ECC - Entrepreneur Resource Fair!
2025-11-18 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
Mingle with our awesome partners and make some great connections at our Entrepreneur Resource Fair!

Join us for the Entrepreneur Resource Fair, an open-house style event designed to connect entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startups with the partners and programs that can help them succeed!
During this event, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with local resource partners who offer valuable tools, services, and support for every stage of business growth — from startup guidance and funding opportunities to marketing assistance and workforce development.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, this event will help you discover free and low-cost resources, build meaningful connections, and learn about programs available to support your entrepreneurial journey.
What to Expect:

Open-house format — stop by anytime during event hours
Resource tables hosted by local business support organizations
Networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and community leaders

Who Should Attend:

Entrepreneurs and small business owners
Startups and early-stage founders
Anyone interested in launching or growing a business in our community
Come connect, collaborate, and discover how our community can help your business thrive!

Thank you to our sponsors, Action Zone and Veterans Florida for supporting this event!

Gaining Experience Without A Job
2025-11-18 10:00 - 11:00
Get the inside scoop on building your skills and gaining experience without being tied to a traditional job.

Breaking into IT can feel like a paradox: every job wants experience, but how do you gain experience without a job?
That’s the question we’ll answer in this powerful, interactive session designed for career changers, students, and early-career IT professionals who are ready to build real credibility and confidence — even before their first official role.
In this webinar, Suzanne Ricci, IT Workforce Development Expert and Chief Success Officer at Computer Coach, shares proven, creative strategies that have helped thousands of students move from training to employment. You’ll learn how to:
💡 Turn labs into real experience – Learn how to document and showcase your technical labs and projects in a way that employers recognize as job-ready experience.
🤝 Leverage volunteering & internships – Discover how to find legitimate volunteer and nonprofit tech opportunities that let you apply your new skills, expand your network, and fill the “experience gap.”
🌐 Build credibility through community – Learn how to contribute to tech forums, GitHub, and open-source projects (even small ones!) to demonstrate collaboration and problem-solving skills.
📄 Position your experience for employers – We’ll cover how to translate hands-on practice into resume language that resonates with recruiters and aligns with certifications like CompTIA, AWS, and Cisco.
By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a practical roadmap to build your technical portfolio, boost your confidence, and prove your value — no job title required.
Perfect for:

Career changers exploring IT and cybersecurity
Recent graduates or certification students
Professionals preparing for their first IT role

Because the truth is: You don’t need permission to start gaining experience. You just need the right plan — and training that counts.

Due to the differing nature of job search processes, this event is for attendees within the United States.
Recorded events will be added to our blog: https://www.computercoach.com/blog

Content Creation Marketing Class
2025-11-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
Learn how to use Instagram and Facebook to boost your SEO and attract more customers!

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship - Orlando Holiday Party
2025-11-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Enzian Theater, 1300 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
A celebration of WTE’s 3rd year of impact, connecting thousands of women with dues-free networking, expert-led content, and peer mentorship.

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) Orlando Chapter invites you to celebrate the holiday season and reflect on a year of growth, community building, and impactful connections. Join us in raising a glass at the iconic Enzian Theatre as we honor the milestones of our dynamic community.
As we celebrate, we take pride in the power of our dues-free networking, expert-led content, and empowering near-peer mentorship that has connected 5,000+ ambitious women in tech and entrepreneurship. This event is all about you — our vibrant members who make it all possible!

About Our Venue: The Enzian Theatre
This month, our Orlando Chapter is gathering at Eden Bar, the beloved outdoor bar at Enzian Theatre where art, culture, and community come together beneath the shade of beautiful live oaks. Known for its laid-back charm, creative cocktails, and unique indie vibe, Eden Bar offers the perfect setting for meaningful conversations and new connections.
🍸 PS: To keep our membership and events FREE, food and drinks at this event will be self-pay. Want to sponsor this event (and treat the crew to a round)? Reach out to us at sponsorships@wte.network!

Meet Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)
A groundbreaking organization focused on advancing women in technology and entrepreneurship sectors, Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) operates on a unique, dues-free, member-led model with local chapters across multiple cities and one unifying, virtual hub for member networking and connection. WTE offers a dynamic platform where women can access educational content, business resources, industry insights, and near-peer mentorship with other ambitious leaders, all without the burden of membership fees.

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship - Ft Myers Holiday Party
2025-11-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Swamp Cat Brewing Company, 1943 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, United States
a casual gathering of high-performing, non-conforming women founders, tech workers, VCs, and hype girls

Celebrate the holidays and a year of fabulous impact with our Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship Ft Myers Chapter.
Our mission is to empower women in technology and entrepreneurship with near-peer mentorship, educational opportunities, and a supportive network. WTE offers regular, dues-free, cost-free networking opportunities, ensuring that financial obstacles do not deter our members from accessing the resources they need. We’re here to build, sustain, and elevate a community that supports the ambitions of women in tech and entrepreneurship.

What to Expect:
Warm Welcome: Come as you are, come when you can. There’s no such thing as late, over dressed, underdressed – whatever – at a WTE event. At our events you’ll meet a warm and welcoming community of supportive, ambitious women who want to meet you!
Better Networking: We think differently at Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship. We want to connect about ideas, industry disruptions, personal passions, and big audacious dreams. We keep our events simple so we can focus our energy on authentic connections, and the culture we’ve created leads to better connections and deeper relationships for our members.
Interesting People at Every Stage of Their Journeys: Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, there’s someone here for you. We’re proud to be 3X more diverse than the tech sector as a whole and we’re all on unique journeys – which means we all offer out-of-the-box perspectives to help every member breakthrough and level up.

Venue Spotlight: Swamp Cat Brewery
Swamp Cat Brewery is a vibrant and inviting venue that perfectly captures the innovative and community-driven spirit of Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship. Nestled in the heart of Ft. Myers, this unique brewery blends artisanal craft beers with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it the ideal backdrop for networking and celebration.
PS: In order to keep our community free for members, food and drinks at our events are self-pay. If you’re interested in changing that (AKA sponsoring this event), reach out to us at sponsorships@wte.network!

About Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)
A groundbreaking organization focused on advancing women in technology and entrepreneurship sectors, Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) operates on a unique, dues-free, member-led model with local chapters across multiple cities and one unifying, virtual hub for member networking and connection. WTE offers a dynamic platform where women can access educational content, business resources, industry insights, and near-peer mentorship with other ambitious leaders, all without the burden of membership fees.

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship- Jacksonville Holiday Party
2025-11-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Gemma Fish + Oyster, 2039 Hendricks Avenue, #Unit 111, Jacksonville, FL, 32207, United States
a casual gathering of high-performing, non-conforming women founders, tech workers, VCs, and hype girls

Celebrate the holidays and a year of fabulous impact with our Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship Jacksonville Chapter.
Our mission is to empower women in technology and entrepreneurship with near-peer mentorship, educational opportunities, and a supportive network. WTE offers regular, dues-free, cost-free networking opportunities, ensuring that financial obstacles do not deter our members from accessing the resources they need. We’re here to build, sustain, and elevate a community that supports the ambitions of women in tech and entrepreneurship.

What to Expect:
Warm Welcome: Come as you are, come when you can. There’s no such thing as late, over dressed, underdressed – whatever – at a WTE event. At our events you’ll meet a warm and welcoming community of supportive, ambitious women who want to meet you!
Better Networking: We think differently at Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship. We want to connect about ideas, industry disruptions, personal passions, and big audacious dreams. We keep our events simple so we can focus our energy on authentic connections, and the culture we’ve created leads to better connections and deeper relationships for our members.
Interesting People at Every Stage of Their Journeys: Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, there’s someone here for you. We’re proud to be 3X more diverse than the tech sector as a whole and we’re all on unique journeys – which means we all offer out-of-the-box perspectives to help every member breakthrough and level up.

Venue Spotlight: Gemma Oyster + Fish
This month, our Jacksonville Chapter is gathering at Gemma Fish + Oyster, a coastal-inspired dining experience that blends refined elegance with laid-back charm. Located in Jacksonville’s vibrant San Marco neighborhood, Gemma is known for its fresh, thoughtfully sourced seafood, curated wine list, and stunning interiors that evoke the easy luxury of a seaside escape.
🦪 PS: To keep our membership and events FREE, food and drinks at this event will be self-pay. Want to sponsor this event (and treat the crew)? Reach out to us at sponsorships@wte.network

About Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)
A groundbreaking organization focused on advancing women in technology and entrepreneurship sectors, Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) operates on a unique, dues-free, member-led model with local chapters across multiple cities and one unifying, virtual hub for member networking and connection. WTE offers a dynamic platform where women can access educational content, business resources, industry insights, and near-peer mentorship with other ambitious leaders, all without the burden of membership fees.

1 Million Cups Tampa 2025
2025-11-19 08:50 - 22:00, 2025-11-19 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-11-26 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-12-03 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-12-10 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-12-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
Developed by the Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups is a free national event designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs

Get PAID for What You KNOW
2025-11-20 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
Package your skills into online courses and memberships.

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship - St Pete Chapter Holiday Party
2025-11-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Cane & Barrel Rooftop Bar, 110 2nd Street North, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, United States
a casual gathering of high-performing, non-conforming women founders, tech workers, VCs, and hype girls

Join us for the Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship St Pete Chapter monthly meet up! Our goal is to resource women in technology and entrepreneurship with near-peer mentorship, educational opportunities, and a support network.
Join us for dues-free, no-cost monthly networking opportunities – because financial barriers should never limit our opportunities for success and support.

What to Expect:
Warm Welcome: Come as you are, come when you can. There’s no such thing as late, over dressed, underdressed – whatever – at a WTE event. At our events you’ll meet a warm and welcoming community of supportive, ambitious women who want to meet you!
Better Networking: We think differently at Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship. We want to connect about ideas, industry disruptions, personal passions, and big audacious dreams. We keep our events simple so we can focus our energy on authentic connections, and the culture we’ve created leads to better connections and deeper relationships for our members.
Interesting People at Every Stage of Their Journeys: Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, there’s someone here for you. We’re proud to be 3X more diverse than the tech sector as a whole and we’re all on unique journeys – which means we all offer out-of-the-box perspectives to help every member breakthrough and level up.

Venue Spotlight: Cane & Barrel Rooftop Bar
This month, our St. Pete Chapter is heading sky-high to Cane & Barrel Rooftop Bar, a Cuban-inspired rooftop oasis perched above the city. With sweeping views of downtown St. Pete and the bay, tropical cocktails, and a sultry, art deco vibe, Cane & Barrel is the perfect setting for meaningful conversations and bold ideas to flow.
Whether you’re lounging in the lush rooftop garden or mingling at the bar over a mojito, Cane & Barrel sets the stage for connection, inspiration, and celebration among women driving change in tech and entrepreneurship.
🍹 PS: To keep our membership and events FREE, food and drinks at this event will be self-pay. Want to sponsor this event (and treat the crew to a round)? Reach out to us at sponsorships@wte.network!

Meet Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)
A groundbreaking organization focused on advancing women in technology and entrepreneurship sectors, Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) operates on a unique, dues-free, member-led model with local chapters across multiple cities and one unifying, virtual hub for member networking and connection. WTE offers a dynamic platform where women can access educational content, business resources, industry insights, and near-peer mentorship with other ambitious leaders, all without the burden of membership fees.

Non-Profit Leadership Round Table
2025-11-25 13:30 - 15:30 | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
The Nonprofit Leadership Roundtable is the premier monthly meeting for nonprofits in the Tampa Bay area.

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship - New Member Orientation
2025-12-01 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-02 12:00 - 13:00
Join us online every first Tuesday for a WTE New Member Orientation — learn about our community, resources, and how to thrive here!

Gaining Experience Without A Job
2025-12-02 10:00 - 11:00
Looking to level up your skills without punching the clock? Join us for a session on gaining experience outside the 9-5 grind!

Breaking into IT can feel like a paradox: every job wants experience, but how do you gain experience without a job?
That’s the question we’ll answer in this powerful, interactive session designed for career changers, students, and early-career IT professionals who are ready to build real credibility and confidence — even before their first official role.
In this webinar, Suzanne Ricci, IT Workforce Development Expert and Chief Success Officer at Computer Coach, shares proven, creative strategies that have helped thousands of students move from training to employment. You’ll learn how to:
💡 Turn labs into real experience – Learn how to document and showcase your technical labs and projects in a way that employers recognize as job-ready experience.
🤝 Leverage volunteering & internships – Discover how to find legitimate volunteer and nonprofit tech opportunities that let you apply your new skills, expand your network, and fill the “experience gap.”
🌐 Build credibility through community – Learn how to contribute to tech forums, GitHub, and open-source projects (even small ones!) to demonstrate collaboration and problem-solving skills.
📄 Position your experience for employers – We’ll cover how to translate hands-on practice into resume language that resonates with recruiters and aligns with certifications like CompTIA, AWS, and Cisco.
By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a practical roadmap to build your technical portfolio, boost your confidence, and prove your value — no job title required.
Perfect for:

Career changers exploring IT and cybersecurity
Recent graduates or certification students
Professionals preparing for their first IT role

Because the truth is: You don’t need permission to start gaining experience. You just need the right plan — and training that counts.

Due to the differing nature of job search processes, this event is for attendees within the United States.
Recorded events will be added to our blog: https://www.computercoach.com/blog

Doing Business with Hillsborough County BOCC Procurement Services
2025-12-02 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-08 13:00 - 16:30 | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC), 2101 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
A hands on (in-person) workshop on How to Do Business with Hillsborough County BOCC to partipcate in Procurement opportunities.

How to Sell When You Hate to Sell!
2025-12-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
Learn the basics of the sales process and how to approach the task of selling in a way that is even agreeable to you!

2025 BlueTech|X Pitch Night
2025-12-04 17:30 - 19:30 | Tampa Firefighters Museum, 720 East Zack Street, Tampa, FL, 33602, United States
Join us Dec 4 to celebrate the close of the BlueTech|X Accelerator and hear pitches from founders driving ocean enterprise innovation.

2025 BlueTech|X Accelerator Pitch Night
Join us for BlueTech|X Pitch Night, the culminating showcase of our nationally recognized accelerator program, where elite founders take the stage to pitch breakthrough solutions in ocean enterprise innovation.
📅 Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Tampa Firefighters Museum, 720 E Zack Street, Tampa, FL
This impactful evening will spotlight seven high-caliber startups selected for the first-ever BlueTech|X cohort.
From AI-powered ocean monitoring to drone-enabled coastal inspections, these solutions are helping to build the future of the blue economy right here in Tampa Bay.
Powered by NOAA and part of The Continuum, this accelerator connects startups with world-class mentors, researchers, and partners to fuel innovation and job creation.
Be among the first to hear their pitches, connect with climate-forward leaders, and experience how Tampa Bay is fast becoming a hub for BlueTech excellence.
Enjoy drinks, light bites, and networking with founders, investors, and ecosystem champions who are making waves locally and globally.
Let’s celebrate what’s next in BlueTech—together. 🌊
Accessibility Notice:
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Please contact Laura Davenport at ldavenport@tampabaywave.org to request accommodations.

Local Stories Live! Carts and Clicks – The Retail Roller Coaster
2025-12-05 09:00 - 10:00 | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
Local Stories Live Monthly Series

5th Annual End of Year Tech Extravaganza Meetup
2025-12-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Embarc Collective, 802 East Whiting Street, Tampa, FL, 33602, United States
Get ready for our 5th Annual End of Year Tech Meetup – a chance to network, learn, and celebrate all things tech in Tampa Bay!

Join us for the 5th Annual End of Year Tech Meetup, where local Meetup groups from across Tampa Bay will gather to celebrate the year’s achievements, connect with fellow tech enthusiasts, and support our community.
This in-person event, hosted by Computer Coach and High Tech Connect, will be held at Embarc Collective.
DID SOMEONE SAY RAFFLE??We’ll have plenty of raffle prizes to win! To enter, please bring an unwrapped gift or gift card (valued at $10 or more) for donation, or purchase a raffle ticket at the door.
All gifts and funds raised will go to Joshua’s House. Last year, we raised over $1000, and this year, we’re aiming even higher! Help us make an even greater impact by reaching our new goal and supporting children in need across our community. Below is a list of items we’re asking for this year.
RUN A LOCAL MEETUP AND WANT TO GET INVOLVED?We’d love that! Reach out to us to learn how your group can participate—we’re excited to connect and grow together.
GIFT IDEAS

Gift cards: Visa, Target, Walmart, McDonald’s, Hot Topic, AMC Movie, etc.
Hoodies! Name brands, any anime or anything from Hot Topic—junior and adult sizes
Graphic t-shirts: Name brands, any anime, cartoon, etc. in junior and adult sizes
Anything anime/manga: clothing, books, posters, etc.
LEGO sets: Star Wars, superheroes, cars, etc.
Crocs – adult sizes & the jibits, too!
Make-up & nail kits – Ulta, Urban Decay, etc. (Press-on nails, too – great for stocking stuffers!)
Fragrance sets: Bath & Body Works, AXE, Victoria’s Secret, etc.
LED lights for room decorating
Superhero comic books for all ages
Books/book Series for teens/pre-teens: graphic novels, joke books, popular YA novels

Local Stories Live! Bites and Business!
2025-12-12 09:00 - 10:00 | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
Local Stories Live Monthly Series – 2nd Friday of every other Month at 9am.

Mindset Mondays!
2025-12-15 08:15 - 10:00 | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
Kickstart your week with a burst of inspiration and practical insights in a dedicated space for solopreneurs, side hustlers & digital nomads

December 2025 VC Fast Pitch. Pitch, Connect, Fund!
2025-12-18 13:00 - 15:00
Pitch and network with venture capitalists, angels and accredited investors from throughout throughout the world!

Pitch and network with venture capitalists, angels and accredited investors from the US and the world at the December 2025 VC Fast Pitch on Thursday December 18th at 1pm eastern time via zoom.
Over the last 12 years we have hosted 60 plus VC Fast Pitch events around the country raising over $100 million for entrepreneurs.
*Register to attend and get a FREE start-up tool kit!
*Register to present and get pitch coaching, a pitch deck review, a five minute pitch and promotion to over 10,000 investors!
*Register as a sponsor and reach 30,000 plus potential customers!
Agenda

Opening remarks from Scott Kelly and investor introductions
5 minute company presentations followed by 5 minutes of questions from investor panel
Special guest presentations
Fireside chat and Q&A with investor panel
Closing remarks

Hosted by Black Dog Venture Partners
Black Dog Venture Partners is a business accelerator that provides access to funding though our network of 13,000 investors, business development though our network of 40,000 business partners, sales/marketing and executive coaching services for disruptive companies. We also host our VC Fast Pitch Events that connect startups with the nations top investors. We invite you to review our site and learn more about our team, our services and our portfolio companies.
Agenda

Opening remarks from Scott Kelly and investor introductions
5 minute company presentations followed by 5 minutes of questions from investor panel
Special guest presentations
Fireside chat and Q&A with investor panel
Closing remarks

Recommendations from past events:
“I had the pleasure of attending a VC Fast Pitch Event in St. Petersburg and what an incredible event it was! Scott does a phenomenal job of bringing together high-caliber investors, sponsors, and companies to share an incredible amount of business knowledge, leadership, and resources. I’m looking forward to the next event and many more to come! Thanks, Scott!!”
“I would highly recommend Scott Kelly as an exceptional individual in the venture capital industry. He goes the extra mile by organizing events to help bring together entrepreneurs and investors. His events not only provide an opportunity for businesses to secure capital, but also allow for local businesses to connect and grow. Additionally, Scott takes pride in giving back to his community by promoting local businesses and contributing to their success. His commitment to both the financial growth of companies and the well-being of his community sets him apart from others in his field.”
” Scott is a top-notch dealmaker, always up to put his network to work. From Blackdog’s expert consulting to the whirlwind of VC Fast Pitch, Scott’s business advice and events are a welcome addition to the Central Florida tech scene. “
” I recently attended an event Scott Kelly sponsored called Tampa Bay VC Fast Pitch! The event was very well organized and executed with precision. There was a nice balance of VC firms and entrepreneurs looking for investment. On top of that, the venue at the University of Tampa provided a perfect backdrop for Entrepreneurs to thrive. I left the event inspired by the cross section of ideas capital flowing in the room! Great job, Scott! “
Questions? Send an email to scott@blackdogvp.com

2025 Tampa Bay Wave Hall of Fame Celebration
2025-12-18 18:00 - 21:00 | The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL, 33602, United States
Celebrate Tampa Bay’s top tech trailblazers at Wave’s Hall of Fame Awards—rooftop views, big wins, and bold innovation!

Join us for an unforgettable night under the stars as we honor the bold leaders and visionary founders shaping Tampa Bay’s tech future. The 2025 Hall of Fame Awards & Fundraiser is more than a celebration—it’s a call to champion innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in our region.
Be seen. Be celebrated. Be part of the movement.

Here’s some highlights from last year’s celebration and fundraiser.
