CONGRESSIONAL STARTUP DAY
Fast Facts
- CELEBRATION
- Designed for startup entrepreneur's to express concerns their concerns to lawmakers
- CELEBRATED
- Annually in August
- CREATOR
- Created In 2013 by Representatives Jared Polis and Darrell Issa
- VIBE
- Break barriers, share ideas, work together
CONGRESSIONAL STARTUP DAY
Congressional Startup Day serves as a vital bridge between the nation’s policy makers and its most innovative creators. Celebrated annually each August, this dedicated day offers startup founders and small business owners a direct platform to connect with their congressional representatives, share their challenges, and help shape policy that drives economic growth.
#CongressionalStartupDay
Every entrepreneur aims to build a thriving business, but the path to growth often encounters regulatory hurdles, funding gaps, or outdated policies. When the opportunity arises to explain these barriers directly to decision-makers, startup leaders can turn local challenges into actionable policy solutions.
During Congressional Startup Day (and throughout the surrounding week) members of Congress return to their home districts to engage directly with local innovation ecosystems.
Congressional Startup Day Goals
Listen to Local Founders
Hear firsthand about the real-world impact of federal regulations, tax policies, and access to capital.
See Innovation in Action
Visit incubators, co-working spaces, and local headquarters to understand how startups drive job creation and revitalization in their communities.
Recognize Entrepreneurial Passion
Celebrate the ingenuity, risk-taking, and dedication of small business owners who fuel the American economy.
While the day strives to find solutions to obstacles facing startups, it does more. It also recognizes the ingenuity, creativity, and passion of startups. Small businesses provide immense value to each state's economy. Without them, many communities would struggle.
HOW TO OBSERVE CONGRESSIONAL STARTUP DAY
Join with Congressional leaders throughout the week. Check with your Congressional representative to see what events they are offering in your state. Share your ideas and be a part of the experience. Use #StartupsEverywhere and #CongressionalStartupDay to share on social media.
Be sure to take a moment to learn more about Small Business Week and engine.is/congressional-startup-day.
CONGRESSIONAL STARTUP DAY HISTORY
2013
Startup Day Across America
Founded by Representatives Jared Polis and Darrell Issa, the event started as a single day dedicated to opening vital communication channels between lawmakers and local startup communities.
2018
Expansion to Startup Week
Recognizing that a single day wasn't enough to cover complex policy issues, the initiative expanded into a full week of events across congressional districts nationwide.
2019 to Present
Congressional Startup Day
Rebranded to emphasize its collaborative legislative mission, Congressional Startup Day now encompasses a full week of district events, roundtables, and facility tours designed to give founders a voice in Washington.