Syracuse Tech Meetup

REGISTER HERE: INSPYRE Fireside Chats Presented by M&T Bank Tickets, Thursday, July 9 • 4 PM - 5:30 PM | Eventbrite

The next installment of INSPYRE Fireside Chats, presented by M&T Bank, features Eddie Brennan, President & CEO of Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards and 1911 Established. Brennan will share how he has transformed a 115-year-old family farm into a diversified business spanning hard cider, cannabis, agritourism, hospitality, and live events. He will discuss entrepreneurship, innovation, brand building, and balancing growth while preserving a family legacy.

Through intimate and candid conversations, INSPYRE Fireside Chats share the pivotal moments, challenges and breakthroughs that have shaped the entrepreneurial path of our guests. Attendees will gain insights into building resilient businesses, navigating uncertainty, cultivating visionary leadership and staying grounded while scaling big ideas. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, an experienced leader, or simply someone who loves a good success story, these conversations promise real-world wisdom, fresh perspectives and the chance to engage directly with inspiring entrepreneurs.
Networking to follow after presentation.
Eddie Brennan
President & CEO
Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards and 1911 Established

Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards and 1911 Established is a top-10 national hard cider brand rooted in a five-generation, 115-year-old family farm in LaFayette, New York.

Under Brennan’s leadership, Beak & Skiff has evolved from its agricultural origins into a multifaceted enterprise spanning hard cider and spirits production, cannabis, agritourism, lodging, cold brew coffee, private label manufacturing, and a growing live music and events platform, all in service of preserving the family farm for a sixth generation. Brennan also serves as CEO of Ayrloom, New York's #1 cannabis brand.

A builder at heart, Brennan is known for his founder-led approach to diversification, brand storytelling, and operational complexity across a multi-entity business. He brings the same values-driven mindset to the boardroom that he does to the orchard, a belief that legacy and innovation aren't in tension, but deeply connected.

Brennan also serves on the investment committee and as a board member for the Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse and is an active voice on agribusiness, consumer brands, and the evolving cannabis industry in New York State.

Cost: free to attend.
INSPYRE Fireside Chats are presented by M&T Bank.

REGISTER HERE: Founder's Lunch: Resources for Growing Companies Tickets, Tuesday, July 14 • 12 PM - 2 PM | Eventbrite

Join us for a complimentary lunch and engaging conversation about New York State's Innovation Hot Spot Program at CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub. Learn how the program can help eligible startups access significant tax benefits and other INSPYRE business support resources.
We'll break down who qualifies, what's available, and how to navigate the application process. Our accounting experts will demystify the details, answer your questions and help you determine if your company is eligible.
You'll also have the chance to connect with fellow founders, meet members of our Fractional C-Suite, and learn about additional resources available through INSPYRE Innovation Hub to support your growth.
Come for the lunch, stay for the connections, and leave with a better understanding of how your startup can take advantage of programs designed to help innovative companies grow and thrive in New York State.
Who Should Attend?
Founders and startups who:
· Are building a technology, software, hardware, advanced manufacturing or innovation-driven company.
· Have been incorporated for five years or less.
· Are in the early stages of commercialization and growth.
· Have raised less than $1 million in equity funding.
· Maintain operations in Central New York.
· Are interested in learning about tax incentives and startup growth resources.
What You'll Learn
· Overview of the NYS Innovation Hot Spot Program.
· Eligibility requirements and tax benefits.
· How to apply and maximize available benefits.
· Additional resources available through INSPYRE Innovation Hub.
· Opportunities to connect with advisors and fellow founders.
Cost: free