There’s a lot going on this week and next for entrepreneurs and startup founders. We’ve curated a short list below. For the full rundown of what’s happening this week and next, check out this week’s Startup Digest. While you’re there, be sure to subscribe to get it in your inbox every Monday morning!
Featured
Startup Summer Party
Tue, Jul 22, 5:00 – 8:00 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Celebrate summer with Sacramento’s startup community! Connect with founders, innovators, and ecosystem champions at The Urban Hive for an evening of networking and fun. Hosted by AgStart, the Carlsen Center, CleanStart, Growth Factory, Growth Factory Ventures, MedStart, Sactown Makers, Startup Folsom, Startup Grind, StartupSac, The Urban Hive, and 1 Million Cups Sac. Read more.
Pitch Elk Grove
Thu, Sep 4, 4:30 – 8:00 PM, In-person in Elk Grove
Watch Northern California’s top startups compete live for $20,000 in prize money at this high-energy pitch competition. Hosted by Invest Elk Grove, StartupSac, and Explore Elk Grove, Pitch Elk Grove is a celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community—complete with local beer, wine, and bites. Read more.
Startup Challenge
Fri, Sep 26, 5:30 PM –Sun, Sep 28, 8:30 PM, at the Carlsen Center at Sac State in Sacramento
Stop thinking and start doing! This weekend-long event brings aspiring founders together to form teams, build real startups, and make progress fast—no business experience required. Open to anyone 18+. This is a 3-day event. Read more.
This Week
1-on-1 Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs
Tue, Jul 15, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, at the Roseville Venture Lab
Got a startup idea or early-tage company? Meet with Growth Factory’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence for personalized guidance. Intake form required before attending. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento
Wed, Jul 16, 8:30 – 10:00 AM, at East Sac Chamber of Commerce in Sacramento
This week’s presenters: Flow Testimonial Machine, a platform that turns customer feedback into growth-riving social proof, and Food Token, a startup helping restaurants accept cryptocurrency payments. Join in person or via Zoom. Read more.
Startup Grind Sacramento: An Evening with Elizabeth Connelly
Wed, Jul 16, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Join Elizabeth Connelly—co-founder of Trifecta and founder of Katsu—for a candid conversation about her journey from scaling one of the nation’s largest organic meal delivery companies to launching an AI startup. Includes networking, a fireside chat, and open Q&A. Learn More.
MedStart: How to Get Insurers to Pay for Innovation
Wed, July 16, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, In-person in Folsom
Hear Foodom CEO Reneta Jenik share how she secured insurance reimbursement for medically tailored meals. Network with fellow founders and explore the future of health innovation. Read more.
CleanStart Perspectives | Winner of UC Davis Big Bang: Splash Tech
Thu, Jul 17, 9:00 – 10:00 AM, Online via Zoom
Hear from Gabriel Sigala, CFO and co-founder of Splash Tech, winner of the UC Davis Big Bang! business competition. Learn how his startup is revolutionizing pool maintenance with continuous monitoring and smart alerts. Part of CleanStart’s Perspectives series on clean tech innovation. Read more.
SBIR/STTR Webinar with OUP (Osage University Partners)
Thu, Jul 17, 9:00 – 10:30 AM, Online
Looking for early-stage federal funding to commercialize your innovation? Learn how the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs can help. Experts from NSF, NIH, and NCI will cover eligibility, phases, funding mechanisms, and tips for strong applications. Presented by OUP, a VC firm investing in startups based on university research. Learn more.
Plan Ahead
Fall 2025 Alchemist Microenterprise Academy Info Sessions
Wed, Jul 23, Jul 30, Aug 5, Aug 12, 6 – 7 PM, Online
Alchemist Microenterprise Academy (AMA) is a 12-week business training course designed to make sense of the confusing aspects of starting a food business. AMA targets entrepreneurs in the greater Sacramento region, particularly those who are from low-income backgrounds or under-resourced communities. You must attend an info session before you apply. Applications are due August 17. Read more.
SacTech Social
Thu, Jul 24, 6:00 – 9:00 PM, at Hop Gardens in Sacramento
Connect with Sacramento’s vibrant tech community over food, drinks, and good conversation. Whether you’re a seasoned dev or just tech-curious, all are welcome. Read more.
Applications
NorCal AngelCon Applications Now Open
Apply by August 1
Startups in the Greater Sacramento region can apply to compete for $80K+ in equity-backed funding and $20K in non-dilutive capital. Applicants must have an MVP or early revenue and potential for high growth. Brought to you by the Carlsen Center and Growth Factory through SEGA’s Accelerate CA program. Apply here.
UC Law SF Startup Legal Garage
Apply Now for Free Legal Assistance!
Startup Legal Garage is currently accepting applications for its free legal assistance program aimed at supporting startups. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are full. Applications are for Fall 2025 cohort. Visit Startup Legal Garage to learn more and apply.
NSF I-Corps STEM Innovator Customer Discovery Course
Apply by Jul 17 for Next Session
Program Dates: Aug 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Online
Validate your STEM startup idea in UC Davis’s free NSF I-Corps course. Use customer discovery to explore customers, refine your business model, and prepare for follow-on NSF funding. Learn more.
Startup Pitch Workshop
Applications Open for this Monthly Event
Refine your startup pitch and get feedback from experienced coaches. Two founders will pitch and receive insights—apply in advance to pitch. Next session is August 14, 5:30-6:30 PM, Online. Read more.
Tomorrow’s Innovators Design & Tech Accelerator
Apply by July 19
This free 10-week program equips aspiring entrepreneurs—especially from BIPOC and underserved communities in Sacramento—with hands-on training in design thinking, 3D printing, and business strategy. Starts Aug 1. Must live or have a business in Sacramento city limits. Apply Now.
SEGA Innovation Grant Competition
Apply by August 1
SEGA’s Accelerate CA Hub is awarding $150,000 in non-dilutive grants to support AgriFoodTech, Health & Life Sciences, and CleanTech/ZEV innovation clusters, with $50,000 per cluster. 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.
