The Small Business Tech Hackathon

The time for innovating for small business is now. With over 1.5 million small businesses worldwide, the opportunity for developers building new technology and apps for them is huge.

Enter the Small Business Tech Hackathon.

We're giving you an open field to leverage the latest in technology and create solutions that make running a small business or non-profit invisible and easy. We’re providing you with expert mentors to give you advice on your hack ideas. Come play with cool hardware like Oculus Rift headsets, a variety of smart devices, and other tech you’ll need to let your ideas run wild and innovate.

Your innovative solutions will let the entrepreneurs and visionaries get back to their passions, while helping them easily manage the administrative tasks of keeping their businesses successful and their non-profits healthy.

Want to get an idea of what this hack is like? Check out this video from last year’s event! 

FAQ

How do I register?

There are two ways to register, but either way you’ll end up here.

• Option 1: When you purchase your QuickBooks Connect 2016 pass, you have the option to participate in the Hackathon at no additional charge -- but you must select the option “attending and hacking”.

• Option 2: If you aren’t sure about the whole conference thing, and just want to hack over the weekend, you register right here on this Eventbrite page. Cost is $25 (and worth every penny and then some).

Who is qualified to participate?

The hack is open to everyone who wants to design, code, and build new and innovative apps that target small businesses or non-profits.

Can I bring a team?

Yes, you can bring a team (up to 4 people per team) or work solo. Or you can come solo and look to join a team once you’re at the hack.

How do I win prizes?

Build a brand new solution that addresses one of these challenges:

• Category 1: Create an app that saves a small business time or money by solving a unique SMB problem.

• Category 2: Create an app that saves a non-profit time or money by solving a unique non-profit problem.

What’s more, API partners at the hack might also offer their own challenges and prizes.

What can we win?

Each of the two main categories will offer first, second, and third place prizes:

• First place prize for each category:

• Each member of the 1st place team (up to 4 team members) will receive a Tech Pack valued at $2,000 USD, consisting of:

• DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter

• Luma Home WiFi System- 3 pack

• Beats Solo2 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

• Second place prize for each category:

• Each member of the 2nd place team (up to 4 team members) will receive a GoPro Hero4 camera, valued at $400 USD.

• Third place prize for each category:

• Each member of the 3rd place team (up to 4 team members) will receive a Razer BlackWidow Chroma Clicky Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, valued at $100 USD.

What kind of code can I write?

Fresh code! Code in your favorite language and use the APIs and tools you prefer. In the spirit of a hackathon, respect the start and stop times for hacking -- your solution should be built at the hack during the hack hours. See the official rules for details.

Do I need to integrate QuickBooks or Intuit APIs into my hack?  

No, this hack is all about creating new innovations that help small businesses and non-profits. You are welcome to use the QuickBooks APIs -- we’ll have plenty of staff on hand to help and we might even consider you for an extra prize if you do -- but it's not required.

How is the hack structured?

Doors open on Sat 10/23 at 10am for you to get settled, API demos will start at 11am, small biz and non-profit owners will be on hand to give you feedback on your ideas over lunch, and then hacking starts at 1pm, runs through the night, and ends Sun 10/24 at 1pm. Pitches to judges will start around 1:30pm and continue till we’re done, followed by an awards ceremony.

Do you own my hack?  

Nope, that’s yours to keep -- and hopefully finish! See the official rules for details.

Should I plan to hack overnight?

You’ll have only 24 hours from 1pm Sat to 1pm Sun to design, code, and test your amazing solution, so you might very well want to hack through the night. But if you need a sleep break or nap, no worries. 

Is there a code of conduct for this hack?

Sure is!  Check it out here.

Where can I find the official rules?

The official rules for the Small Business Tech Hackathon are here.