Our recent partnership with StartUp Weekend is underway, and as promised, we will be making our rounds across the country to help early stage software companies become sustainable businesses.

Here is where we’re headed the next few weeks:

Startup Weekend, Washington D.C- Aug. 13-15
StartUp Weekend, San Diego- Aug. 20-22

StartUp Weekend is a challenge for web developers, marketing experts, business managers and graphic designers to form teams and build companies in a 54-hour period. It’s a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to come together to network with experts and make their ideas a reality. Teams can develop a concept, a demo or launch their finished product.

I will be attending these events, serving as a business mentor and  judging teams. I will also be speaking about the challenge of fundraising for new companies.

SocialDevCamp, Chicago- Aug. 13-15

SocialDevCamp is a weekend conference focused on how to utilize the social web. Hundreds of developers and enthusiasts come for talks on social applications, platforms, mobile applications and new media from those such as Andrew Mason of Groupon and Chriss Messina of Google. Developers can also compete in the Hackathon to develop and launch a new social app.

SproutBox is a sponsor and Mike Trotzke will be there to answer questions about SproutBox, development and board games.

MidVenturesLAUNCH, Chicago- Sept. 27-28

LAUNCH brings together venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and social media reps from across the Midwest to introduce new ideas to an audience of professionals. Over 800 entrepreneurs, techies and capitalists will be at the event. Companies who are ready to launch are provided the space, the targeted audience and three minutes to showcase their products. Startups compete for a panel of experts to see if their product reigns supreme.

LAUNCH will be held at the UIC forum. will be there to answer questions about SproutBox and see what great ideas entrepreneurs are coming up with.

Submission deadline is fast approaching, August 8^th to be exact. To help you understand what we’re all about, we turned to a former sprout and successful entrepreneur, James Kappan.

James is the founder of our fifth Sprout, Proposable. This subscription software makes creating, delivering and analyzing web-based sales proposals easy and efficient. Since his months in “the box,” James is successfully managing Proposable, and has a lot to say about how working with SproutBox has helped make his vision a reality.

What made you decide to work with SproutBox to launch Proposable?

Sproutbox offers to fund entrepreneurs based on the quality of the idea presented and the resourcefulness of the entrepreneur.

What was it like going through the application process and selection weekend?

The application process was surprisingly straightforward and fun. It helped me put some more “meat” around the idea I had been thinking about for so long. The weekend was cool, but sort of stressful as you are presenting your idea to a very top-notch group of investors and entrepreneurs. It was great meeting everyone and seeing that Bloomington is a cool town.

How do you feel SproutBox has helped your business in terms of development?

Sproutbox provided everything I needed to make Proposable a reality. From the intense planning sessions to the rapid code writing, the entire team did a stellar job of moving from the idea stage to the working site stage.

What was the atmosphere like in “the box?”

The best way I can describe the box is that it’s like your favorite uncle’s basement. Comfortable chairs, games, food and just enough distraction to make it feel like you’re not at “work”. It’s a great place for collaboration among the team.

How did the SproutBox team support you during the transition process?

They provided guidance and strategy right out of the gate. The transition process was the hardest part of the process, as you now have to actually make your idea make money. This was challenging at first, as the project needs time and development to become a stable platform.

What did you most benefit from working with SproutBox?

I think I benefited most from having so many minds to glean from. I tried to learn as much as I could from each person on the team. I realized the value in having others who think very differently from me.

What advice do you have for those who are interested in working with SproutBox?

Really understand and communicate what pain your idea solves. If you can effectively communicate the pain that your ideas solves, then your idea will sell itself.

If you would like to apply to be our next Sprout, applications are due August 8^th.

Apply at http://www.sproutbox.com/apply

Starting today, thousands of geeks, entrepreneurs, marketers, and investors will convene in Austin, TX for the premier tech gathering of the year, South By Southwest Interactive Festival.

The SproutBox crew will be there in full force. Our own Mike Trotzke has organized one of the most popular panel discussions “Who Needs Venture Capital?” and SproutBox portfolio company PocketTales is a finalist for the Microsoft BizSpark Accelerator Competition.

We’re also hosting a meetup for investors and entrepreneurs who want to learn more about midwest startup badassery.

For those of you planning to attend, and for those of you who are just curious what goes on at these kinds of things, we’ve put together a quick guide to our favorite events.

Saturday at 3:30pm

Panel Discussion: Unsexy & Profitable: Making $$ Without Hype
Hear how your business can turn more profits than heads from this handful of Internet veterans.
Hilton A/B

Saturday at 5:00pm

Panel Discussion: Don’t Move! Build a Startup Community Where You Live
Startups and innovation can happen anywhere, see what’s going on outside of Silicon Valley
Hilton A/B

Sunday at 5:00pm

SproutBeers at Lovejoy’s
Come have a beer with members of the SproutBox team. Learn about our process, our companies and startup life in the midwest.
Lovejoy’s, 604 Neches Street, right around the corner from the SproutBox SXSW HQ condo on 6th Street

Sunday at 8:00pm

TechCocktail
Drink and hang out with 30+ startups at Palm Door. Wear a black hat in honor of Johnny Cash.
Palm Door, 401 Sabine Street

Sunday at 9:00pm

The Silicon Prairie Party hosted by Big Omaha
Meet up with speakers, organizers and attendees of Big Omaha while getting to talk to up and coming entrepreneurs and innovators.
Lanai Lounge, 422 Congress Avenue

Monday at 12:30pm

Panel Discussion: Who Needs Venture Capital?
See Mike Trotzke, Dave McClure, Jolie O’Dell, Mitch Lasky, and Chris Wanstrath discuss the pitfalls of venture capital for startups.
Hilton D

Monday (All Day)

Panel Discussion: Microsoft BizSpark Accelerator
Check out PocketTales in this national startup competition.
Hilton