upglobalStartup Weekend is joining forces with Startup America to launch UP Global, a new program designed to help entrepreneurs through the entire startup journey.

As part of the effort, UP Global will combine the education-oriented programs of Startup Weekend with the regional community networking programs of Startup America.

“Startup Weekend and Startup America Partnership have been among the drivers of a groundswell in grassroots entrepreneurial activity across the nation and around the world,” says Tom McDonnell, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. “UP Global will enable consolidation and collaboration among community leaders to help entrepreneurs find the local resources they need to get up and going. This combination of two of our key programs is a win for all entrepreneurs.”

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Marc Nager

Former AOL CEO Steve Case, the chairman of the Startup America Partnership, will serve as chairman of UP Global. Marc Nager, who leads Seattle-based Startup Weekend, will serve as CEO of the new entity. Both Startup Weekend and Startup America will retain their own brands, but UP Global will serve more as an umbrella organization.

“Startup communities are truly driven by their leaders, and we’ve shown that we can provide useful tools and frameworks for those leaders to foster sustainable early stage ecosystems, ultimately leading to the creation of more meaningful and persistent firms,” said Nager.

Nager was our guest last weekend on the GeekWire podcast and radio show. Tune in here for a listen.

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