Because it’s a holiday week, this is a slow week for events for founders and entrepreneurs. But it definitely picks up next week! For the full rundown, check out this week’s Startup Digest and consider subscribing to get it every Monday morning.
Featured
CLTRE Coffee & Conversation
Wed, July 1, 9:30 – 11:30 AM, Aggie Square in Sacramento
Connect with entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, and community leaders at this monthly gathering focused on building relationships, sharing ideas, and sparking collaboration across Sacramento’s innovation ecosystem. It’s a welcoming space to expand your network, discover new opportunities, and engage with people working to strengthen the region’s future. Read more.
This Week
AI for Business Workshop: Creating Video Using AI Tools
Wed, July 1, 6 – 8 PM, Roseville Venture Lab in Roseville
Learn how to use AI tools to streamline video creation workflows, from idea generation and scripting to editing, captions, and repurposing content for social media. This hands-on workshop is designed for founders, small business owners, marketers, and nonprofit leaders who want to create better video content without relying on a full production team. Read more.
Weekly Startup Reality Check with JDM and CAM
Thu, July 2, 12 – 1 PM, Online
Bring your toughest startup questions to this live AMA hosted by Traction Lab’s Cameron Law and Josh David Miller. Founders can get candid feedback on customer acquisition, value proposition testing, fundraising readiness, and other early-stage challenges in a practical, no-fluff discussion. Read more.
Next Week
The SBIR/STTR Playbook: A 3-Part Series
July 7–9, 12 – 1:30 PM, Online
This hands-on workshop series helps deep tech founders prepare to compete for SBIR/STTR funding from agencies including DOD, NIH, DOE, USDA, NSF, and NASA. Participants will learn how to identify the right funding opportunities, develop a competitive proposal strategy, and navigate the path from application to commercialization while building a practical roadmap for securing non-dilutive federal capital. RSVP for each session separately. Session 1 July 7, Session 2 July 8, Session 3 July 9.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with Visionary Beacons and Noah Labs
Wed, July 8, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Hear two early-stage founders present their businesses and get live feedback from the community at this weekly startup meetup. This session features Visionary Beacons who is creating an AI-powered trading platform that foucses on protecting your money comes before chasing the next winning trade, and Noah Labs, which is building a secure AI-native development environment for government and other highly regulated organizations. Read more.
MIX: Monthly Innovation Exchange
Thu, July 9, 5 – 7 PM, Connect Labs at Aggie Square in Sacramento
This month’s MIX gathering explores the theme of “Finding Your Voice” through conversations with speakers who are using their voices to drive change, build community, and shape important conversations. Join founders, creatives, researchers, and ecosystem leaders for lightning talks, small-group discussions, and networking designed to spark connection and fresh ideas across Sacramento’s innovation community. Read more.
Plan Ahead
Startup-Tech Connect
Mon, July 13, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Hop Gardens in Sacramento
Connect with founders, technologists, and startup supporters from across the Sacramento region at this casual networking event focused on building relationships and sparking collaboration. It’s a chance to meet potential co-founders, partners, and other members of the local innovation community in an informal setting. Read more.
Level Up Your Investor Pitch
Tue, July 14, 5:30 – 7 PM, Online
Learn how to craft a compelling investor pitch that clearly communicates your startup’s opportunity, traction, and growth potential. Led by Traction Lab founder Josh David Miller, this interactive workshop covers the essential elements of an investor-ready pitch, common mistakes to avoid, and practical ways to improve both your story and delivery. Read more.
Applications
Traction Lab: Investment Readiness Engine
Applications Open
Apply for this 9-month go-to-market acceleration program supporting Sacramento-area founders with B2B sales development, enterprise pilot strategy, investor readiness, and traction-building support. Led by Traction Lab in partnership with Right Box and the Carlsen Center, the program includes $20K in non-dilutive funding and culminates in a $100K SPV Investment Showcase. Read more.
UC Davis NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Program
Applications due July 22
A short program for STEM founders to validate ideas through customer discovery and refine their value proposition. 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.
