Entrepreneur Camp: Reach for the Stars
The third annual Entrepreneur Camp offers a full-day immersive experience for entrepreneurs at every stage. Attendees will include first-time founders, side-hustle operators, and established business owners in retail, restaurants, professional services, and beyond. The 2026 program pushes past the fundamentals to explore what growth looks like when you aim higher, with expert-led sessions covering business development, marketing strategy, financial planning, and emerging industry trends.
Launch Your Business with Like-minded Colleagues
This year’s Reach for the Stars theme adds a dimension, with featured speakers and partners expected to represent sectors at the forefront of innovation, including the space economy and defense technology, alongside regional accelerator and startup support organizations.
Whether attendees are running a brick-and-mortar on Main Street or building a company designed to scale, Entrepreneur Camp meets them where they are and challenges them to think bigger.
Join us for this must-attend event.
3RD ANNUAL ENTREPRENEUR CAMP
Friday, June 26th
8:00 – 9:20 AM
READY FOR TAKE OFF: Entrepreneur Camp 2026 & Buda-ful Fest
Light breakfast, coffee, and informal networking with DJ Steve
9:20 – 9:30 AM
REACH FOR THE STARS: Welcome & Opening Remarks
Zachary Barker (IEDC)
Buda EDC Leadership
9:30– 10:15 AM
GROUND CONTROL: FROM IDEA TO LIFTOFF
Session 1: Inside the Buda HIVE – Incubator Strategists Panel
Buda HIVE Incubator Strategists
Practical guidance on business development, accessing resources, and leveraging local support systems.
10:15 – 10:30 AM
Break & Networking
10:30 – 11:15 AM
MISSION GO: HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM TO SOLVE
Session 2: Scaling & Strategy
Local business founders/ owners sharing insights on scaling innovation, navigating industry partnerships, and positioning your venture for growth.
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
TAKE FLIGHT: Young Entrepreneur Panel with Students/ BEE Market Winners
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch & Buda-ful Fest Pitch Competition
1:00– 2:30 PM INVESTOR TRAJECTORY: PITCHING FOR GROWTH
Session 3: Pitching to Angels 101 – Think Like an Investor
Featuring CTAN (Central Texas Angel Network) Katie Russel
Learn how investors evaluate startups, what makes a pitch stand out, and how to align your story with investor expectations.
2:30 – 2:45 PM
Break & Networking
2:45 – 3:45 PM NEW FRONTIER: STARBURST ACCELERATOR
Session 4: Scaling & Strategy with Starburst
Panel discussion led by Brian Dyer with leading Aerospace and Defense and Emerging Technologies
3:45 – 4:00 PM
BEYOND THE HORIZON
Closing Remarks & Next Steps
Zachary Barker (IEDC)
Wrap-up, resources, and upcoming opportunities
4:00 – 6:00 PM
BUDA-FUL FEST NETWORKING & DRINKS AT BUCK’S BACKYARD
Hosted by
