One of the key resources for aspiring entrepreneurs in any startup ecosystem is access to the founders of successful startup companies. Hearing their stories of their journeys and being able to ask questions and get advice is a sure-fire way to put your early stage startup on course. Since 2017, StartupSac has convened monthly Startup Happy Hours that feature an “ask me anything” session with a Sacramento-region successful founder (check out the archive here). During the pandemic, these meetups continued virtually on Zoom and the Carlsen Center at Sac State joined forces with StartupSac to produce Happy Hour.
If you haven’t checked out a monthly Happy Hour yet, or if it’s been a while. I highly recommend that you attend (via Zoom) this Tuesday’s event which features Arik Levy, the founder and CEO of Luxer One. Arik is a serial entrepreneur who has revolutionized the use of 24-hour, self-service lockers in the package delivery and dry-cleaning industries. He pioneered lockers as a 21st century solution to accommodate people’s busy schedules and has developed several business models to capitalize on this opportunity. The story of his journey includes many teachable moments! You can find out more, as well as RSVP, here. It starts at 5 pm on March 22.
Applications Due
- NSF I-Corp Training: Apply by March 25 for April 11-18 program
- Cleantech Open Acclerator: Apply by April 17 for June 7-month Cohort
- Founder Institute Virtual Accelerator: Apply by April 17 for June 4-month Cohort
- Growth Factory Accelerator: Apply by April 22 for May 12-month Cohort
- Lean Innovator: Apply by May 9 for June 7-week Cohort
There’s a lot going on the next couple of weeks for entrepreneurs in our region! Check out this week’s Startup Digest for a full listing (plus you can sign up to get the digest weekly in your inbox while you’re there!).
This Week’s Best Bets
Startup Happy Hour with Luxer One Founder, Arik Levy, Tue Mar 22 at 5 PM. Meet a successful startup founder Startup Happy Hour! Arik Levy is the Founder of Luxer One®, Laundry Locker® and Drop Locker®. As a serial entrepreneur, Levy has revolutionized the use of 24-hour, self-service lockers in the package delivery and dry-cleaning industries. Online
Introduction to Social Innovation, Tue Mar 22, Noon. Are you someone who has thought about starting a business to do good in the world? Do you want to know how to be an entrepreneur and create social impact in your community? If so, the Intro to Social Innovation is for you. This is a free 90-minute Zoom workshop that will provide you with many of the answers to those questions and more regarding social impact and entrepreneurship. Online
Plan Ahead
Pitch Elk Grove, Thu Mar 31, 4:30 PM. Discover the Sacramento region’s up and coming startups at Pitch Elk Grove! Eight startups will compete for a $10,000 prize plus you will vote for the Audience Favorite! Appetizers, beer and wine will be served at this in person event! In person at The Center at District 56, 8230 Civic Center Drive, Elk Grove.
Connect
Looking to connect with other entrepreneurs? 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.
Looking for an advisor? Mentor Sacramento is a great place to connect with an experienced advisor who through their experience, can help you advance your business. It’s free to participate. Check it out here.