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 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.
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.
This Week
Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs
Tue, Oct 28, 12 – 3 PM, In-person at Roseville Venture Lab in Roseville
Have a startup idea or small business? Meet with Growth Factory’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence for tailored guidance and resources to help you move forward. Intake form required before attending. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with Solir
Wed, Oct 28, 9 – 10 AM, Online
A weekly, coffee-fueled meetup where founders present early-stage startups for peer feedback. This week: Solir is an energy solutions company focused on reducing building heat gain through innovative interior window technologies. Read more.
Testing Business Ideas: Great Startups Start with Testing
Wed, Oct 29, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, In-person at the Carlsen Center in Sacramento
Turn your ideas into evidence-based ventures in this hands-on workshop led by startup strategists David Bland, Josh David Miller, Brian Gladden, and Cameron Law. Learn to test, validate, and de-risk your startup ideas before investing time and money. Read more.
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.
Final Free Fridays at Connect Labs
Fri, Oct 31, 9:30 AM – 4 PM, In-person at Aggie Square in Sacramento
Explore Connect Labs’ state-of-the-art coworking and lab space for free on the final Friday of each month. Designed for life sciences, biotech, and tech innovators, this 50,000 sq. ft. facility offers shared labs, offices, and equipment. RSVP required for access and parking. Read more.
Plan Ahead
SparkFest
Tue, Nov 4, 5 – 7 PM, In-person at UC Davis in Davis
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to innovation and impact! Formerly known as “The Kick Off,” this community celebration launches this year’s Big Bang! and Little Bang! competitions. Join students, mentors, judges, and aspiring participants for an evening of creativity, connection, and celebration. Meet past competitors, enjoy snacks and prizes, and celebrate the winners of the Ideas Competition.Read more.
Folsom AI Meetup with Brian Bell, Managing Partner at Team Ignite Ventures
Tue, Nov 4, 6 – 8 PM, In-person at Granite City Coworking in Folsom
Join Startup Grind Sacramento, Startup Folsom, and Granite City Coworking for an evening of pizza, networking, and AI insights. Brian Bell of Team Ignite Ventures will share a VC’s perspective on funding AI startups—what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next. Read more.
Cutting Edge: AI Workshops at Granite City Workspaces
Thu, Nov 6, 2 – 6 PM, In-person at Granite City Workspaces in Folsom
Kick off the afternoon with two engaging AI sessions—AI Without the Eye Roll with Sedale Turbovsky at 2:45 PM and AI for Growth with Justin Fortier at 3:45 PM designed to help business owners use AI to save time, simplify workflows, and boost results. Then stay to celebrate the grand re-launch of The Commons event space with local partners, ribbon cuttings, and a festive happy hour. Read more.
AgStart Learn from a Local: Teryn Wolfe, CEO of Nexture Bio
Thu, Nov 6, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, AgStart Event Center, Woodland
Teryn Wolfe, CEO of Nexture Bio, will share her entrepreneurial journey creating new materials for the emerging cell-cultured industry. Connect with peers and hear how local founders are shaping innovation. 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.
UC Law SF Startup Legal Garage
Apply Now for Free Legal Assistance!
The Startup Legal Garage is accepting applications for its Spring 2026 cohort. Spots are limited and filled on a rolling basis—apply early. Visit Startup Legal Garage to learn more and apply.
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.
