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.
New! Sacramento Startup Events App Startup Digest volunteer curator Manoj Keechilot of Gilentic Technologies has created a free Android app to help entrepreneurs discover Sacramento startup events, accelerator opportunities, and application deadlines. Browse upcoming events, filter by date, add events to your calendar, and access registration links—all in one place. Download Sacramento Startup Events free on Google Play.
Featured
Sacramento Summer Startup Party
Thu, Aug. 20, 5:30 – 8 PM, The Urban Hive in Sacramento
Connect with founders, investors, startup teams, and ecosystem leaders at one of the region’s largest annual startup networking events. Attendees can explore the Resource Expo, discover emerging startups through the Silent Pitch competition, and build connections across Sacramento’s entrepreneurial community. Use promo code STARTUPSAC for $10 off! Read more.
Startup Happy Hour with Rich Foreman
Tue, Aug 25, 5 – 7 PM, Ebisu Sushi in Elk Grove
Connect with founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators at this monthly networking event hosted by StartupSac and the Carlsen Center. The evening includes an informal AMA with Rich Foreman, COO of IGH Naturals and winner of Pitch Elk Grove 2025, along with complimentary appetizers and plenty of opportunities to meet others in the Sacramento startup community. Read more.
Pitch Elk Grove 2026
Thu, Sep 3, 4:30 – 8 PM, The Center at District56 in Elk Grove
Watch 10 of Northern California’s most promising startups compete live for $20,000 in prize money at the region’s premier startup pitch competition. Meet founders, investors, and innovation leaders while discovering some of Northern California’s most promising startups. Admission is free, with appetizers and local wine and beer provided. Read more.
This Week
Office Hours with Dr. Brian Gladden
Mon, Aug 17, 3 – 4 PM, Online
Founders can pressure-test their business models and get expert guidance on customer validation, unmet market demand, and turning strategy into measurable action. Bring a specific challenge or idea to refine with Dr. Brian Gladden, an experienced innovation strategist who has coached hundreds of founders in building validated, fundable businesses. Read more.
Folsom AI Meet Up: Vibe Coding Panel Discussion
Tue, Aug 18, 6 – 8 PM, Granite City Workspaces in Folsom
Explore the growing practice of “vibe coding” at this monthly AI meetup featuring a panel of local AI practitioners and developers. The discussion will cover emerging approaches to AI-assisted software development, with opportunities to network with fellow builders and technology enthusiasts. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento at Sacramento Running Company
Wed, Aug 19, 8:30 – 10 AM, Sacramento Running Company in Sacramento
Join our monthly in-person hybrid meetup to hear two early-stage businesses receive live feedback from the community. This month’s presenters are Sacramento Running Company, a locally owned running and walking retailer, and The Basket, which is developing reusable shopping baskets and accessories as an alternative to disposable bags. Read more.
Office Hours with Mariah Lichtenstern
Wed, Aug 19, 12:30 – 1:30 PM, Online
Get an investor’s perspective on fundraising readiness, pitch decks, capital options, and building the traction needed to raise successfully. Founders can bring a specific question or business challenge to Mariah Lichtenstern, an experienced venture capitalist who helps early-stage and underestimated founders navigate funding and go-to-market decisions. Read more.
Motion to Momentum: EOS
Thu, Aug 20, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Carlsen Center at Sac State in Sacramento
Founders and early-stage teams will learn how to use the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to turn busy weeks into focused, measurable progress. This hands-on session covers setting 90-day priorities, creating an effective weekly meeting rhythm, tracking essential business metrics, and clarifying ownership so the founder does not become the team’s bottleneck. Read more.
Startup AMA with Cam and JDM
Fri, Aug 21, 12 – 1 PM, Online
Founders can bring pressing startup questions and receive honest, experience-based feedback on what to prioritize and what may be slowing their progress. The open conversation is especially valuable for those finding their first customers, testing their value proposition, building real traction, or preparing to raise capital with meaningful metrics. Read more.
Plan Ahead
Smart First Markets: Life Science & Medical Startups
Wed, Aug 26, 6 – 8 PM, Granite City Workspaces in Folsom
Learn how life science and medical startups can identify strategic first markets that offer faster paths to customers and revenue. Dr. Jordan Plews, co-founder of Elevai Labs, will explore opportunities in adjacent markets such as cosmetics, veterinary medicine, and wellness, and how early traction can support a startup’s longer-term commercialization strategy. Read more.
High Conviction Happy Hour
Thu, Aug 27, 6 – 8 PM, Sacramento
Watch two founders pitch live and receive direct, structured feedback from Traction Lab’s Review Board of operators, investors, and builders. This quarterly, invitation-only gathering is designed for founders and operators who value evidence-based discussion, honest business-model critiques, and meaningful conversations about the risks and assumptions shaping a startup. Read more.
Thu, Sep 10, 11 AM – 1 PM, Online
Learn how to test whether a business idea can succeed before investing significant time or money. This StartupSac and CleanStart workshop covers practical experiments founders can use to evaluate customer demand, their ability to deliver the product or service, and whether the economics can support a sustainable business. Read more.
Where to Find the Money: Grants, Equity, Debt, and Retained Earnings
Thu, Sep 17, 11 AM – 1 PM, Online
Explore the four primary ways to fund a business and which options make sense at different stages. This StartupSac and CleanStart workshop covers grants, angel and venture investment, loans and other debt, and using revenue to fund growth, with guidance on what each funding source requires and when to consider it. Read more.
Startup Redding Startup Games 2026
Fri–Sun, Sep 11–13, Win-River Resort & Casino in Redding
Turn a business idea into a validated startup over an intensive three-day weekend of customer discovery, prototyping, and pitching. Participants work in teams alongside experienced founders, investors, and mentors to test ideas, build business models, and compete for awards. Read more.
GrowTECH FEST 2026
Thu–Fri, Oct 8–9, Sierra Nevada Big Room in Chico
Connect with founders, investors, and innovators from across the North State during this two-day entrepreneurship conference featuring keynote speakers, workshops, networking, and the GrowTECH Startup Pitch Showcase. Entrepreneurs interested in pitching can apply through Aug 14 for the opportunity to present on Oct 8. Read more.
Applications
GrowTECH FEST Startup Pitch Showcase
Applications Open | Deadline extended to August 14
North State startups are invited to apply for the opportunity to pitch at GrowTECH FEST on Oct. 8 in Chico. Finalists will present to a panel of judges for cash prizes, making this a valuable opportunity to gain visibility, receive feedback, and compete for funding. Read more.
Build Up Sacramento 2027 Applications Open
Rolling Admission Begins Sep 1 | Final Deadline Nov 30
Established Sacramento businesses are invited to apply for this no-cost accelerator designed to help companies scale sustainably. Over four months, participants receive expert advising, peer learning, office hours, and practical strategies for strengthening operations, expanding customers, and preparing for long-term growth. Only 20 businesses will be selected, and qualified applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning Sept. 1, so early application is encouraged. Read more.
Startup Legal Garage – Fall 2026
Applications Open | Rolling Admission Until Full
Pre-Series A startups are invited to apply for this pro bono legal program from UC Law San Francisco. Participating founders receive legal support from law students under attorney supervision to help establish a strong legal foundation for growth, fundraising, and intellectual property needs during the August–November cohort. 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.
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.
