


Start Up WR Week is not just an event;
it's a catalyst for change.
April 7-12, 2025


This week-long celebration is designed to bring together budding entrepreneurs, seasoned mentors, and industry leaders. Our goal is to create a platform where ideas flourish, collaborations spark, and innovations take flight. Now, more than ever, the world needs fresh ideas and innovative solutions. Start Up WR Week is poised to be a beacon of inspiration and a launchpad for the next wave of groundbreaking ventures.


StartUP WR Kick Off
Time: 11:30 am
Location: N. Houston Sports Complex
900 N Houston Rd, Warner Robins, GA 31093
Join us as we kick off StartUp WR 2025 with an exciting celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship! Mayor LaRhonda W. Patrick will welcome attendees, setting the stage for a week of learning, networking, and business growth. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, grab exclusive StartUp WR swag, and get inspired by local business leaders. Don’t miss this high-energy launch—let’s build, innovate, and grow together!
Technology Tools for Business (AI)
Time: 12:00pm
Location: N. Houston Sports Complex
900 N Houston Rd, Warner Robins, GA 31093
Boost your business with the latest tech tools at our Technology Tools for Business Lunch & Learn! Discover how AI, automation, and cutting-edge software can streamline operations, enhance productivity, and drive growth. Connect with experts, gain practical insights, and enjoy a great networking opportunity—all over lunch! Whether you're a startup or a seasoned business, this session will equip you with the tools to work smarter and scale faster. Don’t miss out!
Build a Business Plan
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Middle Georgia State University
100 University Boulevard, Warner Robins, GA 31093
Discover the blueprint for your entrepreneurial success! Join us for an intensive workshop where MGA Professor, James Blackburn will guide you step-by-step, providing invaluable insights and practical strategies to transform your vision into a robust and effective business plan. Don't miss this opportunity to set a solid foundation for your venture and chart a course towards sustainable growth!


Starting a Business in WR
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Middle Georgia State University
100 University Boulevard, Warner Robins, GA 31093
Understand the red tape! Join us for a crucial discussion where City Staff unravel the intricacies of regulations to launch your business successfully in Warner Robins. Seize the opportunity to gain clarity, connect with resources, and lay the groundwork for a thriving venture in our vibrant community!


Lunch and Learn: Working with the Government
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: N. Houston Sports Complex
900 N Houston Rd, Warner Robins, GA 31093
Contracting made easy! Join us for an informative event where Robins Air Force Base and City Staff will share insider tips and practical strategies, equipping you to navigate the complexities of contracting with RAFB and City of Warner Robins successfully. Don't miss this chance to unlock lucrative opportunities, expand your business reach, and thrive in the government contracting arena!
Setting Up an LLC
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Middle Georgia State University
100 University Boulevard, Warner Robins, GA 31093
Navigate the path to entrepreneurship confidently! Join us for an essential workshop led by Lisa Rackley with UGA’s Small Business Development Center, who will demystify the process, guiding you step-by-step to establish your business. Don't miss this chance to empower your entrepreneurial journey and set your business on the right legal track!


Minority Business Owner Panel
Time: 4:30pm
Location: Fresco Italiano
1208 Russell Parkway, Warner Robins, GA 31088
Empower your entrepreneurial journey! Where diverse voices converge to share experiences and insights. Gain invaluable perspectives, practical strategies, and a supportive community to navigate challenges, foster growth, and thrive in the dynamic landscape of minority entrepreneurship. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired!


StartUp Summit & Business Resource Fair
Saturday, April 12, 2025
As we wrap up an exhilarating StartUp WR Week, we invite you to reflect on the transformative journey we've embarked upon together. Cap off the excitement of Start Up WR Week by joining our Business Resources Fair and StartUp Summit! Explore a diverse array of resources, connect with industry experts, and enjoy the culmination of your entrepreneurial brilliance with a formal graduation. Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and witness the innovation that defines the entrepreneurial spirit.

StartUp Summit
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Registration: 8:00am
Location: Middle Georgia State University
100 University Boulevard, Warner Robins, GA 31093
Session 1: Safety Net
Session 1, where you’ll gain the essential tools to protect and fund your business! Choose between Finding the Best Insurance Coverage, where experts will guide you in selecting the right protection for your venture, or Securing Financing, where you’ll learn how to access the capital needed to grow. No matter your path, you’ll walk away with the knowledge to build a stronger, more resilient business!
Session 2: Marketing
Session 2, where you sharpen the skills that set your business apart! Choose between Marketing 101, where you'll learn essential strategies to attract and retain customers, or our hands-on Pitch Workshop, designed to help you craft and deliver a powerful elevator pitch that wins investors and clients. No matter your choice, you’ll gain valuable insights to elevate your brand and grow your business! ​
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Session 3: Safety Net
Session 3,where you choose the path that best fits your business journey! Whether you're looking for the perfect brick-and-mortar location, guided by a seasoned commercial real estate broker, or need expert insights on navigating the home-based business license process with City Staff, this session is designed to give you the knowledge and resources to launch with confidence. Pick your session, ask questions, and take the next step toward building your dream business!
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Graduation: 12:15-1:00

Business Resource Fair
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Middle Georgia State University
100 University Boulevard, Warner Robins, GA 31093
At our upcoming Business Resource Fair, you'll have exclusive access to a comprehensive network of support, featuring top-tier insurance companies, esteemed financial institutions, cutting-edge marketing firms, and a myriad of other essential B2B service providers. Connect with industry leaders, explore tailored solutions, and access a diverse range of resources to empower your business journey.
How to Sign Up: If you are interested in having a booth at the business resource fair please reach out to the community and economic development department for more information. 478-302-5518.