Software Craftmanship Peer Group

Join the Regional Technology Council, a group designed for technologists, IT leaders, engineers, and innovators for their next Peer Group.

This meetup will be led in part by Nick Blizzard and will create space for peer learning, real-world problem solving, and practical insight sharing across our regional tech community.

RSVP today and join fellow developers and tech professionals for a collaborative Software Craftsmanship Peer Group focused on improving code quality, sharing best practices, and growing as professionals. Through open discussion, real-world problem solving, and knowledge exchange, participants explore topics such as clean code, architecture, testing, and modern development tools. Whether you're an experienced engineer or an emerging developer, this meetup provides a supportive environment to learn, connect, and continuously improve your craft.

Want to learn more about the Regional Tech Council or get more involved? Check the RTC website for more information. RTC is cofounded by CREATE and the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

Let’s build stronger systems and a stronger tech community together.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

4:30pm

CREATE Innovation Campus - Innovation Lab

RSVP HERE

Where Creative Voices Drives Growth & Innovation

Join us for the next StartupGarden, featuring guest speaker Julie Milam, Executive Vice President of Partnership Services at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. With more than two decades of experience as a small business owner, community leader, and media executive, Julie brings a deep commitment to entrepreneurship and regional growth. Known for championing local businesses and community collaboration, she will share insights on building strong partnerships and why local connections matter for innovators and entrepreneurs. Julie is also a part of the BG2050 storytelling pillar.

This month's StartupGarden will be presented by Narrative Network, which brings creatives together where storytelling meets technology and innovation. Designers, writers, artists, and makers are invited to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on tech-enabled, innovation-driven work.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25

4:30 - 6:00 pm

WKU Innovation Campus - VIP Lounge

RSVP HERE

Thanks to our sponsor Q Emporium and Continuity Advisors & Broker. Hosted by CREATE, WKU Innovation Campus, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and KY Innovation.

What’s in your business toolbox? Startups and entrepreneurs need more than great ideas they need the right tools and guidance to build smart and grow with confidence. Build Smart: The Innovation-Driven Business Toolbox is a new hands-on series designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners develop the core capabilities needed to launch, manage, and scale innovation-driven and tech-enabled businesses.

In this practical series, you’ll hear from regional experts and industry leaders in HR, legal, technology, banking, bookkeeping, marketing, social media, small business development, operations, taxes, and grants. Each session focuses on a critical area of business, providing clear guidance, real-world insights, and actionable tools you can use right away.

Whether you're just getting started or preparing for your next stage of growth, this innovation-led series will help ensure you’re not guessing your way through business decisions you’re building with the right toolbox.

Join us for our first toolbox session to connect with Breanna Stephens founder of B.Stephens HR Consulting, strengthen your foundation, and build smarter from the start.

The BSHR Way: Founder Decision Lab

Practical HR decisions + AI validation for real workplace situations.

Hiring, performance issues, and workplace challenges can make or break a growing business. Join us for this hands-on workshop where you’ll learn a practical decision-making framework used by HR advisors, apply it to real-world scenarios, and use AI to validate your thinking. You’ll leave with a repeatable system for making confident, defensible people decisions. Come ready to learn and walk away with tools you can use right away.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31

4:30pm

Innovation Campus - #129

RSVP HERE

Turning Concepts into Companies

Have an idea that could become a business? The Launch Kentucky: Idea Challenge helps entrepreneurs, students, and creative thinkers across South Central Kentucky turn innovative and tech-enabled ideas into viable companies.

Hosted by CREATE at the WKU Innovation Campus, this challenge connects participants with expert guidance, resources, and professional services to validate, refine, and advance their ideas.

Submission Deadline: March 15 at 11:59 PM (CT)

Who Should Apply:

Aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and students with early-stage or tech-enabled concepts.

Eligibility:

Open to residents of Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hancock, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Ohio, Simpson, WKU Students and Warren counties.

What You Could Win:

Professional services including market research, legal and patent assistance, accounting support, product development, and more.