DECEMBER MEETING
Kickstand's Holiday Celebration & Reunion
WHEN: Thursday, December 10th @ 5:30 – 7pm
WHERE: The Discovery Center of Idaho, 131 Myrtle Street in Boise
Join Kickstand for our annual end of year celebration to
mix, mingle and inspire as we work to support and showcase innovation
throughout Idaho. This year's event takes place at The Discovery Center
of Idaho, featuring Education Director Woody Sobey.
Sobey
is a Science Communicator with experience sharing the joy of science
with students from Scotland to Singapore. Now the Education Director
at the Discovery Center of Idaho, he previously worked at Enginuity in
Ironbridge, England. He co-created a traveling museum
exhibition about robots circulating around the country and his first book,
"The Way Toys Work," came out in May, 2008.
Bring a colleague, a friend, a family member, a
former Kickstand member and join us as we reflect back on 2009 and look
forward to 2010. Special guest rate of $5 for non-Kickstand members.
RSVP NOW! (and RSVP early so we can set our holiday buffet numbers!)
NEED INSPIRATION?
Part of Kickstand's mission is to innovate and inspire. All of us can
use a little inspiration from time to time - whether it's by hearing
from fellow entrepreneurs, getting much needed feedback at just the
right time, or being exposed to a spark that lights a fire within us.
Here's a
spark for your viewing pleasure.
Launch Pad Series: Exciting and excruciating – making a start-up
take flight. What are the hallmarks of startups that succeed and what
are the flaws of those that flame out? How do you build and manage a
high-growth company? What are the keys to solidifying a management
team? How do you select angels or venture investors who will bring in
financial and strategic capital? What are the keys to successful
execution? Kickstand is proud to bring you "Launch Pad," a
complimentary five-part seminar series constructed to answer these
questions and address critical issues facing start-ups in today's tough
environment.
Look for information on the last two parts of the series (Monday mornings @ 7:30am @ The Watercooler) and sign up to attend!
IN THE NEWS
What Makes Them Tick? A new Kauffman Foundation study, "
Making of a Successful Entrepreneur," provides insight into company owners' views about what influences the success or failure of a startup business.
New VC - There's a new VC firm in town - August Ventures.
Learn more about Eric Hansen and his fund, courtesy of VC
Highway 12 General Partner Glenn Michael.
Shining A Light - Idaho's Inovus & Hoku are featured in Global Corporate Xpansion's piece on the future of US solar -
Sunny Skies Ahead For American Solar
Green for Green - The City of Meridian and VengaWorks are seeing applications for
Meridian’s Green Grant Fund, which awards up to $2,000 each to Meridian applicants
that demonstrate new green jobs, new jobs in a business in a
high-performance building, or new jobs in a business working to make
its building more energy-efficient.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Special thanks to our loyal sponsors whose participation enables up to
keep growing Kickstand and providing you with opportunities to network,
learn and grow.
Gold sponsor
Stoel Rives
focuses on industry know-how and practical experience, deals done and
cases won. With more than 370 lawyers, 500 support professionals, and
eight offices in five western states, they have the technical
expertise, market savvy, and business and community connections to help
your company succeed. Stoel Rives' clients reflect the business
landscape of the West and include businesses at all stages of growth,
from start-ups to internationally known public companies. Stoel Rives:
Helping Your Company Dream Big.
Have an idea for the newsletter? An event of interest to
entrepreneurs? An article showcasing innovation in Idaho? A startup
that should be profiled? Send along your information to
info@kickstand.org. The newsletter is distributed the Monday before our
monthly meetings.
UP NEXT: 
Ryan Woodings
Melanie Krause & Joe Schnerr
