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
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.
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.
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.
This Week
How Is West Biofuels Turning Waste Into a Successful Business?
Tue, July 7, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Hear the founders of West Biofuels share the realities of building a cleantech company—from technical challenges and fundraising to strategic partnerships and commercialization. This candid conversation offers practical lessons for founders, investors, and anyone interested in turning innovative technology into a scalable business. Organized by CleanStart. Read more.
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.
Prototype Smarter: Intro to 3D Printing for Business
Thu, July 9, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Sacramento Valley SBDC in Sacramento
Organized by Urban Technology Lab, this beginner-friendly workshop shows founders and small business owners how 3D printing can speed up prototyping, product testing, and small-batch production. Learn the basics of FDM printing, materials, file prep, and how to evaluate whether 3D printing fits your product development process. Read more.
Startup Reality Check with JDM and Cam
Fri, July 10, 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
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.
Biotech Mixer
Tue, July 14, 6 – 9 PM, Connect Labs at Aggie Square in Sacramento
Connect with scientists, founders, investors, engineers, and other members of Sacramento’s biotech community at this informal networking mixer hosted by Aggie Square. Whether you’re building a company, exploring new research, or expanding your professional network, this event offers an opportunity to engage with others advancing the region’s life sciences ecosystem. Read More.
MedStart CEO Roundtable Featuring Dr. Sourabh Kharait
Wed, July 15, 6 – 8 PM, Granite City Workspaces in Folsom
Designed for CEOs and founders of medical and life science startups, this small-group roundtable features IGH Naturals founder Dr. Sourabh Kharait sharing lessons from building a healthcare company. Participants will discuss real business and commercialization challenges, exchange peer advice, and leave with practical next steps for growing their ventures. Read more.
Applications
Alchemist Microenterprise Academy
Applications Open July 14 | Deadline: August 9
Designed for aspiring food entrepreneurs, this 12-week business training program helps participants build the knowledge, confidence, and business plan needed to launch or grow a food business. Attendance at an information session is required before applying, with live Zoom sessions on July 14, July 21, July 29, and August 5, plus an on-demand option available beginning July 14. Read more.
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.
