It doesn’t happen to be Women in Business month or anything like that, but there is a lot on the calendar the next few weeks that focuses on female founders and tech professionals. I want to point out that these events are not just for women – we can all learn from each other regardless of our gender!
It all kicks off tomorrow, 6/22, with virtual Startup Happy Hour which features a panel on raising seed funding comprised of founders who all happen to be women. Happy Hour will also feature alumni and mentors from FourthWave, a Sacramento accelerator for women-led technology companies, who will share information about the program and how to apply for the 2021 cohort. You can learn more about applying by 7/11 here.
Next week, on 6/29, General Assembly is hosting California Female Founders: Dare & Take The Leap Into Entrepreneurship. Several Sacramento entrepreneurs are speakers at the event and the discussion topics include starting a business as a female founder, mental health, struggles & pressures of the industry, career journeys, standing out in a crowd and so much more!
On 7/16 (a little bit out there but plan ahead!), the Sacramento Women in Tech Breakfast will feature Sacramento female technology professionals giving their insight on how they reached their level of success, advising on navigating the workplace, and recommending how we can help the next generation of women in tech.
If you’re a woman with a business or you’re looking to start one, the SBA has a free program, Ascent, that helps elevate women-owned small businesses. You can learn more about the program here. Also check out the Sacramento Women’s Business Center, They provide one-on-one advisors and workshops to help you succeed.
ICYMI
Nominations are now open for the 2021 Sacramento Region Innovation Awards. The awards recognize our 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 here.
This Week’s Best Bet
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.
Funding Your Big Idea: an overview of the SBIR/STTR program, Thu Jun 24 at 9 AM: The US gov provides funding to small businesses to bring their inventions from the research stage to a commercial product, The Small Business Innovation Research program provides grants and contracts that can reach $2M or more. We’ll introduce you to the SBIR program, followed by a panel discussion with SBIR awardees and experts.
[IN PERSON] InnoGrove Open House, Thu Jun 24 from 4-6 PM: Come learn about InnoGrove and the Elk Grove Startup community. Enjoy Root Beer Floats, Rescate Coffee and Sinful Treats! Speakers include startup guru Mark Haney, Elk Grove Economic Development Director Darrell Doan, and more.
Plan Ahead
California Female Founders: Dare & Take The Leap Into Entrepreneurship, Tue Jun 29 at 4 PM: Join us in the discussion on starting a business as a female founder, mental health, struggles & pressures of the industry, career journeys, standing out in a crowd and so much more! Each speaker will be sharing their importance/ understanding of mental health, career struggles, and what it takes to start a startup. Sacramento entrepreneurs Marian Lichtenstern, Cheryl Beninga, and Janine Yancey are on the panel.
Women in Tech Breakfast, Fri Jul 16 at 9:30 AM: Join this interactive breakfast for Women in Technology & Entrepreneurship that features Sacramento women in tech to give their insight on how they reached their level of success, advice on navigating the workplace, and how we can help the next generation of women in tech.
Once again, there are MANY high value events for startup founders happening this week and next – 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.
Have you joined the StartupSac Community Facebook Group yet? 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.
