our ancient “mental operating system” quietly sabotages risk-taking, creativity, and growth and reveal how to flip the switch. With fresh insight and practical mindset tools, attendees will walk away with a whole new way of seeing themselves, their decisions, and their business.
Business NH Magazine will also recognize the 10 “Startup Stars” featured in the Guide to Startup Success in its July issue.
In addition to the speakers, Launch 603 will feature a main panel, “You are not an Island – Building the Right Relationships.” Panelists will be:
- Andrea Chatfield, attorney, Sheehan Phinney
- Chris Walkley, senior vice president, commercial banker and team leader, Bank of New Hampshire
- Liz Gray, state director, NH Small Business Development Center
- Eric Anderson, president, MALA Technology Advisors and member of the NH Tech Alliance Startup Committee
- Roy Wallen, CEO of Directional Healthcare Advisors and member of the NH Tech Alliance Startup Committee
The event will also include two rounds of break-out sessions. For the first session, attendees can choose to attend either “Financing Options for Your Startup” or a panel focused on “AI and Your Business.”
The “Financing Options For Your Startup” panelists will be:
- Amy Bassett, NH district director, Small Business Administration
- Ed Miles, Seacoast regional director, NH Small Business Development Center
- Jamie Simchick, co-founder, Launch NH
- Joe Raczka, co-founder, managing partner, and chief investment officer, York IE
- Jacy Amenkowicz, vice president, commercial banker, Bank of New Hampshire
The “AI and Your Business” panelists will be:
- Nadja Fromm, founder and CEO, Fromm Consulting
- Phil Magnuszewski, founder, D!srupt AI
- Cameron Schilling, director of the Litigation Department and chair of the Cybersecurity and Privacy Group, McLane Middleton
- Ryan Robinson, senior partner, Mainstay Technologies
During the second round of break-out sessions, attendees can choose between “Marketing Your Startup” or “Growing Your Workforce.”
The “Marketing Your Startup” panelists will be:
- Stephanie McLaughlin, principal, Savoir Faire Marketing & Communications
- Jennifer Kean, board member, NH Tech Alliance
- Darci Knowles, owner, DARCI Creative
- Nick Delyani, co-founder and chief brand strategist, Ampersand Collective
The “Growing Your Workforce” panelists will be:
- Anne Banks, director, ApprenticeshipNH
- Michelle Gray, HR business partner, HR Synergy
- Alison Milioto, senior HR consultant, Blue Lion
- Jason Alexander, chief revenue officer and co-founder, BANKW Staffing
- Andrea Chatfield, attorney, Sheehan Phinney
Registration for Launch 603 is $40 and includes refreshments. There is also a student discount ticket available for $20 with student ID. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit https://www.businessnhmagazine.com/events/launch-603.
Launch 603 is sponsored by Bank of NH, Sheehan Phinney Boost for Startups, Granite State Development Corp., Ledyard Bank and Community College System of NH.