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
Kings Capitalize Next Gen: Startup Competition for Emerging Founders
Application Deadline February 6
Kings Capitalize: Next Gen supports early-stage founders ages 18-30 across the Sacramento region with pitch coaching, mentorship, and exposure through the Sacramento Kings platform. Eight startups advance to Pitch Day, four finalists move on to fan voting during a Kings home game at Golden 1 Center, and the winner is announced live in-arena and awarded a $10,000 cash prize. Applications close February 6, 2026. Read more.
NorCal AngelCon: Deep Tech Edition
Applications due February 6
This program supports early-stage deep tech startups in areas like life sciences, agtech, and cleantech with mentorship, capital readiness, and the opportunity to compete for equity and non-dilutive funding. Designed for science-driven teams connected to the Greater Sacramento region, including university-affiliated startups. $300k+ in equity and non-dilutive funding to be deployed. Apply Here.
Spring 2026 Alchemist Microenterprise Academy Info Session Signup
Tue, Feb 3 and Feb 10, 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. Before applying, attend a MANDATORY information session (live or on-demand). Read more.
This Week
The Ecommerce Accelerator: Build, Scale, Succeed (A 7-Part Webinar Training Series) – Part 2
Tue, Feb 3, 10 – 11:30 AM, Online
Join the Sacramento Valley SBDC’s comprehensive Ecommerce series covering topics from startup essentials to selling strategies. Whether it’s selling on your own website, on social media or a marketplace like Amazon, Etsy, etc., this series will cover topics that are essential for success. Part 2 will cover Ecommerce Foundations. Read more.
Office Hours with GFN: Growth Factory Nonprofit EIRs
Tue, Feb 3, 12 – 3 PM, Roseville Venture Lab in Roseville
Drop in for no-cost, one-on-one guidance from experienced entrepreneurs-in-residence on topics like customer discovery, product development, and fundraising—useful for founders at any stage who want practical, outside perspective. Advance registration required. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with Agnomy
Wed, Feb 4, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Join this weekly founder feedback forum to hear Agnomy present how they’re tackling scheduling and operational delays in agriculture using predictive data and workflow automation. Stick around for candid Q&A and community-driven insights from fellow entrepreneurs. Read more.
AI for Business 101: Practical Tools and Real-World Uses for Small Business
Wed, Feb 4, 6 – 8 PM, Roseville Venture Lab in Roseville
This hands-on workshop introduces small business owners and founders to practical, no-code AI tools they can use right away for marketing, customer communication, and everyday operations. A good fit for entrepreneurs who want to cut through the hype and leave with concrete ideas they can apply immediately. Read more.
How to Set Business Goals That Actually Get Done
Thu, Feb 5, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Setting goals is easy. Following through is where most people get stuck. This 60-minute strategy webinar is designed for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to stop setting goals that sound good and start achieving goals that actually move their business forward. Read more.
Big Bang! Workshop: Business Model: Defining a Sustainable Enterprise
Thu, Feb 5, 12 – 1 PM, Online
This workshop helps early stage founders think through the core elements of a sustainable business model, including revenue streams, cost structure, and how the model evolves over time. A good fit for entrepreneurs who want clearer economics behind their venture, whether mission-driven or growth-focused. Read more.
Traction Lab: Startup AMA | Weekly Office Hours
Thu, Feb 5, 12 – 1 PM, Online
This weekly AMA from Traction Lab gives founders direct, no-fluff feedback on real startup challenges—from early traction to testing value and fundraising readiness. A good fit if you want sharp perspectives and practical guidance without pitch decks or performative hype. Read more.
AgStart Learn from a Local: Carl Jones, Plant Science Director at Mars
Thu, Feb 5, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, AgStart Event Center in Woodland
This talk explores how a global food company engages with startups to build innovative, sustainable agricultural supply chains, offering insight into how founders can work with large industry partners. A good fit for AgriFoodTech entrepreneurs interested in collaboration, sustainability, and real-world pathways to impact. Read more.
Plan Ahead
Are You Thinking About Starting a Nonprofit Organization?
Tue, Feb 10, 6:30 – 8 PM, Online
This Sierra College Community Education class offers a practical overview of the steps to form a nonprofit, including incorporation and applying for tax-exempt status at the state and federal level. Registration is required, and the course fee is $45. Read more.
Little Bang! Pitch and Poster Competition
Thu, Feb 12, 5 – 8 PM, Gallagher Hall in Davis
See emerging startup ideas from UC Davis–affiliated teams as they showcase their concepts through posters and rapid-fire pitches in a judged competition. A good way to spot early innovation and get a feel for what’s being built on campus right now. Read more.
MIX: Monthly Innovation Exchange
Thu, Feb 12, 5 – 7 PM, Connect Labs at Aggie Square in Sacramento
This month’s MIX brings founders and ecosystem builders together to explore Sacramento’s role in protecting clean water, with a focus on innovation, policy, and community impact. Expect thoughtful discussion, new connections, and practical perspectives on a critical regional challenge. Read more.
Plan Way Ahead
Folsom Tech Week 2026
Monday–Thursday, March 3 – 6, Various venues in Folsom
This weeklong event brings founders, operators, engineers, and community leaders together for practical panels, workshops, and hands-on experiences across tracks like HealthTech, GovTech, AI, and startups. A strong fit for builders looking to make real connections, learn from people shipping products, and tap into regional innovation energy. Discount tickets now available. Read more.
Startup Challenge Spring 2026
Fri, Apr 10 – Sun, Apr 12, 5 PM Fri – 8:30 PM Sun, Carlsen Center at Sac State
A full weekend of building: you’ll form a team around a brand-new idea on Friday, then spend the weekend turning it into a real business concept through rapid testing and iteration. Come with an idea or come without one—either way, you’ll learn by doing and leave with traction instead of notes. Online Info sessions: Wed, Feb 18, 12 – 12:30 PM and Wed, Mar 25, 5:30 – 6 PM. Ready to rock? Read more.
Applications
Circular Economy Innovation Competition
Applications due Feb 27
Turn waste into value. This competition supports circular economy innovators with mentorship, in-kind services, and a chance to pitch for $20,000 at an in-person event in late April. Info session: Jan 21, 12 PM PST, Online. RSVP here. Apply here.
Cleantech Open Accelerator
Applications due April 6, Apply by 2/28 for Early-Bird Pricing
This 12-week accelerator supports early-stage climate tech teams with expert mentorship, hands-on training, and connections to investors and partners to help validate markets and build traction. Read more.
Big Bang! Business Competition
Applications due March 3
This annual competition supports innovators in developing and testing business ideas while competing for cash prizes, with multiple rounds focused on customer validation and pitching. Open to teams with at least one founder affiliated with a California-based college or university. Read more.
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.
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.
