Building a startup can feel isolating, especially in the early stages when you are trying to figure out your next move, validate an idea, or simply meet people who understand what you are building.
That is exactly why Startup Happy Hour exists.
On Tuesday, May 19, founders, entrepreneurs, creatives, innovators, and startup supporters from across the Sacramento region will gather in Elk Grove for an evening focused on connection, collaboration, and community.
Startup Happy Hour
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Old Town Pizza and Tap House
9677 Elk Grove Florin Rd, Elk Grove, CA 95624
The event is organized monthly by StartupSac and the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, with support from the Invest Elk Grove Office of Economic Development. Appetizers will be provided, creating a relaxed environment where conversations can happen naturally.
Why You Need To Be At Startup Happy Hour
Some of the best startup opportunities do not happen in formal meetings. They happen during conversations with other founders, introductions from people in the ecosystem, or casual discussions that lead to future partnerships and collaborations. Startup Happy Hour was created to help make those moments happen.
Whether you are actively running a startup, thinking about launching a business, working on a side project, or simply interested in Sacramento’s growing innovation ecosystem, this event is designed to help you meet people who are building things locally.
The atmosphere is intentionally welcoming and community focused. You do not need to have funding, a polished pitch deck, or years of experience to attend. The goal is simple: bring people together who care about innovation, entrepreneurship, and building the future of the region.
Learn More About Pitch Elk Grove 2026
This month’s Startup Happy Hour also arrives at the perfect time for founders interested in Pitch Elk Grove 2026.
Applications are officially open for the fifth year of the regional startup pitch competition, which has become one of Northern California’s leading opportunities for emerging startups to gain visibility, mentorship, and funding.
Founders attending Startup Happy Hour will have the chance to connect with members of the startup community, ask questions about the competition, and meet other entrepreneurs who may also be planning to apply.
Attendees will also hear from special AMA guests May Kolchak, Senior Associate at Growth Factory Ventures and Pam Kaur, co-founder of Tech Sis. Both have been past Pitch Elk Grove judges. Founders will have an opportunity to ask questions about pitching, fundraising, investor expectations, and what makes startups stand out in competitive environments.
Pitch Elk Grove is open to eligible startups across the Greater Sacramento region, including Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, San Joaquin, Sutter, Yuba, and Nevada counties. Applications remain open through Monday, June 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
The competition includes a $20,000 prize pool, with finalists pitching live on stage this September in Elk Grove.
A Growing Startup Community in Elk Grove
Over the last several years, Elk Grove has continued investing in entrepreneurship and innovation through programs, events, and partnerships that support local founders and small businesses.
Startup Happy Hour reflects that momentum by creating a space where entrepreneurs can connect directly with peers, supporters, and organizations helping grow the regional ecosystem.
For early stage founders especially, events like this can make a real difference. They create opportunities to learn from others, share ideas openly, and realize that there is a larger community ready to support the journey.
Join the Conversation
If you have been looking for a way to get more connected to the Sacramento startup ecosystem, this is a great place to start.
Come meet founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the region while enjoying appetizers, conversations, and a welcoming environment built around collaboration.
Whether you are preparing to apply for Pitch Elk Grove, launching your first startup, or simply curious about the local innovation scene, Startup Happy Hour is designed to help you build meaningful connections with people who are actively shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region
