5th Annual Inclusive Impact Day: "Innovate for All: Entrepreneurship with a Purpose"

“Innovate for All: Entrepreneurship with a Purpose”

5th Annual Drexel University Inclusive Impact Day

This year’s Inclusive Impact Day explores the seismic impact entrepreneurship has on society. Hosted by Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business and its Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship, the day features keynote talks, panel discussions, interactive workshops, a business fair and a student fast pitch competition. Lunch and a networking reception are included.

Now in its 5th year, Inclusive Impact Day is an annual symposium exploring the societal impact, challenges, issues and best practices from the business sector. The event is open to the Drexel community of students, faculty, professional staff, alumni, parents and friends, as well as members of the local business community and neighbors.

Tentative Agenda

8:30 a.m. Registration Opens

9-10 a.m. Entrepreneur Panel

Hear from a panel of established and emerging entrepreneurs, moderated by Jabari Jones ’16, president of the West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative, on how they are delivering on purpose and navigating an ever-evolving business climate during an engaging and thoughtful discussion. An audience Q&A follows the discussion. Panelists will be announced soon.

10:15-11 a.m. Workshop: Legal Foundations for Startup Success

Led by Greenberg Traurig LLP

This dynamic workshop, led by attorneys from Greenberg Traurig LLP, an internationally recognized law firm with a strong global presence, will explore the key legal considerations every early-stage company should understand. The session will cover critical topics including entity selection, founder equity and vesting, funding rounds and cap table management—equipping entrepreneurs with practical strategies to avoid costly missteps and position their ventures for successful growth and investment.

Intellectual property (IP) can be among a start-up’s most valuable assets. Protecting IP is crucial for startups as it provides a competitive edge, safeguards innovations, attracts investors, and protects brand identity. The presentation will cover some of the various legal tools and essential strategies available to start ups that every founder should consider to preserve and strengthen their IP portfolios as they grow.

The presentation will also include a discussion of the immigration and compliance issues that startups encounter when building human capital. Establishing sound policies for employment verification and the hiring of workers is an integral part of doing business. Topics will include employment verification requirements for employees and independent contractors, as well as considerations and best practices for hiring foreign workers.

Join us for an engaging and informative session designed to provide founders and early-stage companies with the legal foundation needed for sustainable growth and long-term success.

11:15-12 p.m. Workshop: How to Get Found on Google

Led by Mango Marketing Co.

Natalie “Natty” Contrera, creative director and co-founder of Mango Marketing Co., a women-led, digital marketing and design studio, and Barbara Rossmann, Mango Marketing’s social media manger, explore how to position your business’ online presence to get you noticed. The workshop examines the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) and growing the visibility and ranking of your website, generating organic traffic to your digital front door. Topics include the three Cs of SEO: content, credibility and code.

12-1:30 p.m. Keynote Talk and Lunch

Our keynote talk and speaker will be announced soon.

1:45-3 p.m. Student Fast Pitch Competition

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Drexel students spanning the university’s programs and colleges as they pitch their business ideas benefitting a safer, cleaner, greener and more accessible society.

The catch? They have just two minutes or less for their pitch.

The hook? Cash prizes will be awarded to the top pitches.

2-5 p.m. Business Fair

Browse, shop and connect with Philadelphia-area entrepreneurs and businesses, including current Drexel students.

3-4 p.m. Networking Reception and Fast Pitch Awards

Come together and network with attendees as you enjoy refreshments, share learnings from the day, build new connections and congratulate the winners of the Student Fast Pitch Competition.