Building Community through Code August 22, 2012 - Riverpoint Academy

Building Community through Code August 22, 2012 - Riverpoint Academy – 5:30-8:30

— On April 20-22 Spokane hosted its first Startup Weekend. This conference brought together graphic designers, computer developers and entrepreneurs to create 8 new businesses in a single weekend. Startup Weekend Spokane is building upon its success by partnering with the Evergreen Apps Challenge to bring a computer developer focused event called "SpoCode."

Evergreen Apps Challenge (EAC) is an initiative to create new jobs in Washington State through the creation of mobile applications. EAC is putting on an apps development challenge supported by educational events to promote mobile development in Washington State. They are funded through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Greater Spokane Inc. connected the Evergreen Apps Challenge with Startup Weekend to create an event called "SpoCode." This data camp is designed to bring developers of all skill levels together for an interactive evening of learning and hands on activity. The event includes presentations about government data, using Socrata's API, and mobile development.

The Evergreen Apps Challenge will be awarding $75,000 in prizes to winners throughout the state in a number of categories. Startup Weekend is using this event to draw out computer developers in the community. The goal is to get these individuals working together to create new companies and increase their skill set. Ultimately, Startup Weekend seeks to create a thriving entrepreneurial community in Spokane through collaboration with local and state organizations.

The Evergreen Apps Challenge is open to people who live, work or study in Washington State. The challenge officially opens on August 1, 2012 and closes on September 6, 2012. Requirements for entry are available at evergreenapps.org.

Startup Weekend will be hosting its second event on September 28-30 at Gonzaga University. Spokane is working in conjunction with Magner Sanborn and Connect NW to bring another exciting weekend of education, coding and business development to Spokane. More information on this event coming soon!