SharketteCon 2017
SharketteCon 2017
Take Your Startup to the Next Level!
August 12-13, 2017
Dallas, TX
SharketteCon 2017
We are excited to present our second annual conference in the North Texas region. Our goal is to help inspire, connect and empower women entrepreneurs with the tools needed for success.
We want you to join us the weekend of August 12-13 and get the tools you need to advance your business from concept to market. Network with our industry leaders and community. You also get a One-on-One Coaching and Mentoring session. Get your questions answered by our experts.
Register now for early bird tickets!
Startups! Interested in pitching your business in front of our judges and members, and win cash prizes? Apply for our SharketteCon's Pitch Contest.
We Will Show You How To
- Effectively build a robust network for you and your business.
- Pursue the right passion as a business and steps to make it happen.
- Get clear on who you are selling to and how to market to them.
- Protect your personal and business assets.
- Protect your ideas and your brand from would-be competition.
- Get financing for your business.
- Put your best foot forward with a strong business plan.
- Present your business by learning the art of a great pitch.
Register Today for Early Bird Tickets!
Pitch Contest
Are you a Startup? Pitch your Business at SharketteCon!
Apply and we will select contestants to present in front of our distinguished judges and audience.
Startups will pitch on August 13th for a chance to win cash prizes!
our HOST and JUDGES
Courtney Garza | Event Host
Co-founder of The Harvest Hand | Read Bio
Courtney Garza is a media enthusiast that is constantly chasing opportunities to get more involved in the community. Plugged into the growing vegan scene, Courtney co-founded The Harvest Hands – a venture to create fun, educational, and delicious events that shed light on the plant-based lifestyle that she’s built with her other half, Zak Shelton. Read More >>
Chirag Gupta | Event Judge
Director of North Dallas Angels | Read Bio
Chirag is the Director of North Dallas Angels. He founded NōD Coworking in 2014 which has now been featured in D Magazine, LaunchDFW, and The Dallas Morning News. As an independent strategy consultant he is focused on new technology startups that are looking to grow their presence in Texas. Read More >>
Judge Stacy G. White | Event Judge
Lead Administrative Patent Judge with the USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board | Read Bio
Judge Stacey G. White is a Lead Administrative Patent Judge with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Prior to law school, Judge White was a software engineer for Motorola. Read More >>
Sejal Desai | Event Judge
Program Director for Entrepreneurs For North Texas (EFNT) | Read Bio
Sejal Desai is the Program Director for Entrepreneurs For North Texas (EFNT), a Program of the Communities Foundation of Texas where she manages a program that makes it easy for small and mid-sized companies to develop philanthropic strategies and enhance community engagement. Read More >>
Stephanie Franco | Event Judge
Founder of Diversity Solutions Marketing | Read Bio
Stephanie Franco is a Small Business Marketing Strategist and Speaker with Diversity Solutions Marketing. She recently founded a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization called Women Entrepreneur Resource & Educational (WERE) Community in 2016. She is also a Brand Ambassador for iFundwomen, a crowdfunding platform for women-led startups and businesses. Read More >>
Stephen Hays | Event Judge
Managing Partner of Deep Space Ventures | Read Bio
Stephen Hays is the Managing Partner of Deep Space Ventures, a venture capital fund based in Dallas, TX. Deep Space is a value-added VC fund investing in early stage start-ups with amazing leaders that use innovative technology to bring creative solutions to market. Read More >>
Event SCHEDULE and SPEAKERS
Mishty Deb
Founder of Sharks In Heels, Inc.
Session 1 | Read Bio
The Ocean Ecosystem (Networking)
As an ice breaker we will have an interactive workshop on tips for effectively building a robust network for you and your business. Don't just collect business cards, turn connections into relationships you can build on.
Kat Mendenhall
Purveyor of Handmade Vegan Goods
Session 2 | Read Bio
Deciding on the Right Bait (Ideation)
Turning your passion into a profit is more than just having a good idea. Knowing which passion to pursue as a business and what steps to start making it happen.
Karen Albert
Social Media Consultant
Session 3 | Read Bio
Finding the Fish (Research)
Finding and marketing to your clients.
Lara Bubalo Manor
Associate Attorney / Vela Wood
Session 4 | Read Bio
Using the Right Gear (Legal Risks)
Hedging your personal risk. Tips for setting up an organization that will protect your personal assets and your new business.
Megan Hoyt
Session 5 | Read Bio
Protecting Your Catch (An Intro to IP and USPTO Resources)
Learn how to protect your ideas and your brand from would be competition.
Andres Bodeya
VP, Business Banking Officer / BBVA Compass
Session 6 | Read Bio
How to Keep Swimming (Financing for Small Business)
Learn about the options for getting financing for your small business.
Lauren Thompson Miller
CEO/Co-Founder of Aidant Brands
Session 7 | Read Bio
Mapping a Route (Writing Good Business Plans)
Putting together a strong business plan. The nuts and bolts to help you tie everything together, so you can put your best foot forward with financiers, investors, partners, and collaborators.
Jen Teague
Founder of Jen Teague, LLC
Session 8 | Read Bio
Build a Team Without Getting Bitten (Hiring & Handling Contractors)
Learn how to differentiate between a contractor vs an employee, what you should have for your contractor, know when you need a contractor, and where you can find them.
Amy Ballon
Founder & President of Ballon Development Consulting, Inc.
Session 9 | Read Bio
Getting the Fish to Bite (The Art of a Great Pitch)
Learn the basics of making a good presentation whether for customers or investors. Tips on how to think on your feet and being prepared.
Laura Klekar
Financial Representative of Guardian
Session 10 | Read Bio
Riding the Wave (Budgeting Wisely)
Learn how to budget wisely for the first few months of your startup.
SharketteCon Pitch Contest
Get ready for a live on-stage battle. Selected startups will get to present in front of judges and our Sharks In Heels members for a chance to win cash prizes and more!
Apply today to enter our Pitch Contest.
DATE / TIME
August 12-13, 2017
Saturday & Sunday
8:30AM – 4:30PM
LOCATION
Girls Scouts of Northeast Texas Headquarters
6001 Summerside Dr
Dallas, TX 75252
Register Today for Early Bird Tickets!
Our SPONSORS
Want to EXHIBIT or SPONSOR?
Does your company offer products or provide a service that helps a small business? Click here to get more info on exhibiting.
Interested in Sponsoring our events? Click here.
