January 21, 2020
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This Wednesday, January 22, 5:30 pm at The EDGE
First Session in the Building a Business Workshop Series
This session is focused on your idea and you. Participants will be given FREE access to a software platform that will help with moving from an idea to a business plan and the system supports working with mentors too. Please bring your laptop so you can participate in these workshops. The second session will be held on Wednesday, February 5th from 5:30-6:30 pm and you can RSVP at this link.

Startup Drinks is Back January 30, 2020

The first Startup Drinks of the year will be held on Thursday, January 30th from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at Black Warrior Brewing Company.
Lessons from Serial Entrepreneur John Cassimus

Speaking at The EDGE February 12th, program from 5 to 6:30 pm RESCHEDULED from original 2/5/20 date

Serial entrepreneur and University of Alabama alumni John Cassimus will be speaking on Wednesday, February 12th at 5:30 p.m. Program starts at 5 pm with networking. Food and beverages provided.

Cassimus is best known for taking a single restaurant, Zoë’s Kitchen, started by his mother Zoë and father Marcus and founding the current company that operates over 260 fast casual restaurants in the United States and was listed on the NYSE until a recent sale of the company. He will share with us his story, lessons learned and news about his latest venture called Crazy Cazboy's.

2020 Edward K. Aldag Business Plan Competition
Our fourth annual Edward K. Aldag, Jr. Business Plan Competition will be held on April 14th in the Bryant Conference Center.

$50,000 Grand Prize*

$5,000 First Prize
$3,000 Second Prize
$2,000 Third Prize

Additional prizes will be offered for the best new idea, room prizes for earlier stage businesses, social entrepreneurship prize, best teamwork and more. Also, competing in the Aldag competition is a requirement to be eligible to participate in the summer Crimson Entrepreneurship Academy (CEA). CEA was first piloted in 2019 and it allows individuals and teams to work on their businesses full time during the summer at The EDGE. Selected Academy participants receive learning opportunities, networking connections, and a stipend to live and work in Tuscaloosa during the summer.

*The prizes mentioned are for The University of Alabama student-based competition. Details about the community competition are forthcoming.
Upcoming Events
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