UW’s Casper Start-Up Challenge to Host Informational Mixer Aug. 22

Individuals who are interested in starting businesses in the Casper area can learn about the Casper Start-Up Challenge at an informational mixer Wednesday, Aug. 22.

The Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC), which administers the Casper Start-Up Challenge, will host a mixer at Frontier Brewing, located at 117 E. Second St., at 5:30 p.m.

The WTBC is a business development program of the University of Wyoming, with business incubators in Laramie, Casper and Sheridan. Administered by the UW Office of Research and Economic Development, the WTBC is a not-for-profit business incubator that provides entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and tools necessary for success.

Now in its third year of competition, the Casper Start-Up Challenge will have a $50,000 seed fund to help early-stage entrepreneurial companies launch. Additionally, a select few companies will be chosen to receive office space in the Casper WTBC facility free of charge for one year.

“The challenge is open to any stage of startup business in the Casper area,” says Jerad Stack, director of the Casper Area WTBC. “Even if you just have a business idea, we want to encourage you to come to the mixer and learn more about the Casper Start-Up Challenge.”

The mixer will provide details of the challenge, from the registration process through the stages of the competition leading to the final pitch day Nov. 15.

“This is a great way for those interested in the competition to meet WTBC staff and get any questions they have answered,” Stack adds.

Registration for the 2018 Casper Start-Up Challenge is now open and closes Sept. 7.

Sponsors for the Casper Start-Up Challenge are the Casper Area Economic Development Alliance (CAEDA)/Forward Casper, the John P. Ellbogen Foundation, First Interstate Bank and WIDC Frontier CDC.

For more information, call Stack at (307) 315-6401 or email jstack@uwyo.edu.