There’s a lot happening this week for entrepreneurs and startup founders. We’ve curated a short list below focused on startup-relevant events. For the full rundown, check out this week’s Startup Digest and consider subscribing to get it every Monday morning.
Featured
Capital Region Small Business Week
Mon, May 4 – Sat, May 9, various locations
Join a week of events connecting founders, business owners, and experts across Sacramento. Build your network, gain insights, and celebrate our region’s small business and startup community. View the full list of events here.
Capital Region Small Business Week Resource Expo
TODAY! Mon, May 4, 1 – 4 PM, Mack Powell Event Center (Sacramento)
Kick off Small Business Week by connecting with 30+ organizations offering tools, funding resources, expert advice, and support for entrepreneurs. A strong opportunity to network and discover resources to help your business grow. Read more
Mentor Sprint
Wed, May 6, 10:45 AM – 12:30 PM, Carlsen Center (Sacramento)
A fast-paced speed mentoring event where founders meet one-on-one with experienced mentors in 15-minute sessions. Get targeted advice, fresh perspectives, and new connections in just 90 minutes. Organized by the Carlsen Center and StartupSac. Read more.
This Week
Startup Workshop: From Idea to Action
Tue, May 5, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Roseville Venture Lab
A beginner-friendly workshop to help aspiring founders move from idea to action. Learn how to clarify your concept, take first steps, and connect with others exploring entrepreneurship. Organized by the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy in partnership with the City of Roseville. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento – Small Business Week Edition
Wed, May 6, 8:30 – 10 AM, Carlsen Center at Sac State + Online
Join this special in-person/hybrid edition of 1 Million Cups during Capital Region Small Business Week. Early-stage founders present their startups and receive live community feedback. This week features ReforgeHQ and RxMinder. Read more.
UCD Student Startup Center PLASMA Demo Day
Wed, May 6, 7:30 – 9:30 PM, In-person in Davis
Watch 18 UC Davis student teams pitch their startups at the culmination of the PLASMA incubator program. A great opportunity to see emerging founders and new ideas from the campus ecosystem. Read more.
Northern California Venture Conference
Thu, May 7, Redding
A regional conference bringing together founders and investors, with startup pitch opportunities and a $10K prize. Read more.
SEGA iHUB Accelerate CA Pitch Showcase
Thu, May 7, 5:30 – 8 PM, Aggie Square (Sacramento)
Hear pitches from high-potential startups emerging from the Accelerate CA program and celebrate grant award recipients. Connect with founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders shaping innovation in the region. Read more.
Startup Reality Check: AMA with JDM + Cam
Fri, May 8, 12 – 1 PM, Online
Join this weekly AMA for direct, no-BS feedback on your startup. Ask questions on traction, customers, and fundraising and get practical advice from JDM and Cam. Read more.
Capital Creative Showcase (Indie Games Expo)
Sat, May 9, 11 AM – 5 PM, In-person in Roseville
Explore 60+ indie games, meet the developers behind them, and see how creators bring ideas to life through design, iteration, and user feedback. A unique event at the intersection of games, tech, and product building. Read more.
Plan Ahead
Startup-Tech Connect
Mon, May 11, 6 – 8 PM, Hop Gardens (Sacramento)
Connect with founders, developers, and tech enthusiasts at this casual meetup focused on collaboration and community. A great place to meet potential co-founders, share ideas, and plug into Sacramento’s startup scene. Read more.
Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy Showcase
Tue, May 12, 5 – 8 PM, Elks Tower (Sacramento)
Join the Academy 2026 Fellows as they present their ventures and compete in a live pitch competition. The evening includes a keynote from Mac Clemmens, an alumni panel, and networking with founders, investors, and community leaders. Read more.
Circular Economy Innovation Competition – Pitch Finale
Wed, May 13, 12 – 3 PM, Roseville Venture Lab
Watch innovators and startups pitch solutions to real-world waste and sustainability challenges for $20K in prizes. A great opportunity to see practical innovation in action and connect with the region’s circular economy community. Read more.
First Money Breakfast: Angel Investing + Philanthropy
Thu, May 14, 9 – 11 AM, In-person in Roseville
For those interested in becoming angel investors, this session explores how angel investing works and how it can complement traditional philanthropy. Learn how deals are sourced, evaluated, and funded—and how new investors can get involved in supporting local startups. Read more.
Applications
Aggie Venture Accelerator
Applications close May 18
Apply for this new UC Davis accelerator supporting early-stage life science startups at the intersection of health, food, and biotech. Selected teams receive mentorship, structured programming, industry connections, and potential access to up to $250K in investment. Read more.
NorCal AngelCon 2026
Applications due May 27
A multi-month investor program culminating in a $100K investment. Open to startups across sectors with additional support for deep tech companies. Read more.
UC Davis NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Program
Applications due May 28
A short program for STEM founders to validate ideas through customer discovery and refine their value proposition. Read more.
Pitch Elk Grove 2026
Applications due June 8 by 5 PM
Apply to Northern California’s premier startup pitch competition, open to tech-driven startups across the Greater Sacramento region. Up to eight finalists will compete live for a $20K prize pool, plus exposure, feedback, and connections to help accelerate growth. Read more.
Roseville Rising Food Founders
Apply by Jun 21
Apply for this 10-week program supporting food entrepreneurs ready to launch or scale. Open to restaurateurs, chefs, and food product founders, the program offers mentorship, practical tools, and a final pop-up showcase. No cost to participate. Read more.
GFN Office Hours – Apply for 1:1 Mentorship
Applications Open | Roseville + Sacramento
Apply for a free one-on-one session with a GFN Entrepreneur-in-Residence and get personalized feedback on your startup idea or business challenges. Sessions are held at the Roseville Venture Lab or Connect Labs at Aggie Square. 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.
