Join us NOVEMBER 15
Join us on November 15th as we look at how starters are pushing boundaries and innovating. Startup Fest is The Close School of Entrepreneurship’s annual premiere event. Register for a full day of competitions, a vendor expo, thought leadership conversations and workshops, networking opportunities, and more!
PRESENTED BY
SCHEDULE
Are you a student who has an idea for a socially or environmentally impactful business? Join us to learn if applying to the 25-26 cohort is right for you!
1 – 2pm:
Adam Terheardt: “How to Build an App in Under an Hour”
Pearlstein 302
Discover the essentials of rapid app development with Adam Terhaerdt, an experienced entrepreneur and mobile application developer. This workshop will guide you through the key stages of creating a functional app, from concept to deployment, in just one hour.
Paige DeAngelo “How to Market Yourself in Under an Hour”
Pearlstein 308
Join Paige DeAngelo, founder of Aer Cosmetics, to learn how to leverage your own personal brand to help you navigate your startup journey. We’ll discuss the benefits of organic and authentic marketing, implementation strategies, and how to use a personal brand to your advantage.
2 – 3pm:
Victoria Miller “How to Start a Social Impact Business”
Pearlstein 308
Is there a social, environmental, or economic issue you are passionate about and have a solution to tackle it? Join Victoria Faith Miller (BA Entrepreneurship and Innovation '24, MBA Global Finance and Marketing for Impact '25) to learn "How to Start a Social Impact Business." From setting your mission statement to applying for grants and funding, discover how YOU can apply your unique interests and talents to change the world!
Liam Halsey (Lennica Digital): "How to Create and Post a Video on Social Media in Under an Hour"
Pearlstein 302
Liam Halsey, founder of Lennica Digital, will run a workshop that challenges participants to create and post a video to social media in under an hour. The video which garners the most views wins. The emphasis of this workshop will be on creating content without fear.
AI Round Table Discussion
Pearlstein 102
Join Graphite GTC and panelists (experts in the fields of AI and No-Code) as they discuss AI's transformative role in industries, its impact on rapid prototyping, and the evolving collaboration opportunities between academia and industry.
Innovation Challenge
Pearlstein 102
Stay after the discussion for the Graphite Innovation Challenge, a pitch competition where Idea Accelerator students will present their innovative, AI-driven business ideas. Students who are not part of the Idea Accelerator Class are welcome to show up and pitch.
If you have any questions regarding the competition, please email Bryan Rishforth at bryan.rishforth@graphitegtc.com or Abhi Khullar at abhi.khullar@graphitegtc.com.
1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be selected with the 1st prize winner winning a $500 prize and the unique opportunity to have Graphite develop their application concept.
Featured Workshop
Melissa Levenson
Portfolio & Branding Reviews
Join Melissa Levenson, founder and Creative Director of Melissa Harans Studio, for an exclusive opportunity to have your portfolio or branding reviewed. Melissa brings years of experience in graphic design and brand strategy, working with women-led businesses, lifestyle brands, and top content creators.
Whether you're a graphic design student seeking feedback on your portfolio or a startup founder looking for insights on your logo and branding, this session is designed for you. Melissa recently appeared at a similar event at Adobe's Creative Cafe in Philadelphia in September, where high demand left many students without the chance to chat with her. This is your second chance to connect with her one-on-one!
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to refine your work, get valuable feedback, and network with a seasoned creative professional.
Student Thought Leaders
Adam Terheardt
Bachelor of Applied Science, Computer Software Engineering, 2025
Paige DeAngelo
Bachelor of Arts, Communications, 2023
Liam Halsey
Bachelor of Arts, Animation and Entrepreneurship, 2024
Victoria Faith Miller
Bachelor of Arts, Entrepreneurship and Innovation '24; MBA, Global Finance and Marketing for Impact, '25
Panelists
Adam Terheardt
Paige DeAngelo
Liam Halsey
Melissa Levenson
Portfolio & Branding Reviews
Sasha Cole
Victoria Faith Miller
Proving Ground Expo
A marketplace where visitors can meet our student entrepreneurs, learn about their ventures, and buy their products. Are you an entrepreneur with a business idea you would like to share or a maker with a product that you are selling? Tables are FREE. Apply to be a part of Proving Ground!
NEW - PASSPORT GAME
Play The Passport Game at Startup Fest 24! Attend individual events and collect stamps, business cards, and stickers in your Close School Passport to win a $100 gift card to Rosy’s Taco Bar.
How to Play:
- Collect your passport at the “Baiada Institute Passport Agency”, 4th Floor, Pearlstein Building, 3230 Market Street.
- Attend any scheduled Startup Fest event to get your passport stamped. (The more activities you participate in, the more stamps you collect, the better your chance of winning!)
- Attend the Proving Ground Expo to collect stickers or business cards from vendors and attend the Networking Reception to meet potential partners, investors, or mentors – business cards from guests to Startup Fest also count!
- Turn in your passport to Melissa Tevere at the Networking Reception (4th Floor, Baiada Institute, Pearlstein Building) for your chance to win a $100 gift card to Rosy’s Taco Bar. The passport with the most activity/entries wins! (In case of a tie, passports will be entered into a drawing to select the winner.) The winner will be notified on Tuesday, November 17th.