Last week, Jeff and I got to know Sal Bednarz, managing partner at the Port Product Lab. Although it’s located in Oakland, they have an accelerator program for product-focused startups supported by the SBDC and open to founders in NorCal. Their program focuses on physical product manufacturing, including consumer goods, industry-specific products and food. The program’s goals are to help businesses better prepare for product launches, build a peer network, and be better positioned for investment. Learn more about the accelerator program and how to apply here.
In other accelerator news, applications are open through July 11 for FourthWave, a Sacramento accelerator for women-led technology companies. You can learn more about the program here.
The Sacramento Region Innovation Awards are back! The Sacramento Business Journal relaunched the program following a skipped year due to the pandemic. The awards recognize the area’s vibrant innovation community, from emerging to established companies, and their breakthrough creations. You can nominate an innovation (including your own) between now and July 12. Learn more about the criteria and nomination process here.
This Week’s Best Bet
How To Tell Your Startup’s Story In Your Pitch Deck, Wed Jun 16 at 4 PM: Does your pitch deck tell investors a compelling story? Learn how to use storytelling in your investor pitch deck to secure funding. Taught by Monique Brown, co-founder and managing director of the Growth Factory.
StartupSac Office Hours: User Experience (UX) Best Practices, Thu Jun 17 at 11:30 AM: We’re living in an experience economy. It’s no longer enough to build a product that solves a problem – the product must also be easy to use, easy to learn, and easy to love to gain traction in the current age of digital products. Learn UX best practices and practical steps you can take to encourage customer-centered growth for your startup.
NorCal SBDC Global Diversity and Investment Summit, Fri Jun 18 at 10 AM: This summit features an acclaimed lineup of venture investors and BIPOC entrepreneurship experts sharing their views and insights on strategies for entrepreneurs of color on how to start, scale and sustain their new venture. Immediately following the program will be a live pitch presentation starring invited Black entrepreneurs.
Plan Ahead
Startup Happy Hour with FourthWave and Funded Female Founders, Tue Jun 22 at 5 PM: June’s Happy Hour will feature a panel of female founders moderated by Cheryl Beninga, cofounder of FourthWave, an accelerator for high potential, women-led technology businesses. The panel will discuss raising pre-seed and seed funding. Information on applying for the 2021 Cohort for FourthWave will also be discussed.
This week is PACKED with high value event for startup founders –check out the details in this week’s Startup Digest. While you’re there, consider subscribing. For even more startup information, happenings and resources, check out what’s available on the StartupSac Website.
Looking to connect with other founders? Find your peers when you join the StartupSac Community Facebook Group. Startup founders and those who support the growth of our startup community connect and exchange ideas in this private moderated group.
Find an Advisor with Mentor Sacramento: Mentor Sacramento is a free online business mentoring platform that connects early stage startup founders and small business owners to volunteer business mentors. Learn more here.
