Three free tickets for Startup Weekend Blacksburg are being distributed by the Montgomery County Economic Development Department. Applications for a free ticket must be submitted by Sept. 12 at noon.   Startup Weekend will take place Sept. 14-16. Click here to read an earlier post about Startup Weekend.

Here is the press release from the Montgomery County Economic Development.

Montgomery County, Virginia – The Montgomery County Economic Development Department is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications from aspiring entrepreneurs to receive a free ticket to attend Startup Weekend Blacksburg on September 14-16. Anyone interested in starting a business or working on a startup is eligible to apply for one of the three tickets available.

What is Startup Weekend? Building on the successful international Startup Weekend model, Startup Weekend Blacksburg is a 54-hour event that brings together entrepreneurs, startup enthusiasts, developers, designers and marketing gurus from Blacksburg and beyond to share ideas, form teams and launch startups. Local CEOs, founders and startup veterans from the New River and Roanoke Valleys will also be on hand to provide expertise and talk about their experiences in the fast-paced world of technology startups.

Beginning with open mic pitches on Friday, Sept. 14, attendees bring their best ideas and recruit others to join their team. Over Saturday and Sunday, teams focus on customer development, validating their ideas, practicing LEAN Startup Methodologies and building a minimal viable product. On Sunday evening, teams demo their prototypes in front of a panel of judges who will provide feedback and award prizes.

Individuals wishing to apply for one of the three free tickets to Startup Weekend Blacksburg – valued at $50 for students and $100 for nonstudents – can submit an application  here. Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, September 12 at noon. The three winners will be notified Thursday, September 13.