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
SacTech Social December Meetup
Thu, Dec 18, 6 – 8 PM, Hop Gardens in Sacramento
Join Sacramento’s tech community for an informal evening of conversation, collaboration, and connection. Meet developers, designers, and tech-curious folks to share ideas, spark projects, and expand your network—apps and pizzas provided. Read more.
Applications Close Dec 17: 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. Apply now. Learn more.
This Week
Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs
Tue, Dec 16, 12 – 3 PM, Roseville Venture Lab in Roseville
Get guidance on your startup or small business from Growth Factory’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. Sessions are scheduled for 30–60 minutes based on your needs; registration and an intake form are required. Read More.
Getting Started with Your Business Plan
Wed, Dec 17, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Building the Foundation to a Solid Business Plan Ready to turn your business idea into reality? This workshop is your essential first step! Learn what a business plan is, why you need one and create your roadmap for success. Gain the confidence to launch your business with purpose. Read more.
How to Nominate a Small Business for NSBW Awards
Tue, Dec 17, 11 AM – 12 PM, Online
Learn how to submit a compelling nomination for the SBA’s National Small Business Week Awards, including eligibility, required materials, and tips for crafting a standout package. The deadline for 2026 award nominations is Monday, Dec 22 at 11 AM PT. Read More.
CleanStart CEO Crash Course Info Session
Wed, Dec 17, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Online
Learn what to expect from the upcoming CEO Crash Course, a hands-on training program for early-stage cleantech founders working in climate, water, energy, and related technologies. Get an overview of the curriculum, who it’s for, and how it helps entrepreneurs grow with clarity instead of guesswork. Read More.
CreativeMornings Sacramento: Moksha Rao
Fri, Dec 19, 8:30 – 10 AM, The Urban Hive in Sacramento
Part of CreativeMornings’ series on Innovation, this talk features designer and performing artist Moksha Rao sharing her journey bridging design and dance—from India to the U.S.—and how she translates complexity into clarity across disciplines. Read more.
Plan Ahead
FourthWave Forum: High Performance Without Burnout
Mon, Dec 22, 11 AM – 12 PM, Online
High performance shouldn’t cost your health. Join executive wellness coach Allison Tibbs for a fireside chat on preventing burnout, setting boundaries, and building sustainable energy with simple, evidence-informed routines that actually fit a founder’s day. Moderated by Mariah Lichtenstern, with live Q&A and practical take-home micro-habits. Read more.
FourthWave Forum: Bio to IPO with Dr. Pam Marrone
Tue, Dec 23, 12 – 1 PM, Online
Hear National Inventors Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Pam Marrone share playbooks from founding and scaling ag-bio companies—from angels and VCs to a NASDAQ IPO. Topics include product-market fit for biologicals, go-to-market partnerships, IP and regulatory strategy, and practical fundraising tips. Moderated by Mariah Lichtenstern with live Q&A. Read more.
MIX: Monthly Innovation Exchange
Thu, Jan 8, 5 – 7 PM, Connect Labs by Wexford in Sacramento
Kick off 2026 with MIX’s January theme, Powering Sacramento: Clean & Affordable Energy Futures. Join founders, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders for lightning talks, roundtable conversations, and networking focused on advancing equitable, sustainable energy solutions across the region. Read more.
Startup-Tech Connect
Mon, Jan 12, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Hop Gardens in Sacramento
Connect with founders, technologists, and innovators at this casual networking event where startups and tech collide. Enjoy genuine conversations, meet potential collaborators, and tap into Sacramento’s tech community over pizza and beer. Read more.
Applications
NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Course
Multiple Sessions – Ongoing, Online
Validate your startup idea inNorthwest Region NSF I-Corps Hub courses. Use Lean LaunchPad to explore customers and value. Eligible teams may qualify for a $50K NSF grant and $5K in AWS credits. Learn 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.
