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
Alchemist Microenterprise Academy Spring 2026 Application
Applications due February 15
Alchemist Microenterprise Academy is a 12-week business training course designed to make sense of the confusing aspects of starting a food business. AMA is generating the next generation of amazing food entrepreneurs in Sacramento! The next AMA cohort will run from March 10 – May 27. Attend a mandatory information session before applying (on-demand). RSVP for last online info session,Tue, Feb 10, 6 – 7 PM. Read more.
International Day for Women and Girls in STEM at Aggie Square
Wed, Feb 11, Times Vary, Aggie Square in Sacramento
This full-day series celebrates women and girls in STEM with a mix of informal conversations, creative activities, a mini workshop, and lightning talks from UC Davis researchers. Drop in for one session or stay for the day to connect with people who care about science, equity, and community. Read more.
This Week
Office Hours with GFN: Growth Factory Nonprofit EIRs
Tue, Feb 10, 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 Sacramento Culture Club and Plate$
Wed, Feb 11, 9 – 10 AM, Online
1 Million Cups is a weekly Zoom meetup where early-stage entrepreneurs present their businesses and receive advice and feedback from a community of peers. This week features Sacramento Culture Club, a podcast highlighting local food, arts, and culture, and Plate$, a platform helping food entrepreneurs sell and market their products in one place. Read more.
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.
Startup Office Hours: Traction Lab – JDM + Cam
Fri, Feb 13, 12 – 1 PM, Online
A weekly AMA where founders bring real questions and get direct, no-fluff feedback on traction, customers, and early fundraising challenges. Designed for honest problem-solving and practical insight rather than pitches or slides. Read more.
Plan Ahead
Founder’s Guide to AI: Working with AI as Your Partner
Tue, Feb 17, 10 – 11:30 AM, Online
This Founder Institute workshop helps founders use AI as a true thought partner to boost productivity, improve execution, and avoid common implementation pitfalls. Learn practical ways to delegate the right work to AI while keeping strategic thinking firmly in human hands. Read more.
Folsom AI Meetup w/ CaterAI Founder Jason Wang
Tue, Feb 17, 6 – 8 PM, Granite City Workspaces in Folsom
This monthly AI meetup brings founders and builders together for informal discussion, hands-on ideas, and real-world lessons from CaterAI founder Jason Wang. Expect practical insights, community connection, and a relaxed setting to talk shop about applying AI in your work. Read more.
Startup Challenge Information Session
Wed, Feb 18, 12 – 12:30 PM, Online
This short info session explains how the Startup Challenge works and what to expect from the April build-a-startup weekend, where participants form teams and turn ideas into real businesses in just a few days. A helpful primer for anyone considering whether the Challenge is the right fit. Read more.
Workshop: Use AI to Level Up Your Business
Thu, Feb 19, 6 – 8 PM, Granite City Workspaces in Folsom
Hosted by VETS in partnership with Startup Folsom, this hands-on workshop focuses on practical prompt engineering to help small business owners use AI more effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and get better results from everyday tools. A good fit for founders looking for clear, usable guidance they can apply immediately. Read more.
Startup Happy Hour with TenYour CEO Joah Spearman
Tue, Feb 24, 5 – 7 PM, Oak Park Brewing Co. in Sacramento
This monthly Startup Happy Hour brings Sacramento founders together for conversation and community, with a featured AMA-style discussion led by Joah Spearman, CEO of fintech startup TenYour. A relaxed way to connect with peers, hear a founder’s journey, and strengthen local startup ties. 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-Tech Connect
Mon, Mar 9, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Hop Gardens in Sacramento
This informal networking night brings founders, technologists, and builders together to make meaningful connections and explore potential collaborations in a relaxed setting. A solid option for anyone looking to plug into Sacramento’s startup and tech community without a formal agenda. Read more.
Micro Biz Launchpad Weekend
Sat, Mar 14 – Sun, Mar 15, 8:30 AM – 5 PM, at Granite City Workspaces in Folsom
This intensive, hands-on weekend helps participants use no-code and AI tools to build a working MVP or automation in just two days, with guidance from experienced builders. Designed for action-oriented founders and professionals who want momentum, clarity, and something real by Sunday afternoon. 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.
