Have a business challenge you need help solving? Whether you’re launching a startup, refining your business strategy, or looking for ways to grow, getting advice from experienced professionals can make a difference. Mentor Sprint returns Wednesday, November 18, 2026, bringing entrepreneurs and small business owners together with experienced mentors for focused, one-on-one conversations during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Hosted by the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and StartupSac, this event gives participants an opportunity to gain practical advice, make valuable connections, and explore new approaches to their business challenges.
What Is Mentor Sprint?
Mentor Sprint is a speed-mentoring event designed to connect entrepreneurs with experienced business professionals. Instead of meeting with just one advisor, participants rotate through multiple 15-minute, one-on-one mentoring sessions, gaining different perspectives on their business ideas and challenges.
The event offers 90 minutes of focused mentoring, allowing participants to discuss topics such as business strategy, marketing, customer acquisition, product development, funding, and growth. Whether you’re developing your first business idea or working to expand an existing company, Mentor Sprint provides an opportunity to get feedback from people with real-world experience.
Why Should Entrepreneurs Attend?
Running a business comes with challenges, and finding the right guidance isn’t always easy. Mentor Sprint makes it possible to connect with several experienced professionals in one setting, helping entrepreneurs identify opportunities, address obstacles, and make more informed decisions.
Participants can benefit from:
- Expert Guidance: Discuss specific business challenges and receive practical advice from experienced mentors.
- Fresh Perspectives: Learn from professionals with different backgrounds, industries, and areas of expertise.
- Valuable Connections: Build relationships with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs in Sacramento’s startup community.
- Actionable Feedback: Leave with new ideas, resources, and potential next steps for your business.
The goal is simple: help entrepreneurs make progress by connecting them with people who can offer relevant knowledge and experience.
Who Should Attend?
Mentor Sprint is open to early-stage entrepreneurs, startup founders, small business owners, and innovators looking for guidance. You don’t need to have an established company to benefit from the experience. If you’re working on a business idea, preparing to launch a product, exploring funding opportunities, or trying to overcome a challenge in your existing business, this event provides an opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback. Participants are encouraged to arrive with specific questions or challenges they want to discuss. The more prepared you are, the more you can get out of each 15-minute conversation.
Event Details and Registration
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 10:45 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Address: Sacramento State, 6000 J Street, University Library 1520, Sacramento, CA 95819
Mentor Sprint is part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2026, a worldwide celebration of entrepreneurs, innovators, and the communities that support them. The event is organized by the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and StartupSac. Space is limited, so entrepreneurs are encouraged to register early to secure their opportunity to be mentored. A parking code will be provided when you register for the event.
Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
Experienced business professionals also have an opportunity to support Sacramento’s entrepreneurial community by volunteering as mentors. If you have expertise in business strategy, marketing, finance, product development, or other areas of entrepreneurship, you can help founders navigate challenges and make informed decisions. Mentors participate in short, focused conversations with multiple entrepreneurs, sharing their knowledge and experience.
Interested in mentoring? Contact Laura Good at laura@startupsac.org for more information.
Register for Mentor Sprint Today
Building a successful business often starts with asking the right questions and connecting with people who can help you find answers. Mentor Sprint offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to receive personalized guidance, expand their networks, and gain fresh perspectives in just 90 minutes. Don’t miss your opportunity to connect with experienced mentors on November 18. Space is limited, so register today and take the next step toward growing your business.
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