There’s a lot going on this week! We’ve curated a short list below; for a full listing of everything that’s going on this week and next, check out this week’s Startup Digest! While you’re there, you can sign up to receive the digest in your inbox every Monday morning!

Two Startup Pitch contests, Spark and Startup World Cup, are accepting applications today and tomorrow — don’t get left out because you didn’t apply!

Featured

Apply to the Spark Venture Competition
Apply by Oct 31 (date extended) Contest on Nov 15
Application are open for the Spark Venture Competition! This competion is open to for-profit and social ventures in the Greater Sacramento region. Hosted by the Calsen Center at Sac State, there is a $20,000 prize pool. Learn more.

Apply to Startup World Cup Sacramento Regionals
Apply by Oct 30, Contest on Nov 9
Applications are open for the Sacramento Startup World Cup Regionals. The Sacramento winner will secure a spot in the Startup World Cup Finale on December 1, 2023 in San Francisco with an opportunity to win $1 Million in investment. Learn more.

This Week

Startup Happy Hour featuring an AMA with Acorn Finance CEO
Mon, Oct 30, 5 – 7 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Let’s get the startup vibes flowing at this month’s Startup Happy Hour: network, mingle, and learn during an AMA with Acorn Finance CEO, Giri Addanki. Join StartupSac and the Carlsen Center at Tipsy Putt in Downtown Sacramento. No host bar, appetizers provided! Read more.

UCD Big Bang! Workshop: Making the Leap
Wed, Nov 1, 5 – 7 PM, Online
Are you ready to move your business idea from concept to reality? Learn how to clearly articulate the problem you are solving, your proposed solution and its value proposition. We’ll also discuss how to develop a foundation for thinking about moving your venture forward—and how to acquire the tools and network to do so effectively. Read more.

Cleantech Meetup EV Charging
Thu, Nov 2, 6-9 PM, In-person in Sacramento
CleanStart’s CleanTech Meetups bring together individuals, businesses, and organizations with a shared interest in clean energy and sustainability. This event will focus on the latest innovations in electric vehicle (EV) charging technology. Speakers include Orville Thomas, CEO of the California Mobility Center, and Tim Taylor, Vice President and Co-Director of Sacramento Clean Cities. Read more.

Craft Your Entrepreneurial Blueprint with the Lean Canvas
Thu, Nov 2, 6:15 – 7:45 PM, In-person in Elk Grove
Join us for a transformative workshop where we’ll guide you through the art of “business blueprinting” using the Lean Canvas. Taught by Calrson Center executive director, Cameron Law. Read more.

Plan Ahead

Startup Folsom AI Meetup
Tue, Nov 7, 6 – 7:30 PM, In-person in Folsom
Come join out our monthly AI gathering at Granite City Coworking, where we’ll enjoy some pizza while engaging in discussions on AI. Read more.

AgStart’s Learn from a Local: CEO of Macro Oceans
Thu, Nov 9, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, In-person in Woodland
Join AgStart to hear from Matthew Perkins, Founder and CEO of Macro Oceans, a startup transforming seaweed into low-carbon chemicals for use in materials, food, cosmetics and many other applications. Read more.

Global Entrepreneurship Week
Mon, Nov 13 – Fri, Nov 17
Check out what’s happening in Sacramento during Global Entrepreneurship Week! Discover the exciting lineup of events slated for November 13 – 17 to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit in our community. Events include pitch competitions, AI product demonstrations, discussions focused on innovation in various sectors, from waste management to zero-emission vehicles, mentoring opportunities, and more! Read more.

Application Deadlines

Sacramento Entreprenership Academy
Apply by Nov 17, Cohort starts Jan 2024
SEA is a real-world business program designed to fast track participants on the road to entrepreneurship. Sessions are in-person on Saturday mornings in Sacramento. Program runs January to May. Apply here.

Startup Pitch Workshop
Applications Open, Happens Last Wed of the Month Online
Three startups present their pitch for advice and feedback from a panel of experts. Organized by StartupSac and Startup Folsom. Next open slots are Nov 29. Apply here.

CleanStart CEO Crash Course
Apply by Dec 24, Starts Jan 16, In-person & Virtual
Want to learn how to operate your business as a real CEO? The CEO Crash Course is designed for early-stage clean tech companies with existing business plans and provides intensive training with peer and expert feedback. Learn more.

Intro To Lean Startup: NSF I-Corps Method
Ongoing, Apply by Nov 10 for November session, Online
Transform your innovative technology into a startup! Online course sessions are held online for three days from 5-8 PM. This program is offered monthly. Learn more.

Connect

Looking to connect with others? 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.

Resources

Check out the StartupSac Website for information on resources available to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Also check out the NorCal Entrepreneur Hub. From capital to connections and training to talent, find the resources you need to build your business in NorCal.