WaterCitizen DCSTW Special Session on WaterPreneurShip

Water in the Federal Government
and Opportunities for WaterPreneurship

Wednesday October 21, 8:30am-1pm

True Reformer Hall, 1200 U St NW, Washington, Dc

Water is essential for nearly every aspect of nearly every major industry - including current Federal policy and funding priorities and Federal support for water-related innovations at the local/community level - as well as Industrial Water Innovation needs.

To be successful as a "WaterPreneur" - i.e. someone who is starting or growing a business built around a water technology innovation (for ANY Sector) OR an innovation needed by organiations within the Water Sector - it is CRITICAL to understand how Federal Policies, Programs, Funding Priorities and Incentives drive water-related markets

MORNING SESSIONS include:

• Opening Introduction to Waterpreneurship & How to Play the Game
• Water In The Federal Government With members of the "Water Sub-Cabinet" representing water-related programs across multiple federal agencies
• Water At War including the US Army Corps of Engineers (Critical Water Infrastructure and Inland Navigation including Ports and Harbors, Dams and Wetlands), the US Navy, Physical and Cyber Threats to Hydropower Dams and Water Supply Reservoirs in Overseas Wars and Physical/Cyber Threats to Water Utilities at Home, Homeland Security and the Coast Guard
• WaterPreneurship On the Hill With US Senators and Representatives and Staff responsible for oversight of - and appropriations to - Federal Agencies
• WaterPreneurship Goes Global including Department of State, Department of Commerce, Export Import Bank and other programs for US Water Startups going abroad and International Startups coming to the US
• The NEW SBIR and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) for Small Businesses in Water i learn about the major changes in the Small Business Innovation Research Program and ncluding the US Army Corps of Engineers (Critical Water Infrastructure and Inland Navigation including Ports and Harbors, Dams and Wetlands), the US Navy, Physical and Cyber Threats to Hydropower Dams and Water Supply Reservoirs in Overseas Wars and Physical/Cyber Threats to Water Utilities at Home, Homeland Security and the Coast Guard
• SBIR and Small Business Table Discussions Meet with Federal Agency Representatives at Tables throughout the event site.
• Lunchtime Keynote Panel: Utilites Committed to the Business of WaterPreneurship Discover how some of the most Innovative Water/Wastewater Utilities and Regional Water Clusters have demonstrated their Commitment to WaterPreneurship

WaterCitizen 2026 DCSTW WaterPreneurSHIP(TM) Day

Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 1pm-5pm

True Reformer Building, 1200 U St NW, Washington, DC

EARLY AFTERNOON SESSIONS: Water Innovation Needs & WaterPreneurship Opportuninities in Industry

We start the afternoon with a rapid rotation of Sessions on "the Water Connection" in a wide range of High Water Use/High Water Impact Industries including:

• Beverage / Food / Consumer Packaged Goods
• Green Buildings, Hospitality, and the Home
• Energy, Power and Critical Minerals and Mining
• Automotive, Mobility, and Transportation Infrastructure
• Oceans, Marine Habitat, and Maritime Shipping
• Agriculture, Forestry and Landscaping/Gardens
• Rural Communities and Global/Domestic WASH
• MID-AFTERNOON TABLE DISCUSSIONS: Grab a snack and head to Table Discussions with Industrial Sectors of your choice!

LATE AFTERNOON SESSIONS

• GETTING TO GROWTH: Supporting Early Stage Startups to develop Pilots and Early Market Entry needed to develop enough "traction" to attract investors OR to build enough momentum to get to Growth Stage.

WaterCitizen 2026 DCSTW WaterPreneurSHIP(TM) Day

Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 5pm-8pm

True Reformer Building, 1200 U St NW, Washington, DC

After a long day of Presentations and conversations with prospective clients and investors, it's time to come together as a WaterPreneur Community for a light dinner (sponsor needed!) followed by a SPECIAL PRESENTATION

• WATERSIDE CHAT:LESSONS FROM LATE STAGE & EXITED FOUNDERS: After a full day of hearing about the needs and opportnities of federal agencies, water utilities and industries, this is an opportunity to hear the REAL stories about the Pitfalls, the Workarounds, and what it takes to grow your company to be able to have a successful exit and leave your legacy!
• DISCOVER THE WATER ENTREPRENEURS LEADERS LAB (W.E.L.L.): hear from some of our Charter Members on their experiences with WaterPitch! and the W.E.L.L.
• POETRY SPLASH(TM):  End the day with WaterCitizen's unique "Poetry Splash" ("A Poetry Slam on Water") - one of the best way to work on your PERFORMANCE skills and make sure that every Pitch or Presentation CONNECTS!