Empowering Next-Gen Student Entrepreneurs

SoCal Celebrates Entrepreneurship 2026 sparks innovation, fosters collaboration, and drives growth by connecting entrepreneurs, students, business leaders, and investors in Southern California’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Join them Saturday, October 24 from 12:00PM to 6:00PM at Concordia University Irvine, Grimm Hall, 1530 Concordia E, Irvine, CA 92612.

SoCal Celebrates Entrepreneurship (SCCE) is an organization that champions, equips, and celebrates individuals who embody the entrepreneurial spirit, regardless of stage, background, or education across Southern California.

SCCE believes entrepreneurs are change makers that can shape and build communities to be locally, regionally, and globally competitive.

Through their annual events, conferences and partnerships, they empower, encourage and educate entrepreneurs.

What to Expect

• Free Admission & Parking

• Live Student Fast Pitch

• 3 Expert-Led Panels

• Exhibitor Showcase

• Awards & Raffles

• Orange County Tech Week

Program

• 12:00 - 12:45PM - VIP Luncheon (Invite only)

• 12:30 - 1:00PM - Attendees Check-in

• 1:00 - 1:20PM - Welcome

• 1:20 - 1:40PM - Fireside Chat

• 1:50 - 6:00PM - Exhibitor Showcase

• 1:50 - 2:30PM - Launch Panel

• 2:40 - 3:20PM - Growth Panel

• 3:30 - 4:10PM - Exit Panel

• 4:20 - 5:20PM - George W. Wright Lightning Pitch

• 5:20 - 6:00PM - Awards & Closing

Learn and be inspired by 3 expert-led panels

• Ignite
  Entrepreneurs transform ideas into opportunities. The Ignite Panel brings together innovators to discuss identifying meaningful problems, understanding customers, testing assumptions, and taking the first steps on their entrepreneurial journeys. Attendees will discover how creative sparks can become opportunities worth pursuing.

• Launch
  Entrepreneurs create businesses that solve problems. The Launch Panel explores ddeveloping products and services, finding early adopters, building teams, securing funding, and adapting when plans encounter reality. Attendees will learn how entrepreneurs have successfully launched a business or two (or more!).

• Growth to Exit
  Entrepreneurs build companies that thrive. The Growth to Exit Panel explores scaling operations and teams, raising capital, pursuing acquisitions, and preparing for an eventual exit. Attendees will gain powerful insights into the decisions, opportunities, and tradeoffs entrepreneurs face as their businesses grow and mature.

George W. Wright Lightning Pitch

The SCCE Lightning Pitch Competition is a fast-paced, high-energy experience challenging entrepreneurs to think quickly, communicate clearly, and make a lasting impression. With multiple pitch rounds of increasing complexity, participants will put their creativity, strategic thinking, and storytelling skills to the test—all while pitching their ideas to a live audience.

Through engaging pitches and valuable feedback, entrepreneurs will refine their message, strengthen their storytelling, and build confidence. Winners will have the opportunity to receive cash prizes and valuable entrepreneurial resources, including expert guidance, professional services, business development opportunities,

Please register here to attend.

Thanks to SoCal Celebrates Entrepreneurship for offering this local startup event, the details, and the graphic!