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-Tech Connect
Mon, Oct 20, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Hop Gardens, Sacramento
Join Sacramento’s tech and startup community for an evening of genuine conversations, guided networking, and shared enthusiasm. Meet potential co-founders, collaborators, and innovators in a relaxed setting. Build relationships that matter and strengthen our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Read More.
Applications Open: Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy 2026
SEA’s 2026 cohort runs from Jan–May in Sacramento, offering mentorship, business planning, and access to a powerful alumni network. Early-bird and student discounts available. Learn more.
Startup Happy Hour with Kora CEO Greg Connolly
Tue, Oct 28, 5 – 7 PM, LogOff Brewing, Rancho Cordova
Join Sacramento’s startup community for networking, conversation, and insights from Greg Connolly, veteran entrepreneur and CEO of Kora, a next-generation home energy company. Connect with founders, enjoy appetizers, and be part of an evening building our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Hosted by StartupSac and the Carlsen Center, sponsored by the City of Rancho Cordova. Read More.
This Week
FIRA USA 2025 | Ag Robotics in Action
Tue–Thu, Oct 21–23, 9 AM – 4 PM, Yolo County Fairgrounds, Woodland
FIRA USA brings 2,500+ leaders in ag robotics together for three days of demos, panels, and networking. The in-field event showcases autonomous solutions for sustainable farming, with a focus on growers, researchers, and industry partners. Farmers, students, and journalists attend free. Read more.
Techstars Fundraising Series: Ready, Set, Go!
Tue, Oct 21 & 28, 8 – 9 AM, Online
Navigating venture capital is one of the biggest challenges for startups. This three-part Techstars series provides a playbook to prepare, polish, and pitch with confidence. From finding the right investors and building strong fundraising materials to practicing in a live mock interview, you’ll gain the strategies and insights needed to secure capital. Read more.
Drop-in 1-on-1 Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs
Tue, Oct 21, 12 – 3 PM, Roseville Venture Lab, Roseville
Have a startup idea or small business? Growth Factory’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence are available for drop-in office hours to provide guidance and resources. This is not a pitch or investment opportunity, but a chance to get tailored support for your business journey. Registration and intake form required. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with Podium Teams
Wed, Oct 22, 9 AM – 10 AM, Online
Podium Teams assist startups and SMB’s to get 2x more deliverables with the same budgets by creating and managing high-performing software engineering, digital marketing and sales enablement teams. Join us on Zoom to hear their story, share feedback, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs. Doors open at 8:45 for optional networking. Read more.
CleanStart Rising Stars Showcase
Wed, Oct 22, 2 – 6:30 PM, Aggie Square, Sacramento
See Sacramento’s most promising startups pitch for $50K in grant funding, alongside spotlights from WindHarvest and LiCap and presentations from CleanStart’s Deep Dive Accelerator. Network with investors, innovators, and vote for the Audience Choice Award. Read more.
MedStart Community Workshop: Commercializing Your Research
Tue, Oct 22, 6 – 8 PM, The Urban Hive, Sacramento
Join MedStart for an interactive workshop with Dr. Jordan R. Plews, cofounder of Elevai Labs, Xytogen Biotech, and Curium Consulting. Learn practical steps to take your research from lab to market, avoid common pitfalls, and explore real-world commercialization pathways. Ideal for researchers, clinicians, and entrepreneurs aiming to turn discoveries into impact. Read more.
Traction Lab Live Startup Office Hours with JDM + Cam
Fri, Oct 24, 12 – 1 PM, Virtual (LinkedIn Live)
Join Traction Lab co-founders JDM and Cameron Law for live startup office hours—no slides, no fluff, just sharp, evidence-based feedback. This week’s guest is Oleg Kaganovich, venture builder and investor. Bring your toughest growth questions and get clarity from experts who’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. Read more.
Plan Ahead
Tomorrow’s Innovators Demo Night & Pitch Competition
Thu, Oct 30, 4:30 – 8 PM, Aggie Square, Sacramento
Experience fresh ideas, bold solutions, and community energy as Sacramento’s newest entrepreneurs showcase their products and business ideas. Finalists will pitch for awards, connect with the community, and compete for the Audience Favorite Award. Plus, enter a raffle to win prizes including a 3D printer. Presented by Sactown Makers. Read more.
GrowTECH Fest 2025
Thu–Fri, Nov 6–7, Sierra Nevada Big Room & Downtown Chico
Celebrate and elevate Northern California’s entrepreneurial spirit at GrowTECH Fest 2025! This two-day event brings together founders, investors, students, and ecosystem leaders for keynotes, startup pitches, workshops, and networking. Highlights include keynote speaker Michael Parrish Dudell (author of Shark Tank business books), an after party, and the Bootstrap Beer Crawl. Students attend free with valid school email. Read more.
Applications
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 October 15. Next opening to pitch is November 12, 5:30-6:30 PM, Online. Read more.
Traction Lab Venture Accelerator
Applications Open Now
Fast-track your startup’s growth! This accelerator, powered by The Right Box and the Carlsen Center, helps pre-seed and seed-stage founders in tech-enabled sectors reach product-market fit and get funding-ready—twice as fast. Read 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.
